If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, or planning on receiving care you may have heard that big changes are coming to aged care in Australia. From 1st July 2025, the government will introduce the Support at Home program, which will replace the existing Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs.
We understand that change can feel a little overwhelming. At Carers Network, we’ll guide you every step of the way. In this article we’ll explain the key changes, what they mean for you and why you can feel confident moving forward.
Key changes you need to know about Support at Home
Your funding will be paid in quarterly budgets
Under Support at Home, your funding will be split into four quarterly budgets, each covering three months.
The total funding you receive each year will stay the same if you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, so there’s no disadvantage, just a new way of delivering it. This change is intended to make it easier to manage your care over time, with more regular check-ins and greater flexibility if your needs change. And if you don’t use all your budget in one quarter?
No problem, you can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) to the next quarter.
It’s all designed to give you more control and help keep your care plan up to date with your life.
Any unspent funds you have now will stay with you
Your unspent HCP funds will carry over into the Support at Home program.
These funds can help pay for extra care if your quarterly budget runs out, or they can be used for things like home modifications and assistive technology (we’ll explain this more below).
The department will release further information over the next few months about how unspent HCP funds will be managed and claimed.
More support, with more package levels
One of the biggest improvements under the Support at Home program is the introduction of eight support levels, instead of the current four. This means your care can be even more tailored to your needs.
If you’re already receiving a Home Care Package, you’ll keep your current level (1 to 4) when you move across to Support at Home. Later on, if your needs change, you’ll be able to request a reassessment. You’ll be reassessed through My Aged Care and, if approved, you’ll be placed into one of the new eight levels. This gives you flexibility as your situation evolves, so you can feel confident knowing you’ll be able to receive the support you need at home.
No more separate administration fees
With Support at Home, you won’t see separate charges for things like package management or administration. Instead, these costs will be built into the price of the services themselves. It’s a simpler, fairer system designed to give you a better understanding of the services you are receiving for your funding.
10% of your budget is reserved for ongoing Care Management
In the Support at Home program, 10% of your quarterly budget will be set aside specifically for care management. This helps your provider support you by coordinating your services, reviewing your care regularly, and making sure everything stays on track as your needs change. It’s not a separate charge or added fee. It simply ensures that your care is organised and responsive, without you needing to worry about extra costs.
You’ll be able to access extra support through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme
One of the best parts of the new Support at Home program is that there will be a separate pool of funding for things that help you live more safely and independently at home.
This is called the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, and it includes items like mobility aids, shower chairs, grab rails, ramps and more. These are the little things that can make a big difference to your everyday comfort and safety.
If you need extra support in this area, you may be eligible for additional funding on top of your usual budget.
The most important thing to remember is that you’re in good hands
You don’t need to navigate these changes on your own. At Carers Network, we’ve been closely following every update and preparing for the transition to Support at Home so that everything continues smoothly for you. We’ll take care of the details and make sure you’re getting the best care possible without the stress of the transition.
You’ll still be supported by the same caring team who knows you and understands your needs. Your wellbeing, your preferences and your comfort will always be at the heart of everything we do.
If you have any questions or feel unsure about any part of the transition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Client Services Manager, we’re here to help.
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