Home Care Packages and Support at Home: what’s changed and what it means for you 

Here’s a clear, plain English guide to what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it means for everyday life. 

A quick look back: what were Home Care Packages? 

For many years, Home Care Packages helped older Australians stay living safely and independently at home. 

Once approved, people were placed into one of four funding levels: from basic support through to high-level care. That funding could be used for things like: 

• Personal care 

• Cleaning and meals 

• Nursing support 

• Physiotherapy or other allied health services 

Importantly, people could choose their own provider and shape their care around what mattered most to them. 

What is Support at Home? 

From 1 November 2025, Home Care Packages were replaced by a new program called Support at Home. 

This change affects: 

• People already receiving a Home Care Package. 

• Anyone who was on the waiting list. 

• Anyone applying for in-home support from that date onwards. 

If you were already receiving a Home Care Package, nothing was required of you.
You were automatically moved across to Support at Home, with no need to reapply or change providers. 

What’s different under Support at Home? 

1. Care is more closely matched to your needs

Instead of 4 broad package levels, Support at Home now has 8 funding classifications, with support of up to $78,106 per year. 

This means care can be better tailored to what you actually need, rather than fitting into a one-size-fits-all category. 

 2. Services are grouped more clearly

Support is now grouped into 3 simple areas: 

• Clinical Care, such as nursing and physiotherapy. 

• Independence Support, such as personal care, social support, mobility support and respite, to help you stay mobile, connected and independent. 

• Everyday Living, tasks like cleaning, meals, gardening and minor home maintenance. 

These categories matter because they affect how much, if anything, you may be asked to contribute. 

 3. Budgets are managed quarterly

Your funding is now held by Services Australia and paid quarterly. Your provider invoices for services after they’re delivered, and you can carry over a small amount of unused funding each quarter. 

4. Extra help for home modifications

Support at Home includes separate funding of up to $15,000 for assistive technology and home modifications. 

This is in addition to your regular care budget, making it easier to pay for things like mobility aids or safety improvements at home. 

 5. What will it cost?

Costs depend on: 

• The type of support you receive. 

• Your pension status, income and assets. 

In simple terms: 

• Clinical care (such as nursing or physiotherapy) is fully funded, no out-of-pocket costs. 

• Independence support may require a small contribution. 

• Everyday living services usually involve a higher contribution. 

For someone on a full pension, this could mean: 

• Around 5% for some independence supports. 

• Up to 17.5% for everyday living services. 

Your provider sets the price for each service. Your contribution is a percentage of that price, and the Government pays the remainder as a subsidy. 

There is a lifetime cap on what you can be asked to contribute towards non-clinical services. Contributions made under Support at Home are counted if you later move into aged care. The cap is indexed over time (around $135,000 as at November 2025), and Services Australia keeps track of your contributions.  

If you were already on a Home Care Package 

Your situation depends on when you were approved. 

• If you were receiving (or were approved for) a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, you’re protected by a “no worse off” principle. This means your government set contribution arrangements will be the same as, or lower than, what would have applied under the Home Care Packages rules. Your provider can help explain what this means for your services and invoices. 

• If you entered Support at Home from 1 November 2025, you may be asked to contribute to some services, even if you hadn’t previously paid an income tested fee. 

If you’re unsure where you sit, your provider can help, or you can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. 

What hasn’t changed 

Some important things remain the same: 

• You still need an aged care assessment. 

• You can still choose your own provider. 

• You can request a reassessment if your needs change. 

• Clinical care remains fully government-funded for everyone. 

 What this means going forward

Support at Home is designed to better reflect real needs and provide clearer pathways to care, but how it affects you depends on when you entered the system and the type of support you need. 

If you’re already receiving care, the most helpful step is a conversation with your provider to understand how the changes apply to you. 

If you’re new to in-home care, an aged care assessment is the best place to start. The new 8-level system allows more flexibility to shape support around your life, not the other way around. 

Live in RetireAustralia community? 

If you live in a RetireAustralia community, our  Support at Home team would be happy to help you navigate the My Aged Care assessment process. Your Village Manger or on-site Support at Home team member can direct you to the next steps. 

If you’re not eligible for government-funded Support at Home services but would still like to receive assistance to help with everyday life, they are available on a fee-for-service basis.