Understanding the New Support at Home Program
- jessicap121
- Oct 30
- 3 min read
Starting 1 November 2025, the Australian Government is introducing a new way of delivering home aged care, called the Support at Home Program.
This program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs from 1 November 2025, with the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) joining no earlier than 1 July 2027.
The aim is to help older Australians live independently at home for as long as possible, with care that’s flexible, transparent and based on individual needs.
Luxe Care is here for you every step of the way. Call 1300 674 886 between 9 am to 5 pm Mon-Fri AEST with any queries you may have.
What The Program Offers
Support at Home combines many types of in-home support under one system, so you only need to deal with a single program instead of several.
Services will cover three main areas:
Clinical Care: nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and continence care.
Independence Support: help with dressing, taking medication, transport or respite care.
Everyday Living: cleaning, gardening, shopping and meal preparation.
Your care plan and funding will depend on an aged care assessment, which sets your service classification and quarterly budget. You can change your services as your needs change. Pre-existing clients do not need to retake the assessment.
Special Pathways
The new program includes extra short-term options to help at key stages of life:
Restorative Care Pathway: Up to 16 weeks of allied health support (worth around $6,000 to $12,000) to help you regain strength and independence.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM): Funding for mobility aids, safety equipment or home changes such as ramps and rails. This can be up to $15,000 for each category (and more if there’s evidence of need).
End-of-Life Pathway: Up to $25,000 over 12 weeks for those wanting to remain at home in their final months of life, offering comfort and dignity.
Care Management: Every participant will receive ongoing care management to make sure their services continue to meet their needs.10 per cent of your SAH budget goes to your provider covering service planning, coordination, reviews and support.
Costs and Contributions
You’ll only pay for the services you actually receive. The government fully funds clinical care, but other services have contribution rates based on income and assets.
People who already had a home care package or were approved for a home care package before 12 September 2024 will be covered by a “no worse off” rule. If you are a pensioner in this group you will not make any contribution payment. If you are a part pensioner or fully self funded and pay an Income Tested Fee (ITF), you will continue to pay your ITF only, meaning you will not pay any more than you currently do, under SAH. This is known as a “grandfathered” client. You will also transfer all unspent HCP funds with you to SAH.
From 1 November 2025, contribution rates will look like this:
Type of Participant | Clinical Care | Independence Support | Everyday Living |
Full Pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
Part Pensioner / C’wealth Seniors Card | 0% | 5–50% | 17.5–80% |
Self-Funded Retiree | 0% | 50% | 80% |
If you have a package now, but were not approved for that package before 12 September 2024, you are classified as a transitional client for SAH. The contribution percentages in the table above apply to you as they will to all new SAH participants from 1 November 2025. Any unspent package funds in your package also will be fully transferred to SAH.
SAH recipients that may have difficulty in meeting their contribution payments can apply for assistance or make a hardship claim through Services Australia.
How to Join
If you’re not already receiving aged care services, start with My Aged Care. You can check eligibility online at MyAgedCare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422.
If eligible, an assessor will visit you at home to discuss your needs and create a Support Plan outlining your approved services and budget. You can, if you would like to, contact Luxe Care for the ultimate home care service.
Those already receiving a Home Care Package will automatically move to Support at Home and keep the same funding level. Your provider will let you know about any changes before they happen.
Extra Help
Aged Care Specialist Officers – available in person at selected Services Australia centres or by video chat (1800 227 475).
Care Finders – help vulnerable older people access aged care if they have no one else to assist.
Advocacy Support – free and confidential help through the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600.
Elder Care Support – specialised help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and their families.
Further information and queries
