Support at Home
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As care needs change with age, having the right support at home can make everyday life easier and help people maintain their independence.
The Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025. It is designed to help older Australians stay independent at home for longer, with access to approved services, equipment, home modifications and short-term supports based on individual needs.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) remains separate for now and is expected to transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027. For official program details, see Support at Home on myagedcare.gov.au.
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
What Are the Key Changes Under the Support at Home Program?
- One streamlined program — Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care have been brought together under Support at Home.
- Eight funding classifications — Ongoing support is available across eight levels based on assessed care needs.
- Quarterly funding — Budgets are allocated quarterly to support more responsive care planning.
- Dedicated equipment and home modification funding — Eligible assistive technology, equipment and home modifications are funded separately through the AT-HM scheme.
- Short-term care pathways — Restorative Care and End-of-Life pathways provide targeted support for specific needs.
- Updated contribution arrangements — Participant contributions vary depending on the type of service received and individual circumstances.
- Simpler fee structures — Separate package management fees have been removed, with service pricing designed to include the cost of delivering and coordinating care.
What’s Changing With Personal Care Support?
From 1 October 2026, personal care services under the new Support at Home program will move from the Independence contribution category to Clinical Supports for contribution purposes. This means eligible participants will no longer pay a contribution for approved personal care services delivered from this date, provided they have personal care included in their support plan and enough available Support at Home funding.
Personal care can include help with everyday tasks such as showering, dressing, personal hygiene, eating, non-clinical continence management and assistance with self-administering medication.
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 | $2,752.50 | $11,010.01 | Light housework, meal delivery, welfare check-ins |
| 2 | $4,112.84 | $16,451.35 | Showering, dressing assistance, medication reminders |
| 3 | $5,634.20 | $22,536.81 | Regular personal care, transport, social outings |
| 4 | $7,617.13 | $30,468.51 | Daily personal care, allied health |
| 5 | $10,182.38 | $40,729.53 | Complex care coordination, nursing |
| 6 | $12,341.32 | $49,365.27 | High-level clinical support, home modifications |
| 7 | $14,915.00 | $59,660 | Intensive support, multiple services weekly |
| 8 | $20,034.28 | $80,137.12 | 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.
Discover Support at Home Providers With Karista
With Karista, you can expect:
- A more personalised search — We consider your location, support needs, preferences and funding when looking for provider options.
- Less time spent chasing availability — We help identify providers with capacity, so you do not have to contact multiple services yourself.
- Support with the next steps — Once you choose a provider, Karista can help progress the referral and relevant paperwork with your consent.
Karista is a free, independent service that makes it easier to secure care that works for you. Get in touch with us to get started!
FAQs
How do I choose a home care provider for the Support at Home program?
To choose a home care provider under the Support at Home program, compare providers by service type, availability, and location — Karista does this matching for you for free and connects you with suitable SAH providers.
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.