What’s Changing for You with the New Support at Home Program?
Support at Home Program Changes For Existing Customers
In a smooth rollout announced by the Australian Government, existing Home Care Packages (HCP) recipients are set to transition automatically to the new Support at Home program starting November 1, 2025, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential in-home services without the need for immediate reassessments. This reform, delayed from July to allow better preparation, aligns funding levels equivalently to current HCP packages, shifting to quarterly budgets with capped unspent funds at $1,000 or 10% of the allocation—whichever is greater—to promote efficient use while carrying over pre-existing balances
If you’re an existing customer receiving Home Care Packages (HCP) services, the transition to the Support at Home program on November 1, 2025, is designed to be seamless, ensuring you continue your care without disruption. This page outlines the key changes specifically for those already in the system, focusing on how your funding, contributions, and services evolve under the new model. As a Melbourne-based provider, we’ll support your smooth shift while maintaining high-quality, personalized in-home care
Your Contributions Under Support at Home
As an existing Home Care Packages customer transitioning to the Support at Home program, your contributions are protected under the “no worse off” principle, meaning you’ll pay the same or less than before November 1, 2025—no unexpected increases apply to your current services. The new system bases fees on your income, assets, and service type, with clinical care fully government-funded and everyday supports seeing variable percentages to ensure affordability for pensioners. This fairer model includes a lifetime cap of $135,318.69 (as of November 2025, indexed annually) across all aged care contributions, safeguarding long-term access without financial strain. For Melbourne residents, our team can help assess how these align with your NDIS or local needs, keeping your plan personalized and cost-effective.
Contribution Rates by Service Type and Financial Status
Contributions are calculated as a percentage of each service’s cost, with the government covering the rest—existing customers retain prior fee protections, such as zero income-tested fees if you qualified before September 12, 2024. Rates vary by category: Clinical Care (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy) at 0%; Independence Services (e.g., personal care, transport) from 5-50%; and Everyday Living (e.g., cleaning, meals) from 17.5-80%, all means-tested for fairness.
| Financial Status | Clinical Care | Independence Services | Everyday Living Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part Pensioner or CSHC Holder | 0% | 5–50% (tapered by income/assets) | 17.5–80% (tapered by income/assets) |
| Self-Funded Retiree (Non-CSHC) | 0% | 50% | 80% |
How This Affects Your Care
If you’re a full pensioner, you’ll continue receiving services fee-free, just as under your old package, with enhanced quarterly budgeting for better flexibility. Part pensioners and self-funded retirees benefit from tapered rates based on Services Australia assessments, ensuring contributions reflect your exact circumstances without exceeding prior levels. The cap applies cumulatively to residential care too, providing peace of mind for ongoing support in your Melbourne home
Your Transition Process
You’ll automatically move to Support at Home without needing a full reassessment unless your care needs have significantly changed since approval.
If your HCP was approved before September 12, 2024, you’ll be assigned a “transitioned Support at Home classification” that matches your current level—no new application required.
Providers like us will update your service agreement to reflect the new terms, including fees and plans, to avoid any gaps in care delivery.
The “no worse off” policy guarantees your overall support level stays equivalent, with protections for those with existing caps or no fees.
Contribution and Fee Changes
- Under the no worse off rule, your contributions will remain the same or decrease compared to your current HCP fees—no increases for transitioned customers.
- If you had no income-tested fees as of September 12, 2024, you won’t incur any under Support at Home, preserving your full pensioner protections.
- New service-based contributions apply: 0% for clinical care (e.g., nursing), 5–20% for independence support (e.g., personal care), and 17.5–80% for everyday living (e.g., cleaning)—but existing customers are shielded from hikes.
- A lifetime cap of $130,000 on total contributions provides long-term security, applying across all aged care services.
New Service Categories
- Services now fall into three categories: Clinical Care (fully government-funded), Independence Support (e.g., bathing, transport), and Everyday Living Assistance (e.g., meals, gardening).
- Eight classification levels replace the old four HCP levels, better matching your needs for more precise support at home.
- Temporary pathways added: Restorative Care (up to $12,000 for recovery), End-of-Life (up to $25,000), enhancing options without extra cost to you.
- Your current services continue uninterrupted, with potential for expanded choices like social participation or allied health.
How to Contact Us
For more information or to book an appointment:
If you need additional support with applying for Support at Home, our qualified Care Finder team can help you with navigating the health and aged care systems for any of your health needs or care and support needs.