15 May 2025

10 Frequently Asked Questions about Support At Home

From 1 November 2025, Support at Home will be introduced. Here are ten frequently asked questions to help guide you through the changes.

Question 1: What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new aged care program designed to simplify and improve access to in-home care services for older Australians.

It will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will remain in place until at least 1 July 2027 when it is planned to merge with the Support at Home Program.

Question 2: When will Support at Home be introduced?

Support at Home is scheduled to commence from 1 November, 2025. Until then, existing programs like Home Care Packages will continue.

Question 3: Who is eligible for Support at Home?

Eligibility will be similar to the current aged care programs. Older Australians requiring assistance to remain living independently at home will need an assessment through the Single Assessment Service. ACAT and RAS will cease to exist from 1 November 2025.

Question 4: How does Support at Home work?

The program provides flexible, personalised services to meet individual needs. It expands on the current 4 Home Care Package levels, offering 8 levels of care.

It includes an integrated assessment focusing on an older person’s physical, emotional, social, and mental health to enhance overall wellbeing.

Care levels range from 1 (entry-level) to 8 (high-level clinical care), based on care needs.

Additionally, there are 3 new short-term classifications:

• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme (funded separately)

• Restorative Care Pathway (e.g., allied health services to improve independence)

• End-of-Life Pathway (additional services for those with less than 3 months to live, supporting home care)

Question 5: How is Support at Home different to Home Care Packages?

The new program aims to be more user-friendly by offering:

• A single entry point for services.
• Greater flexibility in tailoring care to individual needs.
• Improved access to a broader range of support services.

Question 6: What services are available through Support at Home?

The program includes a wide range of in-home care services across 3 categories:

1. Clinical Supports:

• Nursing care
• Allied health and other therapeutic services
• Nutrition
• Care Management
• Restorative Care Management

2. Independence:

• Personal care
• Social support and community engagement
• Therapeutic services for independent living
• Respite
• Transport
• Assistive technology and home modifications

3. Everyday living:

• Domestic assistance
• Home maintenance and repairs
• Meals

Question 7: What are short-term pathways?

Short-term pathways are designed to help participants remain independent, without relying on ongoing services, while also providing an option for end-of-life support. These include:

• End-of-life pathway (up to $25,000) 

• Restorative care (12 weeks) 

• Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (up to $15,000) 

Question 8: What is the Statement of Rights?

The new Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Rights for older people accessing aged care services. It gives you the right to:

• Make your own life choices
• Have your decisions respected
• Get support and info to decide
• Share what you want and need
• Feel safe and valued
• Have your culture and identity respected
• Stay connected to your community

For more information on the Statement of Rights, please click here.

Question 9: Will I need to be reassessed for Support at Home?

Home Care participants and people on the National Priority System who are waiting for a Home Care Package will automatically transition to Support at Home from 1st November 2025. You will not need to be reassessed.

The Support at Home funding that you will receive, will match the same level of funding as your Home Care Package.

Question 10: How doe I apply for Support at Home?

If you are new to Home Care and currently don’t receive services, you can apply through My Aged Care, where an assessor will help determine your needs and connect you to services.

You can visit the website here or call them directly on 1800 200 422.

To find out more about Support at Home, click here or call us today on 1800 960 433.