Frequently Asked Questions

Support at Home is an initiative from the Australian Government aimed at reforming aged care. It merges several existing programs, such as Home Care Packages (HCP), the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and Short-Term Restorative Care, into a single, efficient system. objective is straightforward: to provide older Australians with greater choice and control over their care while simplifying access to the appropriate support when needed With the new Support at Home program, aged care funding will be distributed across eight levels, moving from the current four levels of Home Care Packages, along with three short-term support pathways. Discover more about these levels and how this change is to align funding with your needs.

I have a Home Care Package, what will happen when I move to Support at Home?

Older people receiving home support through the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program will move to Support at Home on 1 November 2025. If you have a Home Care Package: • your Support at Home budget will match the same funding level as your current Home Care Package • your unspent Home Care Package funds can be used for Support at Home services, including assistive technology (like walkers) or home modifications if needed. • you will have access to all services on the Support at Home service list and will not need a Support Plan Review or reassessment to access different services • you will need to sign a new service agreement or update your existing Home Care Agreement with your Home Care Package provider. Please note that prices for services may change under Support at Home. The Australian Government has put protections in place to ensure prices are reasonable and transparent.

I’m a Home Care Package (HCP) recipient, where can I find out what my contribution rate will be?

Soon, the department will write to all HCP recipients with information about Support at Home and the contribution rates that may apply to their circumstances. From 1 November 2025, Services Australia will confirm contribution rates and send Support at Home fee advice letters to every participant. If Services Australia needs more information, they will send you a letter asking for income and asset details. It’s important that you provide this information as soon as possible to avoid paying too much for services.

Will there be a cap on service prices?

Providers will continue to set their own prices for services. From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will set price caps for Support at Home and from that time providers’ prices must be at or below the caps. If you are on the HCP Program, the price of your services may change when you move to the Support at Home program. Your provider will let you know about any price changes before asking you to agree to them.

Will providers charge administration fees on top of the service price?

No, there will be no administration fee charged in addition to the service price. Under the HCP Program, you are charged for a service, such as cleaning, and then charged separately for package management. Under Support at Home, the set price for each service will already include the associated administration costs. The service prices you agree to will be the total amount charged to your budget.