Support at Home Program update

A closer look at the Support at Home Program update: What it means for you

The Australian Government’s aged care reforms are well underway, and one of the biggest changes – the Support at Home (SAH) Program which was originally set to start on 1 July 2025 will now launch on 1 November 2025, following a recent government announcement. The delay aims to give providers, consumers, and the aged care sector more time to prepare for the transition, ensuring that the rollout is smooth and better aligned with the needs of older Australians and their families

What is the Support at Home Program?

Support at Home will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care programs from 1 November 2025. It is designed to help older Australians remain at home for longer by introducing a streamlined funding model covering three service categories:

• Clinical Care: such as Nursing, Allied Health, and Continence Support
• Independence Support: help with mobility, showering, dressing, medications
• Everyday Living Services: such as cleaning, gardening, transport, shopping, meals

The government will cover 100% of the cost of clinical care, while your out-of-pocket costs for independence support and everyday living services will depend on your circumstances. The participant’s age pension status will determine individual contribution rates, with the:

• lowest contributions for full pensioners
• moderate contributions for part pensioners
• highest contributions for self-funded retirees

The new eight classifications

Unlike the current system of four Home Care Package levels, under Support at Home, individuals will be assigned one of eight classifications, based on assessed care needs. This classification will determine how much government funding you receive for ongoing in-home support.

Budgets for each classification are allocated quarterly:

Classification	Quarterly budget	Annual Amount
1	$2,674.18	$10,696.72
2	$3,995.42	$15,981.68
3	$5,479.94	$21,919.77
4	$7,386.33	$29,545.33
5	$9,883.76	$39,535.04
6	$11,989.35	$47,957.41
7	$14,530.53	$58,122.13
8	$19,427.25	$77,709.00

Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Support at Home Program Manual. Section 6.7 – Classification, p. 44. Accessed June 2025.

Please note: Funding amounts are indicative and are subject to indexation revisions

What the delay Means for Providers, Families and Carers

For Providers

Based on the open letter from the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, pushing the launch of the Support at Home Program to 1^st November means that home care providers now have more time to get ready.

• Better prepare clients and families for the upcoming changes, including new service agreements, pricing, and contribution structures.

• Support your workforce by providing additional time for training and onboarding to the new systems.

• Finalise operational and digital systems, ensuring smoother implementation and service delivery.

• Access clearer guidance and implementation materials, including training resources and communication tools.

• Allow Parliament time to consider and pass amendment Bills required to finalise the legal framework and operational rules under the new Act.

This brief delay is aimed at ensuring a smoother transition, maintaining the quality of care for older Australians, and allowing providers to feel confident and ready when the new program officially launches on 1 November 2025.

For families and carers

This is a chance to make informed decisions and get the care you or your loved ones need.

If you were waiting until July 1 to sign up with a provider, now’s the time to make your move. With the Support at Home Program now starting on 1 November, new out-of-pocket fees are coming.

By signing up now, you can start receiving care and save on those fees until 1 November—this transition period is the perfect opportunity to get the support you need without the added cost.

Even if you already have a provider, now is a great time to review your options and make sure you’re still getting the best support for your needs.

With changes coming under the Support at Home Program, this transition period is the perfect opportunity to compare services, pricing, and quality of care—and make a switch to better care. Your loved one deserves to live their best life at home.

Need help? Get FREE support through Aged Care Decisions

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