If you, or someone you care for, had a Home Care Package, you have probably heard that things changed in November 2025. This guide explains the difference between Support at Home and Home Care Packages in plain English: what changed, who moved across, and what stayed the same.
What replaced Home Care Packages?
Support at Home started on 1 November 2025. It replaced two programs: the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The aim is to bring in-home aged care together under one program.
The government set it up in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which recommended combining the in-home programs. The stated goals include better access to services, assistive technology and home modifications, and helping older people stay active and connected.
What happened to people who already had a Home Care Package?
Former Home Care Package recipients were automatically approved for Support at Home when it started. They moved to a transitioned Support at Home classification with the same funding level as their old package level. There are four of these, matching Home Care Package levels 1 to 4.
If you had unspent Home Care Package funds, you kept them. They can be used for approved assistive technology and home modifications, or towards ongoing services once your quarterly budget is used up.
On contributions, My Aged Care says people who were receiving, or approved for, a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024 are no worse off under Support at Home. If they were assessed as paying Home Care Package fees, they pay the same or less.
What are the main differences?
- Levels became classifications: instead of four package levels, new approvals get one of 8 ongoing classifications.
- Budgets are quarterly: your annual amount is split into four quarterly budgets.
- Short-term pathways: there are dedicated pathways for restorative care, end-of-life care and assistive technology and home modifications.
- A defined service list: services are grouped into clinical supports, independence and everyday living.
- Contributions depend on the service: what you pay depends on the type of service and your income and assets.
The three short-term pathways are the Restorative Care Pathway, the End-of-Life Pathway and the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme. Our guide to Support at Home classifications and budgets has the current amounts.
What are the short-term pathways for?
The Restorative Care Pathway offers short-term care, mainly allied health and nursing, to help you regain function and stay independent. The AT-HM scheme gives upfront funding for products, equipment and home adjustments. The End-of-Life Pathway supports people to stay at home in their last 3 months of life, and you can be referred for a high-priority assessment even if you are not already in Support at Home.
How is the budget managed now?
Your budget is held by Services Australia on your behalf, so you do not manage the money yourself. You can carry some unspent funds into the next quarter, capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is higher. Your provider must give you an itemised monthly statement.
For ongoing services, 10% of your quarterly budget goes towards care management, allocated to your provider.
What about the Commonwealth Home Support Program?
The CHSP is the entry-level program for older people who need a little help, such as domestic assistance, transport, meal delivery or social support. It did not move into Support at Home in November 2025. In August 2026 the government announced that the CHSP has been extended to 30 June 2029, and it will consult on the future of entry-level care.
Do you need to do anything?
If you moved across from a Home Care Package, your services should have continued. It is worth checking your monthly statements, asking your provider how your quarterly budget is being used, and asking for a reassessment if your needs have changed.
If you are new to aged care, the starting point is an assessment through My Aged Care, online or on 1800 200 422.
Kindora Connect delivers Support at Home services as an associated provider through VitalCare Support, including personal care, domestic assistance and transport. Read what associated provider means.