Support at Home: 10 Frequently Asked Questions

From 1 November 2025, Australia’s in-home aged care is moving to Support at Home (SAH), replacing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). This guide answers common questions so you can plan with confidence.

1) What is Support at Home and when does it start?

Support at Home begins on 1 November 2025. People currently on HCP or STRC transition automatically. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will move across later (no earlier than 1 July 2027).

2) What changes from Home Care Packages to Support at Home?

• Funding model: HCP had 4 levels; SAH uses 8 ongoing classifications plus 3 short-term pathways.
• Quarterly budgets: Annual funds are split into four quarters for easier planning and review.
• Carry-over cap: Up to the higher of $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget can roll into the next quarter.
• Care management: A standard 10% of each budget is reserved for care management in a pooled fund (no separate package management fee).
• Assistive Technology & Home Modifications: Dedicated funding stream (not from your core care budget).
• Contributions: Income-tested with a lifetime cap; “no-worse-off” protections apply for existing participants.

3) How will my budget work?

Your approved annual amount is divided into four quarterly budgets. If you are moving from HCP, your current annual funding continues under SAH, paid quarterly.

4) How much can I carry over each quarter?

You can carry over the higher of $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget. Any unspent HCP funds at transition come with you and are not subject to this cap—these can top up your quarterly budget or be used for Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM).

5) How does care management work now?

A standard 10% of your budget is set aside for care management to keep your plan on track and responsive to changes. Providers can flexibly use these pooled funds to support timely reviews and adjustments across all participants.

6) What is the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme?

AT-HM has its own funding stream, typically available in three tiers (low, medium, high). Government covers assessments/prescriptions, and funding usually lasts up to 12 months. This makes safety equipment and home modifications clearer to plan and pay for.

7) Will I need to contribute?

Contributions are income-tested with a lifetime cap. These contributions will vary and will be included in your notice of decision. If you were already in an aged-care (Home Care Package) program on 12 September 2024, the “no-worse-off” rule applies (you won’t pay more than under the previous settings).

8) What if my full budget isn’t available straight away?

You may receive interim funding (up to 60% of your approved budget) until your full amount is finalised.

9) I’m on a Home Care Package now — what happens to me?

You transition automatically to SAH with your current funding. No re-application is required unless your needs have changed significantly. Your provider can continue services, and any unspent HCP funds transfer with you.

10) What short-term pathways are available?

• Restorative Care Pathway: Up to 16 weeks focused on reablement and allied health supports.
• End-of-Life Pathway: Up to 16 weeks of additional, tailored support.
• AT-HM Pathway: Access to equipment and home modifications that keep you safe at home.