| Classification | Quarterly budget |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,750 |
| 2 | ~$4,000 |
| 3 | ~$5,500 |
| 4 | ~$7,500 |
| 5 | ~$10,000 |
| 6 | ~$12,000 |
| 7 | ~$14,500 |
| 8 | ~$19,500 |
Support at Home program
What the new Australian Government aged care funding changes mean for you
What is Support at Home?
As of 1 November 2025, the Australian Government introduced a new in-home aged care funding program called Support at Home. It has replaced the Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care programs.
Additionally, from no earlier than 2027, the Support at Home program will also replace the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
At Lucky Care, we’re here to help you understand the changes and stay in control of your care. Whether you’re new to aged care or already receiving services, our team can support you through the transition to the new Support at Home program and ensure your needs continue to be met.
What’s changing under the Support at Home program?
- Eight new funding tiers will offer up to $78,000 per year for in-home aged care, along with two short-term care pathways for temporary needs.
- Budgets will be managed quarterly, giving you more flexibility and control over your in home support.
- A clear list of services – grouped into Clinical, Independence, and Everyday Living categories – will make it easier to understand what aged care support at home you can access.
- Price caps will be introduced to bring in standardised aged care pricing. Until then, aged care providers will continue to set their own fees.
- A 10% cap on care management fees ensures you receive trusted support without unnecessary overheads.
We’re committed to helping you navigate the Support at Home transition confidently, so you can continue living independently and receiving the support at home for the elderly that suits your lifestyle.
What services are included in the Support at Home program?
The Support at Home program includes a clearly defined list of in-home aged care services, organised into three categories. These services are designed to help older Australians live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes.
Clinical Supports
These clinical care services help maintain your health and wellbeing at home, and may include healthcare professionals and allied health interventions.
- Nursing care
- Allied health and other therapeutic services
- Nutrition
- Care management
Independence
Designed to keep you active, connected, and living confidently, these independence supports promote day-to-day independence and social wellbeing.
- Personal care
- Social support and community engagement
- Therapeutic services for independent living
- Respite care
- Transport
Everyday Living
These everyday living services help with daily household tasks, ensuring you can manage your home environment safely and comfortably.
- Domestic assistance
- Essential home maintenance and repairs
- Meal preparation and delivery
Additional short-term care options under Support at Home
Sometimes your care needs change suddenly – after a hospital stay, during recovery, or in the final stages of life. The Support at Home program includes two short-term aged care pathways designed to help older Australians during critical moments, with additional funding and specialised in-home support.
Restorative Care
This short-term care at home program helps you rebuild strength, confidence, and mobility after illness or injury. You’ll receive targeted allied health support for up to 12 weeks, with a possible 4-week extension depending on your needs and assessment.
End-of-Life Care
If you have a life expectancy of three months or less, you may be eligible for this specialised program. It offers up to $25,000 in extra funding for up to 16 weeks of compassionate care, allowing you to remain in a familiar home environment with the dignity and comfort you deserve.
How Support at Home funding tiers will be allocated
The Support at Home program includes eight new funding levels, offering between $11,000 and $78,000 per year to support your care needs at home. These tiers will replace the current Home Care Package levels and are designed to give you more personalised support and flexibility.
Indicative classification budgets*
| Classification | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$11,000 |
| 2 | ~$16,000 |
| 3 | ~$22,000 |
| 4 | ~$30,000 |
| 5 | ~$40,000 |
| 6 | ~$48,000 |
| 7 | ~$58,000 |
| 8 | ~$78,000 |
If you’re an existing customer on a Home Care Package, you won’t need to be reassessed. You’ll be automatically placed into a Support at Home classification that matches your existing level of funding.
Indicative classification budgets*
| Classification | Quarterly budget |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,708 |
| 2 | ~$4,762 |
| 3 | ~$10,365 |
| 4 | ~$15,7130 |
| Classification | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$10,833 |
| 2 | ~$19,409 |
| 3 | ~$41,460 |
| 4 | ~$62,853 |
Participant contribution costs
The Support at Home program is designed to help you stay healthy and independent in the comfort of your own home – with practical support that reduces the need for hospital visits.
Under this new home support program, you may be asked to contribute to some of the services you use – particularly those you previously managed independently. Your contribution amount will depend on your income and the type of aged care support you receive.
If you were approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, your costs under the Support at Home program won’t increase. You’ll either pay the same or less, helping you transition with confidence.
To ensure fairness, there’s a lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 across all government-funded aged care – whether you continue receiving in-home support or move into residential aged care. This means all your contributions count toward the same limit.
Contribution ranges based on your pension status and the type of service you receive:
| Service type | Full pensioner |
|---|---|
| Clinical support | ~$0 |
| Independence | ~$5 |
| Everyday living | ~$17,5 |
Managing your quarterly budget and rollover funds
As part of the Support at Home program, your care will be funded on a quarterly basis. You’ll receive a personalised budget every three months to spend on the aged care services that meet your needs at home.
If you don’t use your full quarterly allocation, you can carry over up to 10%, or $1,000 – whichever is greater – into the next quarter. This added flexibility helps you maintain consistent, reliable support and plan ahead with confidence.
Already receiving a Home Care Package? Any unspent funds in your current package will automatically move with you when you transition to the new in-home support program.
Capped care management fees explained
The Support at Home program includes a 10% cap on care management fees, ensuring your budget goes further. This capped amount is taken from your quarterly funding and helps cover important services that keep your care on track.
Your care management funding supports:
- Planning and coordinating your aged care services
- Regular check-ins to make sure you feel supported
- Clinical advice and practical assistance when your needs change
- Helpful education and information about aged care at home
Frequently Asked Questions.
Below are answers to common questions to help you understand what’s changing and what it means for you.
Why is in-home care changing?
The Support at Home program is part of the Australian Government’s broader aged care reform. It’s designed to deliver more personalised, flexible and transparent in-home support for older Australians, with clearer services, simpler budgets, and stronger consumer protections.
It will gradually replace the current Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Programme. You can read more on the Department of Health and Aged Care.
When does the Support at Home program begin?
The Support at Home program will begin on 1 November 2025, replacing the current Home Care Package. This start date gives older Australians, their carers, providers, and the My Aged Care system time to prepare for the transition.
Who is eligible for the Support at Home program?
You may be eligible for the Support at Home program if you:
- Are aged 65 or older (or 50+ if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or at risk of homelessness)
- Need help with daily activities like personal care, household tasks, or accessing healthcare
Special transition arrangements will apply if you’re already receiving a Home Care Package.
How do I apply to the Support at Home program?
To access the Support at Home program, you’ll need to complete a My Aged Care assessment. Here’s how the process works:
- Get a referral through My Aged Care or by calling ……
- Assessment: A trained assessor will review your needs through a home visit, phone call, or online appointment.
- Receive your support level: You’ll be matched with one of 8 funding classifications or a short-term care option.
- Choose a provider: Once classified, you can select a provider — such as Lucky Care — to coordinate your in-home aged care services.
What are the key differences between Support at Home and the Home Care Package?
Quarterly budgets instead of annual: With a rollover of up to 10% or $1,000 per quarter.
- More tailored care: 8 ongoing funding levels plus 2 short-term care options.
- Upfront funding available for eligible assistive technology and home modifications.
- Capped care management fees set at 10% to improve transparency and value.
- Pay-per-service model: You only pay for the services you use, based on your financial situation.
- Lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 applies across both in-home and residential aged care.
For a full overview of what’s changing, visit the My Aged Care article on aged care reforms.
What are the Support at Home classifications? Will I need a new assessment?
The Support at Home program includes a new classification system to better match funding to your care needs. It introduces:
- 8 funding levels for ongoing in-home support
- 2 short-term care options (Restorative Care and End-of-Life Care)
- 3 funding tiers for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
If your current Home Care Package already meets your needs, you won’t need reassessment. However, if your care needs have changed, you may be referred for a new classification to ensure you receive the right level of support.
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