New Support at Home Program FAQ
2025 will bring about changes to the Home Care sector with the new Aged Care Act and the introduction of the new Federal Government Support at Home Program. From January 2025, consultations will take place with older Australians, consumer advocates, and industry experts to shape a system that works for everyone. We will keep you up to date as the sector changes are adopted. Support at Home will replace the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Program, commencing on 1 July 2025. Under the new system there will be eight levels of support available, with annual funding of up to $78,000 per person. The Government will cover 100% of clinical care services. Older Australians will be required to contribute towards support services like showering, gardening, and meal preparation.
The good news is the Support at Home Program will:
- Deliver a simple and more equitable in-home care system for Australian seniors
- Improve access to services, equipment & home modifications
- Provide support for more people
- Reduce waiting times
Now is a great time to apply for a Home Care Package (HCP) or make the switch to a more suitable provider like Garden Village Home Care. Here’s four reasons to make the switch to Garden Village Home Care
1. Secure Your Place Before Support at Home Transition
With the new Support at Home program set to replace HCPs on 1 July 2025, applying now ensures you’re in the system before the transition. This could potentially give you access to grandfathered benefits or a smoother transition to the new program. Current Home Care Package recipients will not pay more – seniors who already have a Home Care Package (or those who are approved for a Home Care Package before July 2025) will switch to the new system but will not have to pay more than they currently do for their care.
2. Maximize Value During Price Cap Delay
The government has delayed implementing price caps until 1 July 2026. By switching to a better provider now, you can take advantage of this transition period to find more competitive pricing and potentially receive more services for your package funds. As a local not for profit community organisation Garden Village has consistently provided affordable Home Care Packages to support our community. We welcome the reforms to make pricing more affordable and consistent across the sector. By 1 July 2026, the government will introduce price caps for home care services, aiming to make costs more transparent. These price caps are designed to offer fairness for consumers while ensuring home care providers can continue to deliver high-quality services.
3. Address Changing Care Needs
As health conditions evolve, your care needs may change. Switching to a provider that can better meet your specific requirements ensures you receive appropriate support, especially if you need specialized services like dementia care or mobility assistance. Garden Village has an onsite physiotherapist, hydrotherapy pool and access to respite and residential aged care should your needs increase.
4. Locally owned, not for profit, community minded
The Home Care Hub is located in the heart of Port Macquarie and we support local people and projects. Garden Village’s commitment to the community goes beyond care services and we have a proud long-standing commitment to supporting our local community.
Support at Home Program FAQ
Q: When does the new Support at Home program begin?
A: The Support at Home program will start on 1 July 2025
Q: What programs will Support at Home replace?
A: It will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme
Q: What about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
A: The CHSP will transition to the new program no earlier than 1 July 2027
Q: How many levels of support will be available under the new program?
A: There will be ten levels of support available, with annual funding of up to $78,000 per person.
- Eight classifications for ongoing services, replacing the current 4 Home Care Package levels
- Two short-term classifications: one for the restorative care pathway and one for the end-of-life care pathway
Q: Will there be changes to waiting times for services?
A: Yes, the program aims to reduce average wait times for services to a target of three months by 1 July 2027
Q: What happens to my current Home Care Package?
A: If you currently receive a Home Care Package or are approved for one by 30 June 2025, you will receive a Support at Home budget that aligns with your current or approved package level
Q: Will there be new services available?
A: Yes, the new program will provide upfront supports such as allied health services, assistive technology, and home modifications
Q: How will funding be allocated?
A: Clients will be assessed into one of 10 funding classifications, which will better align funding to individual needs
Q: Will there be changes to how I can use my funding?
A: The new program aims to offer more tailored and flexible support options, including pathways for restorative and end-of-life care
Q: What happens to my unspent Home Care Package funds?
A: Home care recipients will keep any unspent Home Care Package funds under the new Support at Home program
