A guide to understanding the new Support at Home Program

Australians over 65 are confronting a wave of uncertainty as the new Support at Home program rolls out. The program is designed to enable older Australians to stay in their homes for longer, but many are struggling to understand how it works.

For individuals and families, understanding the new Support at Home program is key to making informed decisions and planning with confidence. NSA has compiled this set of frequently asked questions to help you understand the new program.

What is the new Aged Care Act 2024, and why has it been introduced?

The Act is new Federal legislation replacing the previous Aged Care Act 1997 and associated laws. It began on 1 November 2025.

The purpose is to place people at the centre of the aged care system and deliver a rights-based framework, better oversight, improved assessment, clearer funding, and stronger quality and safety.

Who is affected by the new Act?

Older people accessing government-funded aged care services (home care, community care, residential care), their families and carers, providers, workers, and the broader system.

What are the significant changes older people should know about?

• A new Statement of Rights for older people in aged care.

• A single assessment system and clearer entry/access pathways.

• Stronger quality and safety standards and provider accountability.

• New funding/contribution arrangements (including means-tested contributions for non-clinical services) and clearer fee/charge rules.

• Enhanced decision-making supports (registered supporters) so older people can choose who assists them.

SUPPORT AT HOME PROGRAM

Did Support at Home replace Home Care Packages?

Yes. The Support at Home Program, which was introduced on 1 November 2025, replaced the Home Care Package Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.

What is the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the Support at Home Program?

The CHSP is the entry point for aged care, providing support to people with low-level care needs. If you only need support with a few tasks at home or help accessing services in the community, you might be eligible for CHSP.

Support at Home is for individuals with more complex needs or those who require assistance with everyday tasks to live safely and independently at home.

CHSP will become part of the Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

What is an income assessment for Support at Home?

If you have been approved for the Support at Home Program, your contributions will depend on your services, your income and your assets. To find out how much you will contribute, you need an income and assets assessment.

Learn more about income and assessments for Support at Home here.

What will Support at Home services cost me?

The cost of aged care services varies from person to person. How much you pay depends on the type of care you are eligible for, the aged care provider you choose and your financial situation.

While the Australian Government may contribute to the cost of your care, you will also be asked to contribute if you can afford to. 

Learn more about how aged care costs work here.  

What if I can’t afford Support at Home costs?

If you are worried that you may not be able to afford your care, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. You should discuss your options with your healthcare provider first.

Each case is assessed on an individual basis. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will pay some, or all of your fees and charges – helping you to get the care you need.

Learn more about financial hardship assistance here.

What is the new “registered supporter” role?

Under the new Act, an older person may choose a person (or people) to act as their registered supporter to help make decisions about care and services. The role is formalised.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND HOME MODIFICATIONS

What does the Assistive Technology Home Modification Scheme (AT-HM) mean to you?

From 1 November 2025, the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing released the new AT-HM scheme, part of the broader Support at Home Program.

This scheme provides dedicated funding for products such as wheelchairs or home modifications tailored to your specific needs.  

You don’t need to set aside funds from your Support at Home budget to pay for these expenses.

What does the AT-HM scheme provide?

The AT-HM Scheme is designed to give older Australians over 65 access to: 

• Assistive technology. These are items /equipment that help with daily tasks or mobility (for example, mobility aids, specialised bathroom equipment).

• Home modifications. These are changes to your home environment that improve safety and accessibility (for example, grab rails, non-slip flooring, ramps, or redesigning the bathroom layout).

How much funding is available for assistive technology and home modifications?

There are three funding tiers for both schemes based on your aged care needs assessment:

• Low – under $500

• Medium – up to $2,000

• High – p to $15,000

How long do I have to use the approved funding?

Most older people will have 12 months to use their approved funding from the date of approval.

What is covered by the government?

This funding will cover the items, a prescription from your health professional (if needed), and wraparound supports to ensure you can use the item safely and effectively.

You will not need to delay home equipment changes because you are saving up in your usual service budgets.

You will work with an assessor and your provider to identify the best supports for your home and your goals.

What if my AT high-tier funding is over $15,000?

You may be eligible for assistive technology funding of over $15,000 if this is required to meet your assessed needs. 

You need to complete a request form, gather evidence for the request, lodge the form and evidence to your participant record via the My Aged Care Service and Support portal and call the My Aged Care service provider and assessor helpline to validate your submission for processing.

What happens if I am transitioning from the Home Care Packages Program?

If you are transitioning from the older Home Care Packages Program (HCP), any unspent funds may need to be used first before AT-HM funds apply.

STAY INFORMED

The Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing knows that the new aged care system changes can feel a bit overwhelming, but it is available to help you every step of the way on your aged care journey. The next educational article will take a closer look at the reforms that are in place.

To keep up with all the updates about the new aged care system, subscribe to the Aged Care "Your Care, Your Rights" campaign, or check out the helpful resources on the aged care pages.