Support at Home Program
The Australian Government is launching the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will join no earlier than 1 July 2027. This initiative is designed to help older Australians live independently at home for longer, offering access to tailored services, equipment, and home modifications.
Types of Support Available
Ongoing Services
Based on your aged care assessment, you'll receive a quarterly budget to access services
such as
Clinical Care
- Nursing
- Allied Health: OT, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy
- Nutrition
- Care Management
- Restorative Care
Independence
- Personal Care
- Medication
- Respite
- Transport
- Home Modifications
Everyday Living
- Domestic Assistance
- Home maintenance, repairs, cleaning, gardening
- Meal Preparation
- Transport
- Home Modifications
Short-Term Pathways
Additional support includes
Restorative Care
Focused on helping you regain strength and independence through allied health services.
End-of-Life Care
Provides additional in-home support for those with a prognosis of three months or less to live, aiming to help you remain at home for as long as possible.
Assistive Technology/Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
This scheme gives eligible participants access to assistive technology and home modifications without needing to save from their individual budgets.
Restorative Care Pathway
Up to 16 weeks, with up to $12,000 for allied health
End-of-Life Pathway
Up to $25,000 over 12 weeks for in-home care
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)
Up to $15,000 each for approved needs
Funding Classifications & Budgets
Support at Home introduces eight levels of care, replacing the previous four-tier HCP system.
8 ongoing service classifications determine quarterly budgets. Unspent quarterly funds can be carried over (up to $1,000 or 10%).
| Classification | Approx. Quarterly Funding | Annual Funding | Care Needs & Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,674 | $10,698 | Light housework, meal delivery, welfare check-ins |
| 2 | $3,995 | $15,982 | Showering, dressing assistance, medication reminders |
| 3 | $5,480 | $21,920 | Regular personal care, transport, social outings |
| 4 | $7,386 | $29,545 | Daily personal care, allied health |
| 5 | $9,884 | $39,535 | Complex care coordination, nursing |
| 6 | $11,989 | $47,957 | High-level clinical support, home modifications |
| 7 | $14,531 | $58,122 | Intensive support, multiple services weekly |
| 8 | $19,427 | $77,709 | Comprehensive care, end-of-life support |
*Funding figures are approximate amounts effective from 1 November 2025.
Comparing Support at Home to Home Care Packages
| Feature | Home Care Packages | Support at Home |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Type | 4 fixed levels | 8 flexible classifications |
| Assessment | Annual | Quarterly |
| Funding Levels | ACAT | Single Assessment System |
| Flexibility | Limited | High – choose services |
| Assistive Tech | Limited | Up to $15,000 available |
| Care Management Fees | Variable | Capped at 10% |
No Worse Off Principle applies to those already in the system before 12 Sept 2024.
FAQs
Can Karista help older Australians find services at home?
Yes. Karista can help older people and families explore services that support independence, safety and wellbeing at home.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program that helps older people stay living at home for longer. It replaced the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025.
Is Home Care Package funding still available?
Home Care Packages have transitioned into Support at Home. Some people may still use the term Home Care Package, but the current program is Support at Home.
What types of services can aged care funding help with?
Support at Home may help with services, equipment, products and home modifications that support independence at home. This may include help with everyday tasks, health and wellbeing supports, personal care, allied health, nursing, transport or home safety, depending on assessment and eligibility.
Can Karista help me find aged care providers?
Yes. Karista can help connect older Australians and their families with suitable providers based on location, service needs, urgency and funding.
Can Karista help me find providers that accept Support at Home funding?
Yes. Karista can help identify providers that may support people using Support at Home funding based on their service requirements and location.
Do I need an aged care assessment before using funding?
Government-funded aged care generally requires eligibility and assessment through My Aged Care. Karista can help you think through service needs, but assessment and funding approval are managed through the aged care system.
Can Karista help while I am waiting for aged care funding?
Karista may help explore available service options, including self-funded services or providers who can support you while you wait for formal funding or assessment.
Can Karista confirm my funding eligibility?
Karista can help you understand possible pathways, but eligibility and claiming rules are determined by the NDIS, aged care system, Medicare, insurers or providers.
Getting Started
Assessment is done in person at home.
You'll receive a support plan with approved services and budget.