As we know, the Australian Government is introducing a new Support at Home program starting 1 July 2025, designed to improve in-home aged care services for older Australians. This program is a response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and aims to create a simpler, more equitable, and efficient aged care system that supports independence while ensuring higher levels of care when needed.
For individuals receiving aged care services at home, these changes aim to:
Provide faster access to care (targeting a three-month approval timeframe by 2027).
Ensure higher levels of care when needed.
Increase flexibility and independence, allowing older Australians to age with dignity in their own homes.
In this guide we cover the key changes, including the latest updates, with regards to the new Support at Home program.
Key Changes Under the Support at Home Program
Support at Home Provider Changes
1. A Single Assessment System
From 1 July 2025, all aged care assessments will be streamlined under a Single Assessment System.
The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) will provide a consistent classification of aged care needs, ensuring appropriate care and support.
First Nations assessment organisations will ensure culturally safe and trauma-informed care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
2. Flexible and Fair Funding System
Instead of four Home Care Package levels, there will be eight funding classifications, ensuring better targeting of care needs.
Quarterly budgets will be introduced, giving participants more control over their funding.
Unspent funds can be rolled over to the next quarter, up to a maximum of $1,000 or 10% of the budget.
New prioritisation system will replace the National Priority System, categorising participants into urgent, high, medium, or standard priority to determine the speed of service access.
Higher funding for complex care needs: The maximum annual funding amount for in-home aged care will increase from $61,440 to $78,000.
Transitioning existing care recipients: Individuals already in the HCP program will be transferred to a corresponding Support at Home classification level, ensuring continuity of care.
3. No Service Caps for Cleaning and Gardening
Unlike previous proposals, there will be no hourly limits on cleaning and gardening services within an individual’s approved budget.
Services will be tailored to individual assessed needs rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
This change ensures older Australians receive the level of support required to maintain a safe and healthy home environment.
4. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
Participants will receive upfront funding for assistive technology (e.g., walking aids) and home modifications (e.g., installing shower rails).
A National Assistive Technology Loans Scheme will be introduced from 1 July 2025, with a staged rollout.
5. Introduction of Care Partners and Care Management Requirements
Each participant will have access to a care partner within their registered provider.
Care management must be provided by qualified professionals, such as nurses or allied health workers.
Care partners will support care management, service coordination, and ongoing monitoring of aged care needs.
Care management funding will be capped at 10% of a participant’s ongoing budget.
Providers must ensure care management includes care planning, service coordination, monitoring, and advocacy. Care management will involve:
planning and coordinating services
checking in with participants to ensure they are being well supported
clinical advice and practical support to address any changes in need or issues that arise
providing support and education where needed.
Additional funds are available for any participants who:
have been supported by a care finder
are older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
are homeless or at risk of homelessness
are a care leaver
are a veteran with a mental health condition that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) accepts is related to their service.
Participants will have the option to self-manage their care with reduced care management oversight if desired.
Regular care plan reviews and reassessments will be required to ensure care remains aligned with participant needs.
6. New Short-Term Support Pathways
The Restorative Care Pathway will provide up to 12 weeks of allied health and reablement support (expanding from the current 8-week program).
The End-of-Life Pathway will offer up to $25,000 in funding over 3 months to support people who wish to remain at home during their final months.
7. Service Types and Pricing Caps
The Support at Home program will introduce a new support catalogue that categorises services into clinical services, independence services, and everyday living services. Each service category has specific eligibility criteria and government funding contributions.
Price Caps:
The government will introduce capped pricing for services starting 1 July 2026.
Until then, providers may continue to set their own pricing, but they must ensure transparency and fairness in costs.
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) will determine price caps based on service type, region, and care complexity.
Impact on Providers and Participants:
Providers will be required to align pricing structures with government regulations to remain compliant.
Participants will benefit from clear cost structures and reduced financial uncertainty.
Subsidised services will require co-payments based on income and service type, ensuring equitable access to care.
7. Changes to Participant Contributions
Contributions will be based on income and service type.
Clinical services (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy) will be fully government-funded.
Independence-related services (e.g., personal care, assistive technology) will have a low co-payment.
Everyday living services (e.g., cleaning, gardening) will have a higher co-payment, ensuring that funds are focused on critical care needs.
No worse-off guarantee for existing HCP recipients: those receiving a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024 will not pay more under the new system.
8. Financial and Reporting Systems Requirements
Providers must submit detailed invoices to Services Australia to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
Financial transactions will be tracked in real-time, allowing participants to monitor their funding usage.
Monthly statements must be provided to participants, outlining how their funding has been spent.
IT system upgrades will be required to integrate with government digital platforms to support reporting and compliance.
Provider payments will be processed through a centralized claims system, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
Compliance audits and financial oversight will be conducted to ensure proper fund utilization and adherence to guidelines.
Support at Home Transition
Preparing for the Support at Home Transition
In short, the transition to the Support at Home program will involve significant provider readiness and training, including:
Workforce training and adjustments to care models.
Final Thoughts
The Support at Home program represents a major shift in aged care services, improving access, flexibility, and fairness in the system. While the transition may present challenges for providers, the goal is a more person-centered and responsive aged care system for all Australians.
Brevity is here to help you every step of the way. Find out more about our Support at Home software suite and how we can help you navigate the transition to Support at Home.
