Help to Stay Independent in Your Own Home
Starting 1 November 2025
The way government-funded home care works in Australia is changing – and it’s designed to offer more choice, transparent contributions, and more timely access to the support you need.
If you’re currently on a Home Care Package, wondering how to get care, or planning ahead for yourself or a loved one – this page explains everything you need to know.
At Santa Clara Home Care we’re here to support you through this transition with clear information and practical guidance.
Support at Home: Key Facts
Starts: 1 November 2025
Who: Australians ages 65+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person ages 50+, or person who is at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness ages 50+
Budget: $11,000–$78,000 per year (determined by your assessed needs)
Clinical care: Fully funded by government
Current HCP holders: Automatic transition – no application needed
Program commitment: Designed so participants pay the same or less than under Home Care Packages
Is This for Me?
You may be eligible for Support at Home if you:
- Are 65+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person ages 50+, or person who is at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness ages 50+
- Need support with daily living tasks at home
- Want to remain independent and connected in your own home
To access Support at Home, you’ll need an assessment through My Aged Care’s Single Assessment System.
After your assessment, you’ll receive:
- A Support Plan outlining your care needs and goals
- A classification level (1–8) matched to your needs
- A quarterly budget to spend on approved services
- Access to short-term supports if needed
Ready to start? Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to request an assessment. Once you’re approved through the assessment process, contact us and we’ll help you arrange your services.
What Will I Pay?
Important: Your contributions are determined by Services Australia based on your financial assessment. Santa Clara Home Care does not set government contributions – these are established under legislation and paid to Services Australia according to program rules.
According to government guidelines, if you’re a full pensioner currently paying nothing for home care services, you’re expected to continue paying nothing under Support at Home. Your actual contributions are determined through means testing by Services Australia.
The new system is designed so that most participants pay the same or less than under Home Care Packages.
Here’s how the contribution framework is structured:
Clinical Care (Fully Government-Funded)
Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Podiatry, Dietetics, Speech therapy, Mental health support
Participant contribution: $0
Personal Care & Independence Support (Moderate Participant Contributions)
Help with showering and dressing, Social support and activities, Respite for carers, Transport to appointments, Home safety modifications, Mobility equipment
Low contributions apply, based on your income and pension status
Everyday Living Support (Higher Participant Contributions)
House cleaning, Laundry, Shopping assistance, Meal preparation, Delivered meals, Garden maintenance, Home repairs for safety
Higher contributions apply, based on your income and assets assessment will pay between 0% – 25% based on an assessment of their income and assets. For part pensioners this will be based on their Age Pension means assessment.
Your exact contribution amount is calculated by Services Australia based on:
- Whether you receive a full or part pension
- Your income and assets assessment
- The type and frequency of services you use
Program Protections:
There will be a $130,000 lifetime cap on contributions to protect those who receive aged care for a long time. This is a combined cap with the non-clinical care contribution for residential aged care.
If you currently pay income-tested fees under a Home Care Package, the program is designed so you’ll pay the same or less
If you are a full rate pensioner paying no fees under your HCP as at 12 September 2024, you will never pay fees under Support at Home.
Note: Support at Home does not fund general living expenses like groceries, rent, utilities, or services unrelated to your care needs.
Understanding Your Budget
Support at Home introduces 8 classification levels (replacing the previous 4 Home Care Package levels). Your classification is determined through assessment based on your care needs – not your financial situation.
Each classification provides an annual budget allocation, paid quarterly:
The final budget amounts for all classifications will be subject to adjustments including indexation during the 2024-25 financial year.
| Classification | Annual Budget (approx.) | Quarterly Budget |
| 1 | $10,697.72 | $2,674.18 |
| 2 | $15,981.68 | $3,995.42 |
| 3 | $21,919.77 | $5,479.94 |
| 4 | $29,545.33 | $7,386.33 |
| 5 | $39,535.04 | $9,883.76 |
| 6 | $47,957.41 | $11,989.35 |
| 7 | $58,122.13 | $14,530.53 |
| 8 | $77,709.00 | $19,427.25 |
Participants who have not spent their budget within the quarter will be able to accrue a maximum of $1000 or 10% of their quarterly budget (whichever is higher) from one quarter to the next.
This provision allows you to save for larger expenses like home modifications or periods when you may need additional support.
What Support Can I Get?
Support at Home covers a wide range of services organized into three categories:
Clinical Care (Fully Government-Funded)
- Registered nursing care
- Allied health services: Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Podiatry, Speech therapy, Dietetics
- Mental health support and counselling
Independence Support (Shared Contribution Model)
- Personal care (assistance with showering, grooming, dressing, mobility)
- Social support and community participation
- Respite care for family carers
- Transport to medical appointments and social activities
- Assistive technology and equipment (walking frames, wheelchairs, hearing aids)
- Home safety modifications (grab rails, ramps, bathroom modifications)
Everyday Living Support (Higher Contribution Model)
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry)
- Shopping and errands
- Meal preparation and delivered meals
- Garden maintenance (for safety and access)
- Home maintenance and repairs (safety-related only)
Short-Term Support Pathways
In addition to ongoing care classifications, Support at Home offers three short-term pathways for specific situations:
01
Restorative Care Pathway
Purpose: Support to regain or maintain independence after illness, injury, or hospitalization
Funding: Participants approved for the Restorative Care Pathway at assessment will receive a budget of around $6,000 for the 12-week episode. Where a restorative care partner determines that additional services are required within the 12-week period, they may seek approval for up to an additional $6,000 to be used within that period.
Services may include: Allied health therapy and rehabilitation, exercise programs, adaptive equipment training
Goal: Help rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence for independent living
02
End-of-Life Pathway
Purpose: Support for people with a terminal diagnosis who wish to remain at home
Funding: A total of $25,000 will be available per eligible participant over a 3 month period, with a total of 16 weeks to use the funds to provide additional flexibility.
Services may include: Nursing care, personal care, symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, respite for family
Eligibility: The eligibility requirements for accessing the End-of-Life Pathway are:
- A doctor or nurse practitioner advising estimated life expectancy of less than 3 months
- Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status score (mobility/frailty indicator) of 40 or less.
03
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)
Purpose: Funding for equipment and home modifications to support safe, independent living
Funding tiers:
- Tier 1: Up to $500 (e.g., shower chairs, walking frames)
- Tier 2: Up to $2,000 (e.g., mobility aids, bathroom safety equipment)
- Tier 3: Up to $15,000 (e.g., wheelchair ramps, major bathroom modifications)
Lifetime cap: $15,000 across all tiers
This funding is separate from your ongoing care budget and can be accessed when assessed as necessary for your safety and independence.
Already on a Home Care Package?
If you’re currently receiving services through a Home Care Package, here’s what the government has announced about the transition:
You will automatically transition to Support at Home on 1 November 2025 – no new application is required
Your funding level will be matched or exceed your current HCP level
Any unspent funds in your current package will transfer with you
The “no worse off” principle applies – the program is designed so you won’t pay more than you currently do.
You can remain with your current provider (like Santa Clara) or choose to change providers
What Happens to Your Services?
The government’s intention is that your care continues without interruption. Once you transition, we’ll work with you to:
- Review your new Support Plan and classification
- Understand how your services fit within the new service categories
- Help you understand your quarterly budget and how it’s allocated
- Update your care plan to reflect any new goals or changing needs
Understanding Care Management
All Support at Home participants receive dedicated care management – it’s a mandatory program component, funded through your budget (up to 10%).
Your Care Partner Works With You To:
Develop your care plan – identifying goals and choosing appropriate services
Coordinate services – organizing providers and scheduling support
Conduct regular check-ins – monitoring your wellbeing and satisfaction
Support budget understanding – helping you track spending and understand your quarterly allocations
Review and adjust – updating your plan as your needs change
Provide education – helping you understand your rights and available choices
Self-Management Option
You can also choose to self-manage some or all of your services. If you choose this option, Santa Clara provides oversight support to ensure:
- Services meet quality and safety standards
- You’re exercising informed choice
- Your budget is being used in accordance with program requirements
- You have access to support when needed
Why the Change?
Support at Home was created in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The program objectives include:
✓ Providing more timely access to in-home care services
✓ Support at Home will have 8 classifications for ongoing services and 4 classifications for transitioned HCP recipients, enabling support to be more closely matched to individual needs
✓ Introducing a transparent contribution framework based on capacity to pay
✓ Ensuring all participants receive dedicated care management to coordinate services and support choice
✓ Providing flexible short-term pathways for restorative care, end-of-life support, and equipment needs
According to government projections, around 1.4 million older Australians will benefit from these changes, Up to 300,000 Australians will be on aged care waitlist by 2030 under new changes, modelling shows.
The reforms are legislated under the Aged Care Act 2024 and are scheduled for national implementation from 1 November 2025.
Your Rights Under Support at Home
As a Support at Home participant, you have the right to:
Choose your provider and change providers at any time
Be involved in decisions about your care and services
Receive safe, high-quality care that meets the Aged Care Quality Standards
Be treated with dignity and respect
Raise concerns or make complaints without fear of negative consequences
Access your personal information and care records
Have a support person or advocate involved in your care decisions
If you have concerns about your care, you can contact:
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission: 1800 951 822
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): 1800 700 600
Santa Clara Home Care is committed to meeting the Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring you receive safe, high-quality care that respects your dignity, choices, and independence.
How Santa Clara Home Care Supports You
After your assessment and approval through My Aged Care, we will collaborate with you to provide tailored support and services:
Help You Understand Your Support Plan
We clearly explain your classification, budget, and service options in simple terms, helping you understand and make informed decisions about your support plan.
Plan Services That Match Your Goals
Whether you seek social engagement, prioritise independence, or require clinical support, we tailor your care plan to meet your unique needs that matter to you.
Support Your Budget Planning
We offer guidance on selecting services, managing quarterly budgets, and understanding rollover provisions to help you optimize your resources and make the most of your budget.
Coordinate Your Services
We handle service scheduling, liaise with My Aged Care, monitor your spending, and ensure your care runs smoothly, so you can focus on your wellbeing
Adjust Services as Your Needs Change
We handle service scheduling, liaise with My Aged Care, monitor your spending, and ensure your care runs smoothly, so you can focus on your wellbeing.
Common Questions About Support at Home
What happens to my unspent Home Care Package funds?
A no worse off principle will apply to the contributions arrangements for people who, on 12 September 2024, were either receiving a package, on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package. These participants will be no worse off because of the reforms: they make the same contributions, or lower, than they would have had under Home Care Package (HCP) Program arrangements.
Can I keep my current provider?
Yes. You can remain with your current provider or choose to change providers under Support at Home. The choice is yours.
What if my needs increase mid-quarter?
You can request a reassessment through My Aged Care at any time. If approved, your classification and budget can be adjusted to reflect your changed needs.
Can I choose my own services?
Yes. You choose which services you want from the Support at Home Service List, and how often you receive them. Your provider helps coordinate everything.
What's the difference between Support at Home and NDIS?
NDIS supports Australians under 65 with permanent disabilities. Support at Home is for older Australians (65+), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person ages 50+, or person who is at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness ages 50+ needing age-related care support. They're separate programs with different eligibility criteria and assessment processes.
How do I apply?
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to request an assessment. Once you’re approved, contact us to arrange your services with Santa Clara.
What if I'm not approved or get a lower classification than expected?
You have the right to request a review of assessment decisions. We can help you understand the review process and what information may support your case.
What happens if I go into hospital?
According to program rules, your Support at Home funding continues while you're in hospital (up to a specified period). We can help arrange services for when you return home, including additional support during your recovery period.
How often is my care plan reviewed?
Care plans must be reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if your circumstances change, to provide services that meet your needs. We recommend regular check-ins (typically quarterly) to ensure services continue to meet your needs.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you’re new to aged care or transitioning from a Home Care Package, we’re here to provide information and support.
To Apply for Support at Home:
Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
Visit: myagedcare.gov.au
Once You’re Approved, We’re Here to Help:
Call Santa Clara Home Care: 02 8111 8121
Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm
Email: Info@santaclarahomecare.com.au
Request a callback – we’ll contact you within one business day:
Important Information
This information reflects the Support at Home Program Manual and Aged Care Act 2024 as published by the Australian Government as at [1 November, 2025].
Please note:
- Program details, contribution rates, and service definitions may be updated by the Department of Health and Aged Care before the 1 November 2025 commencement date
- Your individual classification, budget, and contributions will be determined by Services Australia and My Aged Care through their assessment processes – Santa Clara Home Care does not make these determinations
- Actual service availability and costs may vary based on your location and individual circumstances
- Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial or legal advice
- Budget amounts shown are approximate annual allocations as published in program materials and may be subject to indexation or adjustment
For the most current official program information, visit myagedcare.gov.au or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Santa Clara Home Care is registered aged care provider under the Aged Care Act 2024.
Last updated: [1 November, 2025]
Official Program Information
My Aged Care
Website: www.myagedcare.gov.au
Phone: 1800 200 422
Department of Health and Aged Care
Support at Home Program Information: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home
Services Australia
Aged Care Financial Assessment: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-apply-for-aged-care-calculation-your-cost-care?context=23296
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
Website: www.agedcarequality.gov.au
Phone: 1800 951 822
Stay safe. Stay supported. Stay at home, with Santa Clara Home Care.