Select your language
Support at home: Aged care at home is changing in November 2025
Important Update: Home Care Packages Changing to Support at Home from 1 November 2025
From 1 November 2025, the Home Care Packages (HCP) program will change to a new system called Support at Home.
This new program is designed to make it easier for older people to get the care and services they need to live safely and independently at home. There will be some changes to how services are delivered and managed, but we will support you through this transition.
We will continue to keep you updated and help you understand what this change means for you.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We are here to help.
Why Aged Care is changing?
The Australia's Aged Care system is currently changing to make it simpler and fairer for the elderly to get access to the system. With a focus on safety, dignity and individual choice, the new program is tailored to better support older Australians—especially those with higher care needs.
The New Support at Home offers greater flexibility, more personalised care, and improved access to services through a new funding model that builds on and enhances the current HCP structure.
Definition of terms
Throughout this resource, we use some slightly different terms depending on whether we are referring to the current home care packages program or the future Support at Home program.
From: Home Care Packages To: Support at Home
The new program name change reinforces the preferences of older people to age in their homes with appropriate and timely support. You will continue to have an approved provider to coordinate your care and manage the package financials on your behalf.
From: Consumer To: Participant
Older people have given feedback to the government that they want strengthened rights and to be more involved in decisions relating to their care at home. Some consumers want to rely less on their Care Partner by taking on some aspects of organising their care and services, but everyone will continue to have the safeguards of having a Care Partner to assist them when they need it.
From: Care Manager To: Care Partner
This represents a significant shift in the relationship between the provider and the person receiving care. Whilst Care Management will remain a core component of the Support at Home program, your relationship with your provider will be more collaborative. Your provider will partner with you to be more involved in decision-making to give you more autonomy and a sense of independence and control.
There are three distinct groups of people in the new Support at Home program, and they will be known as PARTICIPANTS. Initially, each of the different groups will be treated differently by the Support at Home program.
Grandfathered participant:
Receiving a home care package as of 12 Sept 2024, or
On the National Priority System (waiting list) or Assessed as eligible for a home care
Transitional “Hybrid” Participants:
Assessed as eligible and assigned a home care package after 12 Sept 2024 but before 31 October 2025, or
Assessed as eligible for a Home Care Package before 31 October 2025 and awaiting their package assignment after 1 November 2025
New Participants “Newbies”
Assessed and approved for a Support at Home funding classification after 1 November 2025.
Participants receiving CHSP services but not yet assessed for a higher level of care under Support at Home.
What Support At home will offer
Key Features of the Support at Home Program:
8 levels of ongoing funding, with each level offering an increased annual subsidy based on your assessed care needs.
2 specialised short-term care pathways, including:
Restorative Care Pathway – focused on recovery and regaining independence.
End-of-Life Pathway – to support comfort and dignity in the final stages of life.
3 funding tiers for assistive technology and home modifications, helping seniors stay safe and mobile in their own homes.
For both ongoing and short-term classifications, funded aged care services will be grouped into three categories:
Clinical Supports – such as nursing care, occupational therapy and physiotherapy
Independence – such as personal care, social support, respite care, community engagement and transport
Everyday Living – such as domestic assistance, home maintenance & repairs and meals
Instead of applying through multiple channels, older people will be assessed once and then matched with a single provider who coordinates all of their care.
How the System will work
Each individual entering Support at Home will receive a comprehensive assessment through My Aged Care. Every person approved for Support at Home will be assigned a classification based on their assessed support needs.
These levels are intended to match a person’s support needs, from lower to higher intensity, but specific services are determined through care planning, and may vary between individuals.
This comes with a quarterly budget, allowing services to be planned in a flexible way with regular reviews to adapt to changing needs.
Eight (8) Ongoing Support Classification
There are eight care levels available (level 1 to level 8) in Support at Home Program, ranging from low support to intensive daily assistance. The funding amounts for each level are estimates and may be subject to change. There are four classifications for transitioned Home Care Package recipients who have not been reassessed under Support at Home. These classifications reflect the level of funding previously provided under the HCP program. For more information, please refer to the Support at Home Program Manual – A Guide for Registered Providers, page 46, under section ‘6.7.1 Ongoing Services’. Last updated on 8 May 2025.
Three (3) Short -Term Care Path Way
Furthermore, there are three (3) short-term care pathways identified under the Support at Home:
1. assistive technology and home modification
2. restorative care
3. palliative or end-of-life care
1. The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme provides older Australians with equipment and home improvements that help them live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes and communities.
2. Restorative Care Pathway
The Restorative Care Pathway is a short-term support program (up to 16 weeks) that helps older people recover after illness, injury, or hospital stays. It’s not just about receiving care — it’s about rebuilding strength, confidence, and independence to live life your way.
3. End of Life Pathway
It’s specialized, in-home care and support for older people who are nearing the end of life. This pathway provides personalised care that focuses on comfort, dignity, and emotional support—not just for the person, but also their family and carers.
Single Provider Model
Single Provider Model under Support at Home
The Support at Home program uses a single provider model to simplify care. Each person works with one registered provider who manages all their supports, including care management and home modifications.
This approach ensures more consistent, easier-to-manage care. Instead of juggling multiple services independently, clients have one main provider who understands their needs and can adjust support as those needs change.
Clients may still receive services from different providers (e.g., nursing and domestic help), but the main provider coordinates all these services.
New clients from 1 November 2025 will select one provider responsible for their care. Providers may subcontract some tasks but remain fully accountable for quality and compliance.
This model reduces confusion, improves care continuity, and offers a clear, coordinated point of contact to better support older Australians.
The Support at Home Priority System
Support at Home Priority System
Under the new Support at Home aged care model, government funding is allocated fairly based on each person’s level of need. Those with higher needs will receive services sooner.
How It Works
After being assessed and approved, older people are placed in one of four priority levels:
- Urgent
- High
- Medium
- Standard
Your position in the system determines when you can start receiving services.
How Priority Is Set
Your priority level is based on:
Results from the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)
The approval date for home care
Seeking Services or Not
If you are seeking care, you’ll enter the priority system and receive funding when available.
If you are not ready, you can pause your place until you notify My Aged Care that you’re ready to start.
Status can be updated anytime online or by contacting My Aged Care.
Fast-Tracked Access
People approved for the Restorative Care or End-of-Life Pathways will receive immediate funding due to urgent needs.
Already receiving support? You won’t miss out.
Transition to the New Aged Care Program
If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package, you will automatically move to the new Support at Home program starting 1 November 2025 — no need to reapply.
You’ll receive a personalised Notice of Decision from My Aged Care. This will outline your care level, approved budget, and available services. You'll also have time to choose a provider and sign a new care agreement.
Some clients may be covered by grandfathering arrangements, meaning existing fees or supplements will stay the same during the transition.
If you’re using services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), your services will continue unchanged until at least July 2027.
What this means for you or your loved ones
What Support at Home Means for You
Support at Home is about more than funding or systems — it’s designed to provide care that is personal, respectful, and flexible.
You can expect:
One provider to coordinate your care
A simpler, clearer process
Support that adjusts as your needs change
Easy-to-understand information about services and costs
A strong focus on helping you stay independent
This program helps you live safely and comfortably at home, with services tailored to your goals and daily life.
What do you need to do?
We’re Here to Support You Through the Changes
At AVWA, we know that changes in aged care can feel overwhelming. Whether you're reviewing your current services, planning support for a loved one, or simply want to understand the new system, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact us today to learn how we can guide you through this transition and ensure your care continues to meet your needs and priorities.
Support at Home FAQs
You don’t need to take any action right now. Your current funding and services will continue as usual. On 1 November 2025, you will automatically move to the new Support at Home program.
A re-assessment is only needed if your care needs have changed. If so, a new budget will be provided to match your needs.
AVWA will be there to support you throughout this transition.
