When does the new Support at Home program commence?
On the 4th June 2025, the Australian Government announced that the Support at Home program will now commence on 1 November 2025, alongside the introduction of the new Aged Care Act. The program aims to support older people to remain healthy, active and socially connected to their community.
In the meantime, existing programs Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC), and Home Care Packages (HCP) - will continue to provide support for older Australians who wish to keep living at home.
For the latest information, please read the Government's media release here
For the latest official updates visit: Support At Home Website
What is Support at Home Program?
The new Support at Home Program provides funding to help older Australians live independently at home for longer, simplifying access to aged care services through a single, streamlined system. From 1 November 2025, Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care program will now fall under the Support At Home Program. At a later date, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will also move under the Support at Home Program (no earlier than 1 July 2027).
Read more about the Support At Home program here
Support at Home introduces three categories of support to make it clearer what help you can get. The new service list covers clinical care, independence support, and everyday living tasks - from nursing and personal care to transport, cleaning, and meal preparation.
Read more about the Support At Home program here
What are the new Support at Home Service Lists?
What is the single assessment system?
Support at Home brings in a new Single Assessment System to make the process easier. Once assessed, you'll get a personalised support plan to share with your chosen provider. Approved aged care support services will be based on your aged care assessment and eligibility. After you have been assessed, you will receive a notice of decision and an individual support plan to use with your provider.
You can find out if you are eligible by visiting the assessment tool online at myagedcare.gov.au/assessment.
Read more about the Support At Home program here
What are the new budget classification levels?
The new program introduces eight funding levels, offering more tailored support to replace the current 4 Home Care Package levels. Older Australians receiving Home Care Packages will be assigned a budget that aligns with their current care package level. New applicants to the Support At Home program will be assessed and given a classification and budget suited to their specific needs.
The indicative budget amounts are correct as at 3 February 2025. The final budget amounts for all participants will be confirmed before the start of the Support At Home program. Already on a Home Care Package? You'll be mapped to the equivalent new budget level. If your needs change, there's flexibility to reassess.
Read more about the Support At Home program here
Is there support for end of life care at home?
Yes. The program offers End of Life Support, providing an extra $25,000 over 16 weeks for care at home if you have three months or less to live. This works alongside specialised palliative care services, not as a replacement.
Read more about the Support At Home program here
What help is available for home modifications and assisitve technology?
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme provides extra support (separate from your main funding) to help you source equipment or modify your home for safety and independence. Your service provider can help arrange this if needed.
Read more about the Support At Home program here