Everything You Need to Know About Australia’s New 'Support at Home' Program

The Australian Government’s new Support at Home program is set to revolutionise in-home aged care from 1 July 2025. Designed to enhance the independence of older Australians, the program consolidates several existing aged care initiatives, including the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme, into a unified, streamlined approach.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of its features and benefits.

Key Features of Support at Home

The Support at Home program offers an array of innovations to better cater to the diverse needs of older Australians:

Unified Structure:

Brings together multiple programs into a single, cohesive system, replacing the current Home Care Packages Program and STRC Programme.
Transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) into Support at Home, expected no earlier than 1 July 2027.

Enhanced Classifications and Budgets:

Eight new classifications replace the existing four Home Care Package levels.
Annual budgets, segmented into quarterly allocations, allow participants to access tailored support based on their classification.
Indicative budget levels range from $11,000 annually for Classification 1 to $78,000 for Classification 8, ensuring support scales with needs.

Equitable Pricing and Contributions:

Government-regulated price caps and participant contributions ensure affordability and fairness.
Contribution rates depend on the service type and the participant’s pension status.

Expanded Short-Term and Specialised Supports:

Increased funding and duration for restorative care, up to 12 weeks (extendable by 4 weeks).
Introduction of the End-of-Life Pathway with funding up to $25,000 for participants in their final three months.

Focus on Preventative and Early Interventions:

Access to allied health services, assistive technology, and home modifications to maintain independence.

Accessing Services

Older Australians will access the program through the Single Assessment System, which:

Evaluates participants for eligibility and service needs.
Provides a Notice of Decision, detailing an individualised support plan, classification, and budget.
Automatically transitions existing Home Care Package recipients and those on the National Priority System into the program.

Participants can select services from an approved list and adjust their service mix anytime in consultation with their provider.

Comprehensive Service Options

Support at Home encompasses a defined list of ongoing and short-term services, including:

Care Management:

Providers allocate 10% of quarterly budgets for care management to ensure continuous support and address fluctuating needs.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme:

Funding tiers range from $500 (low) to $15,000 (high) for essential technologies and modifications.
Participants with progressive conditions can seamlessly swap equipment as needs evolve.

Restorative and End-of-Life Care:

Tailored pathways focus on regaining independence and providing comfort in the final months of life.

Self-Management for Greater Autonomy

Participants who prefer greater control over their care can self-manage, sourcing care workers directly with the agreement of their provider. This option mirrors current arrangements, promoting flexibility and independence.

The new Support at Home program represents a significant step forward in aged care, fostering independence while addressing the unique needs of older Australians. By combining equitable pricing, expanded support options, and a focus on preventative care, this initiative ensures ageing Australians can enjoy a dignified and independent life at home.

Where can I access Support at Home Services?