Support at Home

A New Chapter in Aged Care: Understanding "Support at Home"

As of 1 November 2025, the Australian Government officially launched the Support at Home program. This reform replaced the former Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs to create a more streamlined, transparent, and flexible system for older Australians.

At Seasons Care Support, we are here to help you navigate these changes with ease and ensure you receive the maximum support available to stay independent, safe, and comfortable in your own home.

What is the Support at Home Program?

The program is designed to deliver coordinated care that evolves as your needs change. The new structure includes:

• 8 Ongoing Funding Classifications: A more precise alternative to the old 4-level system to better match your health and ageing needs.
• 3 Short-Term Support Pathways: Rapid funding for immediate needs such as Restorative Care, Home Modifications, and End-of-Life Care.
• Transition Protection: If you are moving from a Home Care Package (HCP), your funding level is protected to help keep care uninterrupted.

Note: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will continue in its current form until at least 1 July 2027.

What's New? Key Reforms Explained

The Support at Home program introduces major improvements designed to give you more control and better value from your funding.

1. From 4 Levels to 8 Classifications

The previous system relied on four broad levels. The new 8-tier system allows for a more accurate assessment so people with complex needs can receive higher support while everyone gets a plan tailored to their health profile.

2. Quarterly Budgets & Unspent Funds

Funding is now allocated in quarterly budgets for better visibility. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is higher) into the next period.

3. New Dedicated Short-Term Pathways

• Restorative Care: Up to 12 weeks of intensive support after illness.
• Assistive Technology & Home Mods: Access up to $15,000 for safety equipment, ramps, and rails.
• End-of-Life Care: Compassionate support in the final three months.

4. A Fairer Contribution Model (3 Categories)

• Category 1: Clinical Care (100% funded) - nursing, physiotherapy, and allied health with zero out-of-pocket costs.
• Category 2: Independence at Home - personal care and respite with moderate co-contribution.
• Category 3: Everyday Living - services like cleaning, gardening, and laundry with higher participant contribution.

5. Capped Administration Fees

Provider management fees are strictly capped at 10%, helping ensure more of your budget goes toward direct care. From 1 July 2026, government service price caps also apply across the Support at Home service list.