What the new Australian Government aged care funding changes mean for you.
From 1 July 2025, Australia’s aged care system and services are changing. The current Home Care Package (HCP) program and the Short -Term Restorative Care (STRC) program will become the Support at Home program. While the programs will have a different name its focus will remain the same and will continue to give you access to the services and supports you need to help you remain in your home, active and connected.
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will merge with Support at Home from July 2027.
More information about the Support at Home program, including what it means for those who are currently receiving Home Care packages can be found here: Support at Home program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
What are some of the key changes:
Single Assessment System to make the process Easier: The new Support at Home Program brings a single assessment process. Once assessed you will receive a personalised support plan. Single Assessment System for aged care | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
New levels of support: Under the new Support at Home program there will now be 8 different budget levels of support replacing the current 4 Home Care package levels. Budgets and supports will be based on assessed need offering the ability to have more tailored supports.
Quarterly Budgets: Annual support at home budgets are broken into quarterly (3 monthly) budgets. This gives you flexibility to adjust your support as your needs change. The quarterly budget will be managed by you and your provider.
New Services List: The new Support at Home program introduces 3 categories of support to make it clearer what help you can get. Support at Home service list | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
The 3 categories are:
- Clinical Care: specialised services to maintain and restore function (i.e. nursing, allied health, nutrition, care management, restorative management)
- Independence: Support with daily activities and skill maintenance to support changes in ability to live independently (e.g. Personal care, social support, community engagement, therapeutic services, Respite, transport, assistive technology and home modifications)
- Everyday living: Support to keep your home in a liveable state and maintain your independence at home (e.g. Domestic Assistance, home maintenance, repairs, meals and meal prepping)
Co-Contribution: The Support at Home program introduces co-contributions for those approved for Support at Home after the 12th of September 2024. A co-contribution is your out-of-pocket expense toward your care services, with the government covering the rest of the costs. The co-contribution amount is based on your income and assets. You will only pay toward services you have received. There will be no contributions for clinical supports. Features of the new Support at Home program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Care Management Fees: Care management fees are capped at 10% of the quarterly budget. That means 90% of your budget goes directly to your care and support.
Additional Funds and Supports: The Support at Home Program is not a one size fits all. Features of the new Support at Home program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
There are 3 additional funding programs that you can apply for separately:
- Restorative pathway – short term support for setbacks up to 12 weeks alongside any support at home services.
- Help with assistive technology and home modifications – separate to the support at home funding
- Short Term Care and End of Life – offering short term care services, Including end of life support at home.
In summary the Support and Home program is designed to be fairer, simpler and more flexible. You will have more control over your care and greater transparency on costs.
Need Help
As a registered Aged Care support provider, we are here to help you access, navigate and understand these changes.
Here are commonly asked questions and answers to assist you.
If you have any further questions or would like to find out more about Support at Home for you or your family members or loved ones, contact “Ask Amy”, our friendly Customer Engagement Advisor – Amy is here to answer any questions and support you through the transition to Support at Home. We will be with you every step of the way and are here to support you navigate the change.
Please contact us on telephone: 8245 7196 and ask for Amy, or via email: customer@ucwb.org.au