Support at Home Reforms

Support at Home is a new Australian Government program that will begin on 1 November 2025. It’s part of a broader set of aged care reforms designed to improve how care is delivered to older Australians living at home.

Support at Home will bring together the services currently provided under:

• Home Care Packages (HCP) Program
• Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Program
• Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) – no sooner than 1 July 2027

This change will create one simpler, more flexible program to help older Australians live independently and safely at home for longer.

The Australian Government has deferred the start of the new Aged Care Act 2024 from 1 July 2025 to 1 November 2025.

This change gives aged care providers and the community more time to prepare for the changes, so the transition can be as smooth and supportive as possible. It means we can continue to focus on delivering quality, compassionate care while we get ready for the reforms.

What does this mean if I receive a Home Care Package?

There will be no change to the care or services you receive today, and your existing arrangements will continue without interruption. Our team will make a time to talk with you to discuss what the new Act means for your care from 1 November and the next steps.

We will be in touch with all Home Care Package clients soon to confirm these details.

What about residents in aged care homes?

If you or your loved one is already living in aged care, nothing changes. All current residents will continue to receive the same care, pricing and rights.

From 1 November 2025, there will be a new pricing and fee structure for people entering aged care. Our team will clearly explain any changes to new residents and their families before they move in.

From November 2025, these changes will take effect:

• A new Aged Care Act will be introduced that focuses on a rights-based approach to care. Clients’ needs and rights are at the centre of all decisions to improve the consistency and safety of care.
• For some clients, the way client contributions are calculated will change.
• Package management fees and travel costs will no longer be charged separately, they will be included in the price of each service.
• Budgets will be allocated quarterly rather than annually.
• New funding categories will be introduced (Clinical, Independence, Everyday Living).
• A new Assistive Technology and Home Modification funding scheme will be introduced.
• There will be new rules about how much unspent money can be rolled over from one quarter to the next.
• 10% of the quarterly budget will be allocated for care management.

The government has shared key directions, but we’re still waiting on further details about:

• The final program guidelines and operational rules.
• The new pricing schedule and how it will apply to services we deliver.
• Technology and reporting requirements for providers.
• Clarity around care management roles and workforce expectations.
• Ongoing consultation updates between government, providers, and sector leaders.

As more information becomes available, we will provide updates and guidance to help everyone prepare.

If you or your family member currently receives aged care services at home:

• There’s nothing you need to do right now.
• You will continue to receive the care and support you need.
• When the new program begins, we will work with you to review your care plan, make sure your services still meet your needs, and explain any changes.
• These reforms are designed to improve your choice, transparency, and quality of care, not reduce services.

If you’re new to aged care and applying after 1 November 2025:

• You will be assessed under the new system.
• You can expect a simpler, more streamlined process with greater flexibility and clarity.

There is nothing you need to do right now.

For now, we simply ask that you:

• Stay informed – we’ll keep sharing updates as we learn more.
• Let us know if you have questions or concerns – we’re here to help.
• Keep your contact details up to date so we can stay in touch as changes happen.

We will be in touch and work with you to help you understand what you can expect from Support at Home.

• View Government resources online: www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/resources
• Contact My Aged Care on: 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au
• Contact Anglicare on: 1300 610 610 or visit www.anglicaresq.org.au/aged-care-reforms
• Reading our regular newsletters and updates
• AlayaCare Family Portal

To ensure Home Care Package recipients transition to Support at Home, the government has developed guidelines. Based on these guidelines you may be either a ‘Grandfathered’, a ‘Transitional’, or a ‘New’ Participant.

Grandfathered Participants

If you were approved for your Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, you are considered a Grandfathered Participant. This means from 1 November 2025:

• You’ll automatically move into the Support at Home program.
• Your care arrangements will be with Anglicare, or your chosen provider.
• A “no worse off” rule protects you from higher personal contributions. If you currently pay an Income Tested Fee, the rates may change but you will pay no more than you currently do.
• You will maintain your current level of funding.
• You will retain any HCP unspent funds in your account as of 31 October 2025. New limits will apply to how much you can carry over each quarter of the new Support at Home funding accrued each quarter from 1 November 2025
• You will continue to receive care based on your current package level.
• Your budget will change to quarterly from annually.
• Care Management will be capped at 10% of your total package and be managed separately from your quarterly budget.

Hybrid/Transitional Participants

If you were approved for a Home Care Package after 12 September 2024, you are considered a Hybrid/Transitional Participant. This means, from 1 November 2025:

• You’ll automatically move into the Support at Home program.
• Your care arrangements will be with Anglicare, or your chosen provider.
• You will maintain your current level of funding
• You will retain any HCP unspent funds in your account as of 31 October 2025. New limits will apply to how much you can carry over each quarter of the new Support at Home funding accrued each quarter from 1 November 2025
• You will continue to receive care based on your current package level.
• Your budget will change to quarterly from annually.
• Care Management will be capped at 10% of your total package and be managed separately from your quarterly budget.
• You will begin paying personal contribution fees, depending on your means assessment and the type of service you receive. There will be no personal contributions to clinical care services.

New Participants

If you are approved for aged care on or after 1 November 2025, you will enter directly into the Support at Home program as a New Participant. This means:

• You will start with the new rights-based framework and care model from day one.
• Your support plan will be designed around your goals, needs, and preferences.
• You will contribute to the cost of some services based on your income and the service type
• You will have access to the full range of new funding categories and pathways, including Assistive Technology and Home Modifications, Restorative and End-of-Life pathways.
• You will work with your ASQ Care Partner to build a personalised plan within a quarterly budget

Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Participants

If your current Short Term Restorative Care Program commenced prior to 31 October 2025, you will continue to receive services under this program until your 8 week finish date.

If your current Short Term Restorative Care Program commences after 31 October 2025, you will transition to the Support at Home Restorative Care Pathway.

No. The government has committed to a careful, planned transition that we have been entrusted to deliver. Existing clients will not be left without support, and we will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and positive experience.

If changes do affect the way your services are delivered, we will explain them clearly and support you every step of the way.

Yes, if you have been approved to enter home care before 31 October 2025 then you will retain your current funding (classification) level. If you are reassessed you will move to one of the 8 new Support at Home classification levels. The table below displays where the 4 HCP levels lineup with the 8 new Support at Home levels:

If you are formally reassessed for a new Support at Home funding classification, you will remain under the ‘no worse off’ principle forever, even once you are assigned your new package or classification level. This applies to all grandfathered participants, regardless of their income and assets.

You may notice, that from 1 November 2025, the cost of services will increase under the new Support at Home program. This change is due to updated government rules on how providers like us can charge for package management and care management expenses.

Previously, under the Home Care Package (HCP) Program, these management costs were charged separately as a percentage of your package value. The cost of your actual services was then deducted from the remaining package balance.

Under the Support at Home program, this structure is changing:

• All package management costs will now be included in the price of your services.
• The percentage allocated for care management has been reduced to 10%.

Although the pricing may look different from what you’re used to under HCP, the new structure is designed to provide greater transparency, making it easier to see the full cost of your care, including administration, package management, and services.

For example, if a nurse comes to provide care, then the travel, administration and overhead costs will be included within the service price. So, while the rate for this service will seem higher, you will no longer pay for the associated package management costs separately. You will only be charged for a percentage of the services you actually receive, not a percentage of your entire package value.

Support at Home pricing will make it easier to see exactly how much care you have received and how much of your budget has been used.

These changes are in addition to existing Consumer Confidence Protections, which include:

• A ban on entry, exit, and other hidden fees,
• The “no worse off” principle for grandfathered participants,
• A lifetime co-contribution cap of $130,000, and
• A strong financial safety net for those unable to contribute to their aged care costs.

Participant contributions are paid by participants and based on an assessment by Services Australia of their income and assets. Contributions will be different for each participant and will be based on:

The type of service the participant received:

• Clinical supports – no contribution for services. Clinical care is fully funded by the government for all participants.
• Independence – moderate contributions for services. This recognises that many of these supports play an important role in keeping participants out of hospital and residential aged care.
• Everyday living – highest contributions for services. This recognises that the government does not typically fund these services for any individual at other stages of life.

The outcome of a participant’s income and assets assessment, as well as their pension status:

• Full pensioner
• Part-pensioner
• Self-funded retiree and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holder
• Self-funded retiree and non-CSHC holder.

Under Support at Home, you won’t need to manage a package budget yourself.

The government will fund providers directly, and there will be clear national pricing, so you know exactly what services cost.

You’ll still be involved in decisions about your care and will have more flexibility and information to choose services that suit you.

Yes. You’ll have greater choice and control under the new system.

You can choose your care provider and may be able to change providers more easily if your needs or preferences change.

Care management and support planning will also become more transparent and person-centred.

The Statement of Rights outlines core principles every participant is entitled to, including dignity, independence, safety, inclusion, and culturally appropriate care. These rights must be clearly demonstrated in how we engage with, care for, and support each participant every day, in every interaction.
Under the Aged Care Act 2024, every older person receiving care has important rights, including:

1. Independence and Choice
2. Fair Access to Services
3. Safe, High-Quality Care
4. Privacy and Confidentiality
5. Clear Information and Decision-Making
6. Speaking Up
7. Connection and Belonging

Everyone involved in aged care must act according to these principles:

• Respect and dignity first
• Support independence and choice
• Recognise and celebrate diversity
• Ensure quality, safety, and accountability
• Value and support the aged care workforce
• Maintain transparency and sustainability in the system

You have the right to speak up. You can talk to your us, make a complaint, or contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for help by calling 1800 951 822. If you ever need support to make a complaint or find information, you can also call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600.

The Supporter Framework clarifies who can legally act as a “supporter” or “representative” on behalf of a participant. Staff will need to understand who is authorised to receive information, make decisions, or support consent processes. This may involve checking documentation and recording who has legal authority.

A Registered Supporter is someone an older person trusts to help them understand information and communicate their decisions about aged care. This role does not give someone the power to make decisions for the older person, but rather to support them to make their own choices.

What does a Registered Supporter do?

Registered supporters may:

• Help the older person communicate with My Aged Care, assessors, providers, or the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
• Request or receive information (with the older person’s consent).
• Support the older person in understanding options and communicating preferences.

Supporters must always:

• Respect the older person’s wishes, will and preferences.
• Act honestly and in good faith.
• Support the older person only when needed, and only in ways the person agrees to.

Aged care providers must continue to speak directly with the older person. A registered supporter may assist, but only at the older person’s direction, and can not make decisions on their behalf.

If someone is already listed as a regular or authorised representative in My Aged Care before 31 October 2025, they will automatically become a registered supporter on 1 November 2025.

Under the new Aged Care Act, stronger protections will be in place for whistleblowers, individuals who speak up about potential issues in aged care. This includes older people, their families or representatives, and aged care workers.

People can raise concerns:

• Directly with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
• Through the Department of Health and Aged Care.
• With a registered provider or one of their workers.
• To a police officer or an independent aged care advocate.

Reports can be made in person, over the phone, in writing, or anonymously.

These protections mean:

• You are safe from punishment or unfair treatment for speaking up
• Your identity will be kept confidential, except in limited circumstances where it’s necessary to share information for safety or legal reasons