Your Guide to the New Support at Home Program Starting July 1

From July 1, 2025, Australia’s aged care system will begin a major transformation with the introduction of the Support at Home program. This new initiative is set to replace existing home care services and create a simpler, fairer, and more flexible system that better supports older Australians to live independently at home for longer.

Whether you’re currently receiving home care or exploring options for the future, here’s what you need to know about this important change.

What Is Support at Home?

Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new approach to delivering aged care services in the community. It aims to streamline and improve how in-home care is accessed, delivered, and managed by replacing several existing programs with a single, unified system.

Programs Being Replaced:

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)
Residential respite in some cases

Why the Change?

The current system has been criticised for being fragmented, difficult to navigate, and inconsistent in quality and pricing. After years of reviews, consultation, and a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the government is rolling out Support at Home to:

Simplify access to services
Ensure better value and transparency in pricing
Improve quality and safety of care
Empower older Australians to choose and manage their services more easily

What Will Change for You?

If you're already receiving services through CHSP or a Home Care Package, you won’t lose support. However, over time, your care will transition to the new Support at Home program.

Key Features:

One entry point to apply for all home care services
A single, flexible funding model based on assessed needs
Improved service planning tools to build tailored care plans
Better visibility of provider performance and service quality
Stronger protections for care recipients, including clearer rights and complaints processes

How Will Funding Work?

Instead of being assigned to fixed "packages," consumers will be given funding based on their specific needs following an independent assessment. This funding can be used to purchase services from approved providers and will be more transparent, with clearer pricing and fewer hidden fees.

What About Providers?

Providers will need to register under the new Aged Care Provider Registration Scheme and meet updated quality and safety standards. They will be paid based on the actual services delivered, not in advance, encouraging greater accountability.

Timeline & Next Steps

Now to July 2025: Transition planning and updates to existing programs
July 1, 2025: Support at Home begins rolling out
2025–2026: Gradual phase-out of CHSP and HCP as recipients are moved into the new model

What You Can Do Now

Check your current aged care status: Are you on a package or receiving CHSP services?
Stay informed: Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 for updates.
Review your care plan with your provider and ask how they’re preparing for Support at Home.
Get help comparing providers with tools like Aged Care Online’s Home Care Shortlist service.

The Support at Home program is a major step toward a more transparent, consumer-focused aged care system. While change can be challenging, the goal is clear: to make it easier for older Australians to access high-quality, personalised support that enables them to thrive at home.

For many, this reform means more choice, clearer information, and better care—right where it matters most.

Need help finding home care?

Finding quality home care can be overwhelming, but our Home Care Shortlist makes it easy. Compare local providers, connect directly, and request information or consultations - all in one place. This saves time and ensures informed decisions.