Newly Approved for Support at Home? Here’s What to Do Next
If you’ve recently been approved for the new Support at Home, you’re not alone. Thousands of older Australians are now taking the first steps under the new in-home aged care program, which officially replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) program on 1 November 2025.
Whether you’ve already spoken to an aged care provider or are still exploring your options, it’s normal to have questions. Starting home care is an important milestone, and we’re here to help you understand what your approval means and what to do next.
What Does Your Approval Mean?
Your approval means you’re now eligible to receive government-funded care to help you live safely and independently at home. Under Support at Home, your funding is allocated as a quarterly budget based on your care needs. You can use this to access a range of services, including personal care, help around the home, allied health, transport and social support.
If your approval letter came after the reforms were introduced, there’s no need to worry about the change from HCP to Support at Home. You’ve already been assessed under the new system and are ready to move forward with care.
Haven’t Chosen a Provider Yet? Start Here
If you haven’t chosen a provider yet, that’s your next step. Once you’ve been approved, you have 56 days to enter into a service agreement with a provider. This can be extended to 84 days if you need more time, but acting early helps avoid any delays to your care.
To get started, it’s helpful to:
- Have your referral code ready (this is included in your approval letter)
- Make a shortlist of providers you’d like to contact
- Ask about their availability, services and approach to care
At Whiddon, we take a relationship-based approach to aged care. This means taking the time to understand your unique stories, goals and what matters most to you. Your care plan should support your wellbeing and independence, not just complete a checklist of daily tasks.
When you reach out, our team will guide you through the next steps, help you set up your agreement and work with you to plan services that suit your needs.
Already Have a Provider? Here’s What Happens Next
If you’ve already chosen a provider and signed your agreement, your care planning can begin. Your provider will work with you to design your support plan, arrange services and confirm when they will begin.
With Whiddon, this planning is centred around your values, lifestyle and goals. Whether it’s help around the house, allied health, support with mobility or building your confidence to stay socially connected, our local teams take the time to understand what fits into your life.
Important things to keep in mind:
- Your quarterly budget needs to be used within each three-month period
- You can carry over the greater of $1,000 or 10% of your budget into the next quarter
- If care does not begin within the approval period, your funding may be affected
To stay on track, speak with your provider early about service start dates and what support you need right now.
Want to Understand the Support at Home Reforms?
Support at Home has introduced new funding structure, service options and care management processes that may feel unfamiliar if you’ve heard of Home Care Packages in the past.
To help you navigate these changes, we’ve answered some of the most asked questions, from how quarterly budgets work to the different pathways available for certain care situations.
You can explore all the details in our Support at Home FAQs blog.
What to Do While Waiting for Your Care
While your care is being set up, or if you’re still deciding on a provider, there are a few things you can do:
- Think about the kind of support that would help you most
- Write down questions for your provider
- Talk to someone you trust about your priorities and what matters to you
- Learn about available services or explore local programs you might enjoy
Even small steps can help you feel more in control and ready for what’s ahead.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
Starting home care is about more than arranging services. It is about being supported to live well, stay connected and feel respected in your daily life.
At Whiddon, we believe in care that puts people and relationships first. We are here to walk beside you, listen to what matters and support your choices at every stage.
Whether you are ready to begin or just want someone to talk things through with, our team is ready when you are.
Get in touch today for more information on services or about the ongoing changes to in-home aged care.
