Big changes to aged care on the way
The Australian Government is implementing a new aged care program that promises to be a change for the better.
Key points
To help more people stay in their own homes for as long as possible, the Australian Government is implementing a new program called Support at Home.
Support at Home will replace the Home Care Packages Program on 1 July 2025.
The new program will provide better access to services, products, equipment and home modifications.
Big changes are coming to in-home aged care – and they promise to support more seniors to stay in the comfort of their own homes for longer
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is implementing a new program called Support at Home. This will replace the existing Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.
Change can often feel daunting, but the good news is that Support at Home is designed to deliver vastly improved access to services, products, equipment and home modifications.
As with anything new, there’s a lot to unpack, so CareAbout has broken down the key benefits to keep things simple.
One of the biggest improvements under the Support at Home program is the increase in maximum annual funding. Currently, the highest level of care offers $61,440 per year, but under the new system, this will increase to $78,000.
This boost will allow support services to better align with participants’ needs. For those with complex care needs, the increase provides greater peace of mind that you can receive the right level of support while staying in your own home.
Navigating aged care can feel overwhelming but you won’t be doing it alone. The new Support at Home program will provide you with a dedicated care partner within registered providers.
They’ll work with you to understand your needs and goals, coordinate your services and ensure you get the best outcomes from your care plan.
Under the Support at Home program, you’ll only pay contributions for the services you’ve received. Contribution rates will be a set percentage of each service’s cost, with the government covering the rest. Here’s how it works:
Clinical services (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy) will be fully funded by the government
Independence services (e.g. personal care) will have moderate contribution rates
Everyday living services (e.g. cleaning, gardening) will have the highest contribution rates.
Contributions will be based on income and assets. The percentage contribution to the cost of services is shown below.
| Clinical | Independence | Everyday living |
Full pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
Part pensioner & C’wealth Seniors Health Card holder/eligible | 0% | 5 – 50% (based on income & assets) | 17.5 – 80% (based on income & assets) |
Self-funded retiree | 0% | 50% | 80% |
One of the most frustrating parts of the current aged care system is the long wait times between being approved for a Home Care Package and actually receiving services.
The Support at Home program aims to fix this by progressively reducing wait times. By July 2027, the goal is to ensure that older Australians receive their funding within three months of approval.
The new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme will make it easier than ever to access assistive technology (e.g. wheelchairs, shower chairs) and home modifications (e.g. grab rails, ramps).
Funding for the AT-HM Scheme will be separate from the Support at Home budget and divided into three needs-based funding tiers:
Low – under $500
Medium – under $2,000
High – up to $15,000.
You may be approved for an assistive technology funding tier, a home modification funding tier or both. So that’s up to $30,000 in funding for eligible participants.
The new Restorative Care Pathway will extend support from 8 to 12 weeks and more than double the available places each quarter – from 2,269 to 5,000. This increased focus on allied health and preventative support will empower more people to stay independent and keep doing the things they enjoy.
Older people with less than three months to live who wish to stay at home will get priority access to the program’s highest funding level, providing $25,000 for 12 weeks of extra home care services. These additional services are intended to complement any state and territory-based specialist palliative care schemes.
The Support at Home program marks a significant step forward in delivering high-quality, person-centred care for older Australians. Its personalised approach, flexibility and comprehensive support mechanisms address many of the challenges faced by individuals and their families in managing care at home.
By enhancing the coordination of services, expanding access to allied health professionals and providing robust support for people at all levels of need, this program is set to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
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