Stay Informed: Latest Updates on the Support at Home Program
Big changes are coming to Australia’s aged care system, and if you’re working in the sector, receiving care, or helping a loved one navigate their options, you’ve probably heard about the Support at Home (SAH) program. Starting July 1 2025, this new system is designed to simplify and improve aged care services—though, like any big change, it comes with a lot of new details to understand!
Please note that some information about the program is still being finalised and not all details are confirmed yet. We’ll do our best to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, but things may change as the program is rolled out.
But don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down into a straightforward guide so you can get the key facts without sifting through pages of government documents. Let’s dive in.
What is changing?
The Support at Home program is replacing the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Short Term Restorative Care Program (STRC) and Home Care Packages (HCP) to create a single, more flexible system. The key updates include:
- One single assessment process for all clients - no more repeated assessments for different programs.
- Eight funding levels (instead of the previous four under HCP), offering more tailored support.
- Mandatory care management, with 10% of the budget allocated to ensuring ongoing coordination and planning.
- Dedicated funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) - because installing a grab bar shouldn’t have to come out of your home care budget.
- An End of Life Pathway that provides short-term intensive support for people in their final months.
- A “no worse off” guarantee for existing HCP clients - you won’t pay more under the new system than you do now.
- Provider star ratings, allowing people to compare services based on quality (think TripAdvisor, but for aged care!).
- New whistleblower protections and a complaints commissioner - because transparency and accountability matter.
Overall, the goal is to make it easier to access services while ensuring funding is used efficiently.
Who is affected?
Depending on where you or your loved one is in the aged care journey, there are three main groups:
The system is designed to make the transition as smooth as possible, so current clients don’t need to worry about losing their funding. If you currently have a Home Care Package and have accrued unspent funds, you’ll retain these under the new Support at Home program.
How funding works
The big shift under SAH is the move to quarterly budgets. This means clients receive their full quarterly budget at the start of each quarter, with up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is higher) of unspent funds rolling over to the following quarter. However, if a client spends all their budget early, they’ll need to wait until the next quarter.
Funding is divided into three main categories:
- Clinical Supports – Nursing, allied health, and medical services. No out of pocket costs for all clients, as the government will cover 100% of the costs of clinical care.
- Independence Services – Personal care, transport, and assistive technology, with some client contributions based on income.
- Everyday Living Services – Meals, cleaning, and home maintenance, with higher contributions based on income.
Interim funding
Whilst waiting for their funding to be approved, participants can access 60% of the approved funding prior to the package becoming available. This ensures that participants can begin receiving critical services while awaiting full funding approval. The remaining 40% of their budget provided once funding has been assigned, and is not backdated.
What about special cases?
Some people need temporary or intensive support, and SAH includes specific options for them:
Restorative Care Pathway – Provides up to 12 weeks of allied health or nursing support (up to $6,000 per episode) for people recovering from illness or injury.
End of Life Pathway – Offers up to $25,000 in short-term funding (12-16 weeks) for individuals with a terminal diagnosis who wish to receive care at home. State and territory palliative care services can also be accessed alongside this. Unspent funds from the End of Life Pathway do not carry over if the person transitions to an ongoing classification.
Client contributions
Under the SAH program, all new entrants will be required to contribute financially toward their care, with fees determined based on their income. These contributions are structured as follows:
- Full pensioners: Pay 0% for clinical services, 5% for independence services, and 17.5% for everyday living services.
- Part pensioners or self-funded retirees with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC): Pay 0% for clinical services, 5-50% for independence services, and 17.5-80% for everyday living services (depending on income).
- Self-funded retirees without a CSHC or those who do not disclose income: Pay 0% for clinical services, 50% for independence services, and 80% for everyday living services.
Existing clients who do not currently pay an Income-Tested Fee (ITF) will not be required to contribute under SAH. Additionally, the Fee Reduction Supplement will assist those who are unable to meet the required contributions due to financial hardship.
Will I lose my unspent funds?
No, you will not lose your unspent HCP funds when transitioning to the new Support at Home program starting 1st July 2025. All your unspent funds as of 30th June 2025 will carry over in full and remain available for use under the new system.
However, please note that any new unspent funds accrued under Support at Home will be subject to a cap. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget—whichever is greater—into the next quarter.
You don’t need to use up your unspent funds before 1st July, as these will still be available under the new scheme.
Can clients pause their services?
Yes, but with some conditions. If a client does not use their services for 425 consecutive days (four full quarters plus 60 days), their funding will reset to zero. While occasional breaks are fine, extended periods of inactivity may result in funding being reallocated.
New measures for transparency and accountability
The SAH program introduces several changes to improve service quality and oversight:
- Provider star ratings, helping clients and families make informed choices.
- A complaints commissioner and whistleblower protections, ensuring that concerns can be raised safely.
- The Supported Decision-Making Framework, which will guide how older individuals make informed choices about their care.
Providers will also have access to training and grant opportunities to update their systems and prepare for the transition.
Where can I read more?
For those who want to explore further details about the Support at Home program, here are some useful resources:
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care: Support at Home Program Overview
- Support at Home Program Manual: Download the Support At Home guide for families and carers
- My Aged Care: Find out more about aged care services and eligibility
The Support at Home program is a significant shift in aged care, aiming to make services more streamlined, transparent, and flexible. While any big change can feel overwhelming, the core idea is to simplify access to care, improve funding structures, and enhance quality control.
If you’re a provider, it’s a great time to start preparing by reviewing the new guidelines and training opportunities. If you’re a client or family member, keeping up with updates and speaking to service providers will help ensure a smooth transition.
At PlanCare, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. If you need assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Co-Care Partner or give us a call at 1800 024 000.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on publicly available resources and current details about the Support at Home program. However, as many aspects of the program are still being finalised, some details may change as more information becomes available. PlanCare does not warrant the accuracy of the information provided and encourages individuals to consult official resources and seek advice from aged care providers for the most up-to-date information.