{"id":1502,"date":"2025-10-24T00:14:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T00:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.whiddon.com.au\/yourlife\/?p=1502"},"modified":"2025-12-03T01:15:03","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T01:15:03","slug":"frequently-asked-questions-about-support-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.whiddon.com.au\/yourlife\/frequently-asked-questions-about-support-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Frequently Asked Questions About Support At Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

From 1 November 2025<\/strong>, Australia\u2019s new Support at Home<\/strong> program has replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP)<\/strong> and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)<\/strong> programs. This is one of the most significant changes to in-home aged care<\/strong><\/a> in recent years, so it\u2019s understandable to have questions about what will change and how it might affect you.<\/p>\n

Below, our Whiddon team answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Support at Home and what it means for your care.<\/p>\n

Talk to Our Care Team<\/a><\/div>\n

1. What is Support at Home and when does it start?<\/h2>\n

Support at Home began on 1 November 2025 and replaced 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<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will move into Support at Home later, no earlier than 1 July 2027.<\/p>\n

2. What are the differences between HCPs and Support at Home?<\/h2>\n

The biggest changes are in how your funding is structured, how care is managed, and how equipment and home modifications are supported.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Comparison of Home Care Packages (HCP) and Support at Home (SAH)<\/caption>\n
<\/th>\nHome Care Packages (HCP)<\/th>\nSupport at Home (SAH)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Funding structure<\/th>\nFour package levels<\/td>\nEight ongoing classifications, plus three short-term pathways for Restorative Care, End-of-Life and AT-HM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Budget rollover<\/th>\nUnspent funds roll over indefinitely<\/td>\nQuarterly budget with carryover capped at the higher of $1,000 or 10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Unspent funds<\/th>\nCarried forward every year<\/td>\nGrandfathered HCP funds carried into SAH and available for top-ups or AT-HM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Care management<\/th>\nProvider determines the fees that are charged to the HCP<\/td>\n10% of each person\u2019s budget is automatically set aside for care management<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Package management<\/th>\nProvider determines the fees that are charged to the HCP<\/td>\nNo package management fee under SAH<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications<\/th>\nPaid from the package budget<\/td>\nSeparate dedicated funding streams with set tiers of $500, $2,000 and $15,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contributions<\/th>\nIncome-tested fees that apply daily and basic daily fee<\/td>\nNew contribution system with lifetime caps and hardship support. Contributions are calculated on services delivered<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interim funding<\/th>\nNot available<\/td>\nUp to 60% interim funding available while your full classification is being finalised<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

3. How will my funding work under Support at Home?<\/h2>\n

Under Support at Home, your annual care budget will be divided into four quarterly budgets<\/strong>. This makes it easier to plan and review your care throughout the year.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

For existing HCP clients, your current annual budget will remain in place and you will access those funds on a quarterly basis.<\/p>\n

4. What is the maximum amount that can be carried over into the next quarter?<\/h2>\n

You can carry over the higher of $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget<\/strong> into the next quarter. This change aims to encourage regular use of your funds to support your wellbeing, rather than leaving large amounts unspent.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

5. How does care management work under Support at Home?<\/h2>\n

Under the new system, 10% of your budget is automatically reserved<\/strong> for care management. This ensures everyone receives consistent support and ongoing review of their care plan.<\/p>\n

Providers will pool care management funds to improve flexibility and responsiveness when your needs change.<\/p>\n

6. What is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme?<\/h2>\n

Support at Home introduces a dedicated funding stream for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications<\/strong><\/a>, separate from your care budget. This ensures important equipment and modifications are accessible when needed.<\/p>\n

Funding is provided in three tiers:<\/p>\n