The Support at Home program began on 1 November 2025, replacing the old Home Care Packages (HCP) program. Support at Home was designed to make things simpler, fairer and much more flexible for older people who need regular or higher levels of help to live safely at home.
Instead of receiving a “set” package of money (like in the old HCP system), people are now placed into a classification level which is determined through your Aged Care Assessment, using the new integrated Assessment Tool.
This level reflects:
Your classification level guides how much funding is available for your care – and importantly, it can be adjusted whenever your needs change. You don’t sign a long-term contract for a fixed budget. This means you can move up or down levels without having to start over or renegotiate a whole new agreement.
One of the biggest improvements in Support at Home is flexibility:
If your health changes, you become less mobile, or you need more support, your assessor can review your situation and increase your classification level.
This is new – and an important part of the program. If you recover well after illness or surgery, or if reablement helps you regain strength and independence, you may need less help than before.
This is a good outcome and means your level may go down. You only receive (and contribute toward) the services you actually need right now.
There is no fixed dollar amount attached to your name. Instead, the system adapts to your current level of functioning, so support can be:
This approach aims to give older Australians the right help at the right time, without the old frustrations of waiting lists, rigid package deadlines, or unused funds.
Based on your classification level, you may receive support such as:
The goal of the program is to help you stay well, stay safe, and stay at home for as you choose, or for as long as possible.
Reablement is a big part of Support at Home.
This means care providers focus on helping you:
For example:
If you have been in hospital after a fall, your Support at Home services might include physiotherapy, home safety improvements, and a short burst of extra support.
The system rewards positive health outcomes, not dependency.
More flexibility
Services tailored to your changing needs
No locked-in packages
The ability to move up or down levels easily
Support that encourages independence, not dependency
A smoother experience than the old Home Care Packages program
