The Support at Home Program: What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Changes
At Whiddon, we know how important it is for older Australians to feel safe, supported, and connected while continuing to live at home. Since the new Support at Home program was announced, we’ve been closely following the updates to understand exactly what this will mean for our current and future clients, while sharing insights about what’s ahead for home care services.
As new details have been released—including updates on participant classifications, funding allocations, and pricing caps—we want to ensure your questions remain answered so you can feel confident about what’s coming. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
If you’re confused about the Support at Home Program, you’re not alone. We’ve provided a summary with the key points you need to be aware of:
- It is a single streamlined system for government-funded home care services.
- It was a response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety findings which called for a more flexible and person-centred approach to in-home aged care.
- It will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) as well as the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme after July 1 2025 and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) by no later than 1 July 2027.
- Areas of improvement include a new single assessment pathway, personalised care plans, stronger support for independence, integrated services and more.
Key Changes You Should Know
While the program won’t change existing care overnight, understanding these updates can help you plan for the transition and what’s to come.
1. New Classifications and Budgets Based on Individual Needs
One of the biggest updates is a new funding classification system, replacing the four Home Care Package levels with eight funding levels. Here’s a look at indicative annual funding levels based on classification:
| Classification | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | ~$11,000 |
| 2 | ~$16,000 |
| 3 | ~$22,000 |
| 4 | ~$30,000 |
| 5 | ~$40,000 |
| 6 | ~$48,000 |
| 7 | ~$58,000 |
| 8 | ~$78,000 |
From: Features of the new Support at Home program (DHAC 2025)
For those needing short-term support, new funding pathways will also be introduced:
- Restorative Care Pathway – Up to $12,000 over 12 weeks to support recovery and rehabilitation.
- End-of-Life Pathway – Up to $25,000 over 12 weeks for palliative care and specialised support.
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications – New funding streams to help with mobility aids, home adjustments, and essential equipment.
This expanded classification system aims to provide more accurate funding allocations based on individual needs rather than a broad-tiered system.
2. Quarterly Budgets to Help You Use Your Funding
A new approach to budgeting will be introduced under Support at Home, shifting from an annual funding model to quarterly allocations.
- Budgets will be reviewed periodically to ensure participants are receiving the right amount of care.
- Unused funds can roll over into the next quarter but cannot be banked indefinitely.
- This encourages participants to fully utilise their care plans, keeping services active and aligned with their changing needs.
Ultimately, this change will help to reduce long wait times for services while ensuring that participants get the care they need when they need it.
3. Price Caps on Provider Aged Care Services
A common concern we’ve seen from our own community has been the potential cost changes to in-home care services. A major change under the new system is the introduction of price caps on home care services, which will come into effect on 1 July 2026.
- From 1 July 2025: Providers can still set their own prices, similar to the current Home Care Packages Program.
- From 1 July 2026: The government will introduce price caps on services to ensure fair pricing and prevent excessive costs.
To further protect home care clients, the program will also:
- Ban hidden fees, such as entry, exit, or administration charges.
- Ensure no participant is worse off financially when transitioning to the new system.
- Cap lifetime co-contributions at $130,000, ensuring affordability for those in long-term care.
This means greater financial security and more transparency when it comes to the cost of your care.
How Will This Affect Current Home Care Package Clients?
If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, here’s what you need to know:
- You will continue receiving care – You will stay on your current level of funding unless you were requiring reassessment under the Support at Home Program.
- Your statement may look different – The service names are changing under Support at Home, and this will be reflected on your statement from Whiddon.
The indicative budget amounts for home care recipients transitioned to Support at Home are:
| Transitioned home care recipients | Quarterly budget | Annual amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,708 | $10,833 |
| 2 | $4,762 | $19,049 |
| 3 | $10,365 | $41,460 |
| 4 | $15,713 | $62,853 |
From: Features of the new Support at Home program (DHAC 2025)
At Whiddon, we are closely monitoring these changes to ensure a seamless transition for all our home care clients while also continuing to provide our regular high level of care.
Our Commitment to Supporting You Through These Changes
We understand that change can feel overwhelming. That’s why at Whiddon, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way as the Support at Home Program is introduced.
Here’s how we’re preparing to support you:
- Personalised Care Planning – We’ll work with you to ensure your care plan aligns with the new funding and classification system.
- Transparent Pricing & No Hidden Fees – Our team will help you navigate the new pricing structure, so you always know what to expect.
- Guidance Through the Transition – We’ll provide ongoing updates and support, ensuring a smooth transition into the new program.
- Support for Home Modifications & Assistive Technology – We’ll help you understand the type of funding for mobility aids, home modifications, and essential equipment that will become available to you after 1 July 2025.
- Flexible, Quality Care – Our focus remains on delivering the best in-home support, ensuring you feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
With 1 July 2025 approaching, now is the time to start preparing for these changes. Whether you’re a current Home Care Package recipient or considering home care for the first time, being informed will help you make the best decisions for your future.
If you’d like to discuss how Whiddon can support you through these changes, contact our friendly team today.
