Support at Home is the Australian Government’s replacement for the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. It is the biggest change to in-home aged care in more than a decade, and the language around it has been confusing enough that many families are unsure what applies to them.
Here is the practical version.
What Support at Home Replaces
- Home Care Packages (the four-level system) — replaced
- Short-Term Restorative Care — replaced
- The Commonwealth Home Support Programme — transitioning later, on its own timeline
What Actually Changes
More funding levels
The old four package levels are replaced by a wider set of classifications, so funding is meant to match assessed need more closely instead of rounding people into the nearest of four buckets.
Services grouped by type
Supports are organised into categories — broadly clinical care, independence, and everyday living — with the contribution you make differing by category.
Contributions based on category
Clinical supports such as nursing attract no personal contribution. Everyday living supports such as cleaning and gardening attract the highest contribution, means tested.
Shorter waits, in principle
The reform is designed to reduce the long waits between assessment and package assignment that defined the old system.
Dedicated Funding Streams
Alongside ongoing support, the program includes separate funding for assistive technology and home modifications, and a short-term restorative pathway aimed at regaining function after a decline or a hospital stay. Keeping these separate means a wheelchair or a bathroom rail does not have to consume months of your ongoing services budget.
If you already have a Home Care Package: the Government has stated existing recipients will not be worse off under the transition — the “no worse off” principle. If you are told otherwise, ask for that in writing before agreeing to any change.
What This Means for You
If you already receive a package
You transition across. Your existing arrangements continue and your contribution arrangements are protected under the no-worse-off principle. You do not need to reapply.
If you are waiting for a package
Your assessment carries into the new system. You will be assigned a classification rather than a package level.
If you have not been assessed
Start with My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or myagedcare.gov.au. An assessor will visit and determine what you are eligible for. This is the step that takes longest, so start it earlier than feels necessary.
What You Can Do While You Wait
Assessment and assignment still take time. Many families bridge the gap with privately funded support — a few hours a fortnight of cleaning or personal care — and then move those hours onto the funded program once it is approved. We provide aged care home support on exactly that basis, and we are happy to keep it flexible.
Check the current detail before you decide anything. Aged care reform has moved repeatedly. Confirm rates, categories and dates at myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I pay more under Support at Home?
It depends on the mix of services you use and your means assessment. Clinical care attracts no contribution; everyday living services such as cleaning attract the highest. Existing package recipients are covered by the no-worse-off principle.
Do I need to reapply if I already have a package?
No. Existing recipients transition automatically.
How do I get assessed?
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online. An assessor will arrange a visit to determine eligibility and level of need.
Can I keep my current provider?
Yes. You retain choice of provider and can change providers if you are not satisfied.
What about the NDIS?
The NDIS and aged care are separate systems. If you entered the NDIS before 65 you can generally remain in it. If your support needs begin after 65, aged care is the pathway. Our NDIS cleaning guide covers the disability side.
Still not sure where you stand? Send us your plan or give us a call — we will tell you what is covered, and what is not.
Ask us a question