What is Support at Home

Understanding the New Support at Home Program

The Australian Government is making big changes to how older people get help at home so they can stay independent for longer. The new Support at Home program will replace the existing Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) from ** 1 November 2025 ** (subject to final rollout). The goal is to make home care simpler, fairer and easier to navigate — but for many older people and families, it’s important to understand what’s changing, what services will be available and how the fees will work.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Support at Home: how it works, who is eligible, how to get assessed, the kinds of help you can receive, how to choose your provider, and practical tips for getting the most from the system. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping an ageing loved one, you’ll find clear, up-to-date information here.

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is the new national program that will provide older Australians with government-subsidised help to stay living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. It will bring together the existing fragmented programs into one streamlined system. The main goals are:

• One entry point for home care services instead of multiple programs
• More flexibility to change services as your needs change
• Better quality and safety oversight for providers
• More transparency about fees and charges

For many people, this means simpler access to the help they need — whether it’s a cleaner once a fortnight, help showering, nursing visits, meal preparation, or home modifications like rails and ramps.

When Does Support at Home Start?

The Government announced that Support at Home will start from 1 November 2025 (subject to final parliamentary approval and any transitional delays).

Until then:

• Current Home Care Package (HCP) recipients will keep receiving their package and level of funding.
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services continue for entry-level support.
• New applicants still use the My Aged Care system to get assessed and approved for services.

Who is Eligible for Support at Home?

Eligibility is broadly the same as it is now under the current system: older Australians who need extra help to stay independent at home. Generally, you must be:

• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
• Needing support due to age-related difficulties, frailty, or chronic conditions
• Living at home (not in permanent residential aged care)

Some people under 65 with early onset dementia or special needs may also qualify — but younger people with disabilities are usually supported through the NDIS instead.

How Do You Get Assessed?

Like now, you must be assessed through My Aged Care. The assessment process will still involve:

• Contacting My Aged Care by phone (1800 200 422) or online.
• Getting a face-to-face assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for complex needs or a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for basic support.
• Receiving an approval letter that sets out what services you’re eligible for.

Once approved, you can work with your chosen provider to set up a care plan and budget that suits your needs.

What Services Will Be Available?

The types of help you can get under Support at Home are wide-ranging. They include:

Personal Care

• Help with showering, dressing, grooming
• Toileting support

Domestic Assistance

• Cleaning, laundry, changing bed linen
• Shopping assistance or delivery
• Meal preparation

Transport

• Transport to medical appointments, social activities, shopping

Allied Health and Therapy

• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry
• Speech therapy, dietitian services

Nursing

• Wound care, medication management, clinical care at home

Home Modifications and Equipment

• Installing grab rails, ramps, bathroom modifications
• Equipment like shower chairs, mobility aids

Social Support

• Companionship visits, group activities, community outings

One of the biggest changes is that Support at Home will allow you to change your services and providers more easily if your needs or preferences change.

How Will the Fees Work?

There will be three main ways the Government and you share the cost of your home care:

• Government Subsidy: Based on your assessed needs, the Government pays a subsidy directly to your chosen provider.
• Basic Fee: Like now, most people will pay a basic daily fee (to be finalised under the new model).
• Income-Tested Care Fee: If you have higher income, you may pay an extra contribution — assessed by Services Australia (Centrelink). The same rules that apply now will broadly continue.

Some people on the pension will pay nothing more than the basic fee, while self-funded retirees may have to contribute more depending on income. There will still be annual and lifetime caps on care fees to protect people from excessive costs.

Choosing a Provider

You have the right to choose your approved provider — and change them if you’re not happy. Good providers will:

• Work with you to develop a care plan tailored to your needs
• Be transparent about all fees, charges, and what’s included
• Offer you choice and flexibility in how your care is delivered
• Meet strict quality and safety standards under the Aged Care Quality Standards

When Support at Home launches, there will be an updated list of approved providers through My Aged Care — and new rules to make it easier to compare services and prices.

Rights and Responsibilities

As a client of Support at Home, you have rights under the Aged Care Act and the Aged Care Quality Standards. These include:

• Being treated with dignity and respect
• Having control and choice in your care plan
• Accessing clear information about costs
• Knowing how to make a complaint

You also have responsibilities, such as:

• Providing accurate information about your needs
• Paying your agreed fees
• Working cooperatively with your provider

How is Support at Home Different from the Current System?

Many older people and families find the current system confusing, with multiple programs and different funding models. The main differences under Support at Home are:

• One program replaces Home Care Packages, CHSP, and STRC
• More consistent assessment and funding levels
• Greater flexibility to adjust services as your needs change
• Stronger quality standards and more provider accountability
• A clearer national framework for fees and contributions

The aim is to reduce wait times, make services fairer and more responsive, and improve your overall experience as a client.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Funding

Here are some practical ways to get the best from Support at Home:

• Think ahead — don’t wait for a crisis to get assessed. Plan early.
• Be honest with assessors about what you find difficult day-to-day.
• Review your care plan regularly with your provider.
• Shop around — you can compare providers and switch if you’re not satisfied.
• Keep good records — know what services you’re getting and what you’re paying for.

Helping a Family Member

Many older people rely on family or friends to help them navigate My Aged Care and manage services. You can:

• Register as a representative so you can speak on their behalf
• Help keep track of paperwork and appointments
• Check that services are being delivered as agreed

Always encourage your loved one to stay in control as much as possible — it’s their life and their choices.

Where to Get More Information

• My Aged Care: www.myagedcare.gov.au
• Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• Talk to local community care providers or your GP
• Get independent financial advice if you’re worried about fees and pensions

Final Considerations

The new Support at Home program will help more older Australians stay living safely and happily in their own homes for longer. While there’s still detail to be finalised before the 1 July 2025 start date, the fundamentals are clear: more choice, simpler access, fairer fees, and higher standards of care.

Take the time to understand your options, ask questions, and plan ahead. If you’re helping a parent or partner, get them involved in every step of the decision-making. Together, you can make the most of what Support at Home offers — so that home really does remain the best place to age well.

At OMS, we’re here to help you navigate Australia’s aged care system, manage your financial wellbeing and make confident choices for the years ahead.