10 Frequently Asked Questions About Support At Home
From 1 November 2025, Australia’s new Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. This is one of the most significant changes to in-home aged care in recent years, so it’s understandable to have questions about what will change and how it might affect you.
Below, our Whiddon team answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Support at Home and what it means for your care.
1. What is Support at Home and when does it start?
Support at Home begins on 1 November 2025 and replaces the existing Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs. People currently receiving services under these programs will automatically transition to Support at Home.
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will move into Support at Home later, no earlier than 1 July 2027.
2. How will my funding work under Support at Home?
Under Support at Home, your annual care budget will be divided into four quarterly budgets. This makes it easier to plan and review your care throughout the year.
Each quarter, your funding will be available to spend on approved services that meet your individual needs, as identified through your My Aged Care assessment.
For existing HCP clients, your current annual budget will remain in place and you will access those funds on a quarterly basis.
3. What is the maximum amount that can be carried over into the next quarter?
You can carry over the higher of $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget into the next quarter. This change aims to encourage regular use of your funds to support your wellbeing, rather than leaving large amounts unspent.
Moreover, if you are transitioning from a Home Care Package, any current unspent funds will move with you. These funds can be used to top up your quarterly budget or for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM). They are not subject to the new carryover limits.
4. What are the differences between HCPs and Support at Home?
The biggest changes are in how your funding is structured, how care is managed, and how equipment and home modifications are supported.
| Home Care Packages (HCP) | Support at Home (SAH) | |
|---|---|---|
| Funding structure | Four package levels | Eight ongoing classifications, plus three short-term pathways for Restorative Care, End-of-Life and AT-HM |
| Budget rollover | Unspent funds roll over indefinitely | Quarterly budget with carryover capped at the higher of $1,000 or 10% |
| Unspent funds | Carried forward every year | Grandfathered HCP funds carried into SAH and available for top-ups or AT-HM |
| Care management | Provider determines the fees that are charged to the HCP | 10% of each person’s budget is automatically set aside for care management |
| Package management | Provider determines the fees that are charged to the HCP | No package management fee under SAH |
| Assistive Technology and Home Modifications | Paid from the package budget | Separate dedicated funding streams with set tiers of $500, $2,000 and $15,000 |
| Contributions | Income-tested fees that apply daily and basic daily fee | New contribution system with lifetime caps and hardship support. Contributions are calculated on services delivered |
| Interim funding | Not available | Up to 60% interim funding available while your full classification is being finalised |
5. How does care management work under Support at Home?
Under the new system, 10% of your budget is automatically reserved for care management. This ensures everyone receives consistent support and ongoing review of their care plan.
Providers will pool care management funds to improve flexibility and responsiveness when your needs change.
6. What is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme?
Support at Home introduces a dedicated funding stream for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications, separate from your care budget. This ensures important equipment and modifications are accessible when needed.
Funding is provided in three tiers:
- Low: under $500
- Medium: up to $2,000
- High: up to $15,000
Assessments and prescriptions are covered by the government, and funding generally lasts 12 months.
7. Will I need to contribute to the cost of my care?
A lifetime cap of $130,000 (indexed) applies to all contributions. Financial hardship support will also be available. Based on the “no worse off principle” from the government, people already in aged care as of 12 September 2024 will make the same contributions, or lower, than under the Home Care Packages Program.
8. What happens if my full budget is not available straight away?
If your full classification budget is not immediately available, you can start receiving services under interim funding, which provides up to 60% of your allocated budget until the full amount is ready.
9. What will happen when I move from a HCP to Support at Home?
If you are already receiving a Home Care Package, you will automatically move into the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025 and remain on your current level of funding. You do not need to reapply or be reassessed unless your care needs have changed significantly.
Your current provider can continue to deliver your services under the new system.
Any unspent funds from your Home Care Package will transfer with you and can be used for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications or to top up your quarterly care budget once it has been used.
You will also receive information from both My Aged Care and your provider before the transition date, outlining your new budget and care arrangements.
10. What are the short-term pathways under Support at Home?
Support at Home includes three short-term pathways designed for specific care situations:
- Restorative Care Pathway: up to 16 weeks of allied health or reablement supports to help you regain independence.
- End-of-Life Pathway: up to 16 weeks of additional support for people in the final months of life.
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Pathway: supports funding for equipment or home changes to help you live safely and comfortably at home.
What This Means for You
Support at Home is designed to help older Australians live independently for longer, with care that is flexible, transparent and centred on individual needs.
Whether you already receive care with Whiddon or are looking for a new provider, our team is here to help you navigate the changes to in-home aged care.
We can talk you through what the new program means for your current services, explain your funding and contribution options, and help you plan care that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly team members about your care options and the services available in your area.
