The Home Care Package program is changing to Support at Home. Here’s what that means for current recipients.
Image: A carer smiles at an older woman in a wheelchair while touching her shoulders.
Starting from 1 July 2025, the Australian Government will introduce the Support at Home program. This program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition from 1 July 2027.
The Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department) have released some information about how Support at Home will work, including what it means for those currently receiving a Home Care Package, with full details yet to be finalised.
Below is a summary of what the Department has released about changes for current HCP recipients.
Image: A carer shows an older couple sitting on a bed how to use a laptop computer.
HCP clients move to Support at Home at their current funding level
Current HCP recipients, and those waiting for a Home Care Package, will automatically move to the Support at Home program. No reassessment is needed, and you will get funding equal to your current HCP level.
Retention of unspent HCP funds
If you have any HCP unspent funds, you will keep these funds until they are exhausted. Unspent funds can be used for assistive technology and home modifications or additional services if the quarterly budget is used up.
Quarterly budgets
The yearly Home Care Package amount will be split into four equal parts, each covering three months. If you don't spend your budget within the quarter, up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is higher) is carried over to the next quarter.
Defined service list
All Support at Home services will be defined in the service list, with clear inclusions and exclusions.
Pricing structure changes
From 1 July, the pricing structure will change. Package management costs will be included in the unit prices for each service, not charged separately. Care management funding will be set at 10% of all ongoing quarterly budgets. Discussions and information about pricing changes will begin in the lead up to the program commencing (prior to 1 July 2025).
Client contributions
There is a no-worse off principal in place, so you won’t pay any more than you are currently paying under your Home Care Package. If you currently pay an income-tested care fee, this will continue under Support at Home, with special discounted contribution arrangements (to be determined by Services Australia). There are more details on this in the Support at Home program handbook.
How to stay updated
The Department are still finalising the Support at Home program design, and changes are ongoing.
Life Without Barriers is working through the requirements of the new program as they are announced to help enable a smooth transition for the people we support and their families. This page will be updated regularly as new information is released, and changes that impact you will be communicated directly.
To get the latest updates from the Department of Health and Aged Care about the aged care reforms, including Support at Home, subscribe to the EngAged newsletter or visit the Support at Home website.
Note: This information is current as of 4 March 2025. Check the Support at Home website for the most up-to-date information.
