SUPPORT AT HOME

 From November 1st 2025, the way people access aged care services at home is changing. The Home Care Package program is being replaced with the Support at Home program. Available through a SAH package provider, it offers a more tailored range of services based on your individual needs. 

Support at Home brings 4 main changes

•  More service options 
•  A flexible quarterly budget 
•  Simpler application 
•  Changes in fees 

The different types of care delivery

There are three main types of care delivery, two short-term pathways and an assistive technology and home modifications scheme. Of the core care, Clinical Support is always 100% subsidised, so you'll never be asked to contribute. Services connected to Independence and Everyday Living support are means tested, so you may need to make a contribution.

•  100% subsidised for all
• Doesn't use your quarterly budget
• Essential services addressing the prevention, treatment, and management of illness, injury, and other health concerns. 

Including

• Nursing support
• Allied health services
• Nutritional support
• Care management

No out-of-pocket costs

These support services are 100% subsidised, so you won’t pay any out-of-pocket costs.

Means tested - Uses your quarterly budget

Helping you stay active and independent in your own home and out in the community. 

Including

• Personal care
• Social support and community engagement
• Transport and mobility
• Carer respite
• Assisted technology and home modifications
• Therapeutic services

Your means-tested contribution:

• Pensioners5%
• Part-pensioners5% - 50%
• Self-funded retirees50% 

Means tested - Uses your quarterly budget

Keeping you safe, comfortable and on top of things in your own home. 

Including

• Domestic assistance
• Maintenance and repairs (including light gardening)
• Meal services

Your means-tested contribution:

• Pensioners17.5%
• Part-pensioners17.5% - 80%
• Self-funded retirees80% 

Means tested

Doesn't use your quarterly budget.

Up to 16 weeks of allied health, nursing or other support to help you get life back on track after a surgery, illness or major event. An assessment will determine eligibility, with funding of up to $6k available.

 Means tested

Doesn't use your quarterly budget

The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme, offers eligible people short term funding of up to $15k, helping you access products, equipment and home modifications to meet your assessed needs.

100% subsidised

Doesn't use your quarterly budget

Supporting people approaching the end of life with up to $25k funding, with extra funding to support older people wanting to stay at home in their last 3 months of life.

How much will you have to spend?

It’s important to understand how your quarterly budget is determined. When you’re assessed, you’ll be given a classification level, determining the types and amount of support you're entitled to, along with a quarterly budget. This budget is the maximum amount of Government support you qualify for, based on your individual needs. It does not include any contributions you need to make. 

 Eight classification levels

The four funding tiers currently used by the Home Care Package program will be replaced with eight classification levels. You’ll be given a classification level, determining the amount of support and quarterly budget you qualify for. 

At the end of each quarter, up to $1k or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) can roll over into the next quarter. This happens every quarter, but it doesn’t snowball – the rollover is always recalculated based on your maximum quarterly budget.