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Support at Home Program: Complete Guide to the 2025 Aged Care Reform
Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or helping a loved one, understanding how Support at Home packages, the new Support at Home funding levels, and the broader Support at Home Program work will help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Last updated: February 10th 2026
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Australia’s aged care system is undergoing one of its biggest transformations, and for many older people and their families, these changes bring hope, clarity, and far more flexibility. On 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home Program officially replaced the existing Home Care Packages, Short-Term Restorative Care, and other in-home aged care programs.
The goal is simple: To bring all in-home aged care services under one easy-to-understand program that ensures older Australians receive the right support, at the right time, in the comfort of their own home.
Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or helping a loved one, understanding how Support at Home packages, the new Support at Home funding levels, and the broader Support at Home Program work will help you make informed decisions with confidence.
This guide explains everything you need to know – including what’s changing, what stays the same, how classifications work, and how you can find home care providers now through our national directory.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is the Australian Government’s new in-home aged care system. It replaces multiple former programs – most notably Home Care Packages – with a single, streamlined model.
The intention is to remove complexity and ensure older Australians can access the exact level of support they need, without long waitlists or confusing funding structures.
Under Support at Home, older people can receive help with everyday living, personal care, clinical tasks, assistive technology, social support, and home safety – all funded according to their individual Support at Home funding levels.
Why this matters
For many older Australians, the ability to remain at home is deeply personal. Home is more than a building – it’s your routine, your independence, your comfort. The Support at Home Program is designed to honour that by providing a flexible framework that adapts as your needs change, ensuring your care grows with you rather than holding you back.
What’s changing with Support at Home Packages?
When Support at Home begins, existing Home Care Packages won’t disappear overnight. Instead, they will transition into equivalent Support at Home packages, ensuring no one loses funding or access to care.
Here’s what’s changing:
More levels of support (from 4 → 8)
Instead of four HCP levels, Support at Home will introduce eight classifications, allowing for more personalised and accurate support.
Quarterly budgets instead of annual budgets
This improves transparency and reduces unused (unspent) funds accumulating.
No more complicated package management fees
Fees become standardised, which means more of your funding goes directly into your care.
Service lists become clearer
The government will introduce a clear Approved Services List, helping people understand what can be funded.
Short-term pathways added
New pathways include:Reablement (short-term support to help you regain abilities)
Restorative & End-of-Life Support
These changes mean that every person will be assigned a Support at Home classification, determining their quarterly funding allocation. This funding can only be used on items listed within the Support at Home Approved Service List. Providers will be required to report on service delivery, and care management will be standardised across the sector.
Support at Home transition dates & where you fit
The shift to the Support at Home Program is carefully staged to ensure smooth continuity.
Key dates
1 November 2025:
The Support at Home Program officially launched.
New applicants will be assessed under the new classification system.
1 November 2025 – 30 June 2026
Existing Home Care Packages will all be transitioned to equivalent Support at Home funding levels by 30 June 2026.
1 July 2026
All Home Care Packages will have fully transitioned into Support at Home.
No gaps in care: Anyone currently receiving Home Care Packages will continue receiving services, with their HCP funding shifting seamlessly into Support at Home.
Where you fit
If you currently receive a Home Care Package: You will automatically be assigned a Support at Home classification. You don’t need to reapply.
Home care packages vs Support at Home: what’s changed?
Below is a clear breakdown of how Support at Home differs from Home Care Packages.
Home Care Packages (old)Support at Home Program (new)4 funding levels 8 classifications
Annual budgets Quarterly budgets
High admin & case mgmt fees Standardised fees
Complex service inclusions One national Approved Services List
Long national waitlists Faster allocation
No short-term pathways Two new short-term pathways
What this means for families
Instead of feeling restricted by levels that don’t quite match your needs, the new model gives you more flexibility, more accuracy, and more clarity – making day-to-day life easier and more supported at home.
The Support at Home categories explained
To help people understand what their Support at Home packages can fund, services fall into these categories:
1. Daily living support
Help with showering, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, continence support, mobility assistance, and more.
2. Home and safety maintenance
Cleaning, gardening, home modifications, safety equipment, and minor repairs.
3. Clinical and nursing care
Wound care, medication support, chronic condition management, and monitoring.
4. Social and community participation
Transport, social groups, community outings, and companionship.
5. Assistive technology and aids
Mobility devices, rails, ramps, bathroom aids, adaptive equipment
6. Short-term restorative or reablement support
Goal-based programs that help people regain or improve independence.
By grouping services this way, it becomes easier for families to see how the Support at Home Program can be shaped around personal routines. Instead of simply receiving “hours,” you receive meaningful support aligned with how you want to live.
The two new short-term pathways
Support at Home introduces two important short-term assistance options.
1. Reablement pathway
Designed to help you regain lost abilities, such as balance, strength, mobility, or confidence in daily tasks.
2. Restorative / end-of-life support pathway
Provides short-term, intensive support for recovery or compassionate care near the end of life.
Both pathways operate alongside long-term classifications, ensuring support is available when life changes unexpectedly.
Support at Home classifications (8 levels explained)
These classifications are the core of the Support at Home funding levels.
Each classification comes with a quarterly budget amount. These funds can only be used on approved services.
The new classifications:
Classification 1 – Basic assistance
Classification 2 – Low-level support
Classification 3 – Moderate assistance
Classification 4 – Regular support needs
Classification 5 – High regular support
Classification 6 – Complex needs
Classification 7 – Intensive support
Classification 8 – Very high and complex needs
What this means in practice
You won’t need to choose a classification or worry about fitting into the wrong level. Your assessment determines where you sit, and your care plan grows with you. The aim is to avoid situations where people previously fell “in between” levels under Home Care Packages.
How do I apply for Support at Home?
The application process is straightforward and supported at every step.
The official processStart with My Aged Care
Apply online or call to begin your assessment request.
Have your assessment
A trained assessor will visit or meet you online to review your daily needs.
Receive your classification
You will be notified of your Support at Home classification or short-term pathway eligibility.
Choose a provider
You can compare services and find home care providers through our directory.
Begin your services
Your chosen provider will work with you on a personalised care plan.
Support at Home eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Support at Home Program, you must:Be aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
Require support to continue living safely at home.
Have had an aged care assessment
Meet functional, cognitive, or mobility-based criteria that demonstrate a need for support.
Eligibility is based on need, not income, savings, or whether you own a home.
Support at Home standard fees and contributions
Under the Support at Home Program, fees are standardised nationally. They include:
1. Basic daily fee (optional for providers)
Some providers may charge a small daily fee.
2. Income-tested care contribution
People with higher incomes may contribute toward the cost of their services, based on a formal Services Australia income assessment.
3. Additional fees for extra services
You may choose to purchase extra help privately beyond your classification funding.
This structure ensures transparency, fairness, and consistency across providers.
Support at Home transition (grandfathered) fees and contributions
If you received a Home Care Package before Support at Home began, you may be placed under grandfathered fees. This means:Your existing fee structure continues.
You will not pay more under the new system than you did previously.
Over time, your package will move toward the standardised Support at Home fee model.
This protects older people from sudden cost changes.
How Support at Home helps you stay independent longer
The Support at Home Program is designed to help older Australians continue living in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. By offering tailored support based on your unique needs, this program ensures you maintain independence, mobility, and dignity.
Whether it’s help with personal care, domestic tasks, or social engagement, the program focuses on enhancing your quality of life while giving you control over how your Support at Home packages are used. Staying at home also means staying connected to your community, friends, and family, which research shows significantly improves wellbeing.
Choosing the right Support at Home service for you
Finding the right services can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options makes all the difference. The Support at Home Program provides a variety of services, from clinical care and allied health support to everyday living assistance like meal prep and domestic cleaning.
By knowing your priorities and care goals, you can work with providers to design a package that suits your lifestyle. This personalised approach ensures your care is meaningful, flexible, and responsive to changes in your health or circumstances.
How Support at Home funding levels work
One of the most important aspects of the program is understanding the Support at Home funding levels. These determine the type and amount of services you can access, based on your assessed care needs.
Funding levels ensure that those with higher care requirements receive more support, while still offering flexibility for people with lower needs. Knowing your funding level helps you plan how to use your services effectively, whether it’s for personal care, home modifications, or assistive technology.
Your provider will guide you through the options and ensure your funding is maximised for your individual situation.
Combining Support at Home with private services
For many people, government-funded support alone may not cover all their needs.
The program allows for a fee-for-service model, giving you the flexibility to top up your Support at Home packages with private services if required. This could include additional hours of personal care, extra domestic help, or specialised therapy sessions.
Combining funded and private services means you can maintain the lifestyle and level of support you want, without compromising on care quality or independence.
Take control of your care at home today
Discover how the Support at Home Program can help you or your loved one live safely, comfortably, and independently at home. Connect with approved providers, explore your Support at Home packages, and start receiving tailored in-home care that suits your needs.
Get personalised guidance and take the first step toward a simpler, more flexible aged care solution.
Find home care providers now and begin your journey to better Support at Home.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat happens to my Home Care Package under the new program?Are Support at Home Packages the same as Home Care Packages?What can I spend my Support at Home funds on?Will the Support at Home Program reduce wait times for help?How do I choose the right Support at Home provider?
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Classification 2 – Low-level support
Classification 3 – Moderate assistance
Classification 4 – Regular support needs
Classification 5 – High regular support
Classification 6 – Complex needs
Classification 7 – Intensive support
Classification 8 – Very high and complex needs
What this means in practice
You won’t need to choose a classification or worry about fitting into the wrong level. Your assessment determines where you sit, and your care plan grows with you. The aim is to avoid situations where people previously fell “in between” levels under Home Care Packages.
How do I apply for Support at Home?
The application process is straightforward and supported at every step.
The official processStart with My Aged Care
Apply online or call to begin your assessment request.
Have your assessment
A trained assessor will visit or meet you online to review your daily needs.
Receive your classification
You will be notified of your Support at Home classification or short-term pathway eligibility.
Choose a provider
You can compare services and find home care providers through our directory.
Begin your services
Your chosen provider will work with you on a personalised care plan.
Support at Home eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Support at Home Program, you must:Be aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
Require support to continue living safely at home.
Have had an aged care assessment
Meet functional, cognitive, or mobility-based criteria that demonstrate a need for support.
Eligibility is based on need, not income, savings, or whether you own a home.
Support at Home standard fees and contributions
Under the Support at Home Program, fees are standardised nationally. They include:
1. Basic daily fee (optional for providers)
Some providers may charge a small daily fee.
2. Income-tested care contribution
People with higher incomes may contribute toward the cost of their services, based on a formal Services Australia income assessment.
3. Additional fees for extra services
You may choose to purchase extra help privately beyond your classification funding.
This structure ensures transparency, fairness, and consistency across providers.
Support at Home transition (grandfathered) fees and contributions
If you received a Home Care Package before Support at Home began, you may be placed under grandfathered fees. This means:Your existing fee structure continues.
You will not pay more under the new system than you did previously.
Over time, your package will move toward the standardised Support at Home fee model.
This protects older people from sudden cost changes.
How Support at Home helps you stay independent longer
The Support at Home Program is designed to help older Australians continue living in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible. By offering tailored support based on your unique needs, this program ensures you maintain independence, mobility, and dignity.
Whether it’s help with personal care, domestic tasks, or social engagement, the program focuses on enhancing your quality of life while giving you control over how your Support at Home packages are used. Staying at home also means staying connected to your community, friends, and family, which research shows significantly improves wellbeing.
Choosing the right Support at Home service for you
Finding the right services can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options makes all the difference. The Support at Home Program provides a variety of services, from clinical care and allied health support to everyday living assistance like meal prep and domestic cleaning.
By knowing your priorities and care goals, you can work with providers to design a package that suits your lifestyle. This personalised approach ensures your care is meaningful, flexible, and responsive to changes in your health or circumstances.
How Support at Home funding levels work
One of the most important aspects of the program is understanding the Support at Home funding levels. These determine the type and amount of services you can access, based on your assessed care needs.
Funding levels ensure that those with higher care requirements receive more support, while still offering flexibility for people with lower needs. Knowing your funding level helps you plan how to use your services effectively, whether it’s for personal care, home modifications, or assistive technology.
Your provider will guide you through the options and ensure your funding is maximised for your individual situation.
Combining Support at Home with private services
For many people, government-funded support alone may not cover all their needs.
The program allows for a fee-for-service model, giving you the flexibility to top up your Support at Home packages with private services if required. This could include additional hours of personal care, extra domestic help, or specialised therapy sessions.
Combining funded and private services means you can maintain the lifestyle and level of support you want, without compromising on care quality or independence.
Take control of your care at home today
Discover how the Support at Home Program can help you or your loved one live safely, comfortably, and independently at home. Connect with approved providers, explore your Support at Home packages, and start receiving tailored in-home care that suits your needs.
Get personalised guidance and take the first step toward a simpler, more flexible aged care solution.
Find home care providers now and begin your journey to better Support at Home.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat happens to my Home Care Package under the new program?Are Support at Home Packages the same as Home Care Packages?What can I spend my Support at Home funds on?Will the Support at Home Program reduce wait times for help?How do I choose the right Support at Home provider?
Nursing Homes Near Me
Home Care Near Me
Retirement Villages Near Me
Information Guides
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