Support at Home Program
The Support at Home program is Australia's new in-home aged care system that began 1 November 2025. It was developed in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission's recommendations for better support at home. Support at Home replaces the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. It provides coordinated care and services to meet the assessed ageing-related needs of eligible older Australians.
What is Support at Home?
The Support at Home program represents a major reform of in-home aged care. Here are some key differences between the current Home Care Packages/CHSP system and the new Support at Home approach:
Three Service Categories
Clinical Supports
Fully government funded - 0% contribution Nursing, allied health, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietitian services
Independence
Moderate contribution may apply (5%-50%) Personal care, social support, transport, assistive technology
Everyday Living
Higher contribution rates (17.5%-80%) House cleaning, meals, shopping assistance, home maintenance
Who is Affected?
Three groups of people will transition to or enter Support at Home:
Grandfathered HCP Recipients
Approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024. Automatic transition on 1 November 2025 with lifetime 'No Worse Off' protection.
See eligibility details
Transitional HCP Recipients
Assessed 13 September 2024 to 31 October 2025. Receive HCP if assigned before 1 November, then move to Support at Home.
See eligibility details
New Participants
Assessed from 1 November 2025 onwards. Go directly to Support at Home with standard contribution rates.
See eligibility details- Automatic transition on 1 November 2025
- 'No Worse Off' protection - never pay more than now
- Full pensioners paying $0 continue to pay $0 forever
- Lifetime cap: $82,018 (indexed)
- All unspent HCP funds transfer with you
- Receive HCP if assigned before 1 Nov, then move to Support at Home
- Standard Support at Home contribution rates apply
- Lifetime cap: $130,000 for non-clinical services
- Quarterly budgets based on HCP level
- Go directly to Support at Home
- Standard contribution rates apply
- Lifetime cap: $130,000 for non-clinical services
- Access to all Support at Home services
📋 Note: CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme)
CHSP will transition to Support at Home NO EARLIER than 1 July 2027. Until then, CHSP services continue as normal.
Support at Home Classifications
Tailored funding from 1 November 2025 (subject to annual indexation in July)
| Level | Care Type | Quarterly Budget | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic support | $2,682.75 | $10,731.00 |
| 2 | Light support | $4,008.61 | $16,034.45 |
| 3 | Low support | $5,491.43 | $21,965.70 |
| 4 | Moderate support | $7,424.10 | $29,696.40 |
| 5 | Moderate-high | $9,924.35 | $39,697.40 |
| 6 | High support | $12,028.58 | $48,114.30 |
| 7 | High-intensive | $14,537.04 | $58,148.15 |
| 8 | Complex care | $19,526.59 | $78,106.35 |
- Your annual funding is divided into 4 quarterly budgets (every 3 months)
- Up to 10% of care management funding deducted each quarter
- You can roll over up to $1,000 or 10% to next quarter (whichever is greater)
- Budgets managed by Services Australia - secure and transparent
- Amounts are indexed annually in July
Transitioning from Home Care Packages
If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package, you'll receive equivalent funding under Support at Home. Your HCP annual amount is divided by 4 to create your quarterly budget.
HCP to Support at Home Funding Equivalents
| HCP Level | SAH Classification | Quarterly Budget | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Transitioned HCP Level 1 | $2,746.63 | $10,986.50 |
| Level 2 | Transitioned HCP Level 2 | $4,829.86 | $19,319.45 |
| Level 3 | Transitioned HCP Level 3 | $10,513.83 | $42,055.30 |
| Level 4 | Transitioned HCP Level 4 | $15,939.55 | $63,758.20 |
*Quarterly budgets and annual amounts are effective from 1 November 2025 and subject to annual indexation in July
Your Unspent HCP Funds
📋 Need More Support?
If your needs increase, request a Support Plan Review through My Aged Care. You may be reassessed to one of the 8 Support at Home classifications with higher funding levels.
Grandfathered Participant Protection
- Receiving a Home Care Package, OR
- On the National Priority System (waiting list), OR
- Assessed as eligible for a Home Care Package
'No Worse Off' Guarantee - What This Means:
If You Pay $0 Now (Full Pensioner)
You will never pay any contribution fees under Support at Home, even if you are reassessed to a higher classification, and this protection lasts for your entire time in the program.
If You Pay Fees Now (Part Pensioner/Self-Funded)
You will pay the same or less than current HCP fees, this protection continues even if you are reassessed to a higher level, and the lifetime cap stays at $82,018 which is indexed each year.
Grandfathered Contribution Rates
| Income Status | Clinical Supports | Independence | Everyday Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Pensioner | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Part Pensioner | 0% | 0-25% | 0-25% |
| Self-Funded (CSHC) | 0% | Up to 25% | Up to 25% |
| Self-Funded | 0% | Up to 25% | Up to 25% |
Important:
Services Australia will notify you and your provider of your specific grandfathered contribution amount. These rates apply for your lifetime in Support at Home, even if you're reassessed to a higher classification.
Standard Contribution Rates
- Transitional HCP participants assessed after 12 September 2024
- New participants assessed from 1 November 2025 onwards
Standard Contribution Rates Table
| Your Status | Clinical Supports | Independence | Everyday Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part Pensioner | 0% | 5-50%* | 17.5-80%* |
| Self-Funded (CSHC) | 0% | 5-50%* | 17.5-80%* |
| Self-Funded | 0% | 50% | 80% |
*Based on income and assets assessment by Services Australia
Key Points About Contributions:
Example 1: Full pensioner receives nursing (clinical), personal care (independence), and house cleaning (everyday living).
→ Pays: 0% for nursing, 5% for personal care, 17.5% for cleaning
Example 2: Self-funded retiree receives physiotherapy (clinical), transport (independence), and meal preparation (everyday living).
→ Pays: 0% for physio, 50% for transport, 80% for meals
Short-Term Care Pathways
In addition to ongoing support, three short-term pathways provide extra funding for specific needs:
Restorative Care Pathway
For short-term allied health support to regain or maintain independence after illness or injury.
- Focus on restoring function and skills
- Allied health services (physio, OT, etc.)
- Can be used alone or with ongoing services
- May be extended by additional 4 weeks if needed
End-of-Life Pathway
Dedicated support for people with 3 months or less to live who wish to remain at home.
- Fast-tracked assessment process
- Immediate funding allocation
- Complements state palliative care services
- Available even if not currently in Support at Home
AT-HM Scheme
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications for safer, easier living.
- Equipment: wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs
- Modifications: ramps, handrails, doorway widening
- Three tiers: Low ($500), Medium ($2,000), High ($15,000)
- May access above $15K with prescription evidence
Why Choose GHCA Home Care Services?
At Glow Health Care Australia, we believe that ageing should be a positive and dignified experience. Here’s why families across Australia trust us with their loved ones.
Person-Centred Care
We take the time to understand each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. Our care plans are tailored to ensure seniors receive the support they need to live comfortably and independently, while maintaining their dignity and choice.
Dedicated to Well-Being and Quality of Life
We focus on more than just physical care. We strive to enhance emotional well-being and social engagement, ensuring that seniors feel connected, valued, and supported throughout their ageing journey.
Comfort and Reassurance for Families
Families can trust that their loved ones are in safe, caring hands. Our transparent communication and commitment to high standards mean you can have peace of mind knowing your family member is well cared for.
Experienced and Compassionate Team
Our highly trained staff is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional care with a personal touch. Whether daily assistance, specialised support, or companionship — our team is committed to improving the well-being of every senior we serve.
Related Resources
Explore more about home care funding, support, and getting started with GHCA.
GHCA Is Ready to Support You through the Transition
Glow Health Care Australia has been proactively preparing to make this transition smooth and positive for all our clients. We're here to guide you at every step, so you continue receiving quality care without interruption.
