What Happened to Home Care Packages?

If you’re searching for information about Home Care Packages in Australia, you may be noticing a new term everywhere: Support at Home.

The Home Care Package (HCP) program has transitioned to the Support at Home program. 

Many Australians still refer to their funding as a “home care package”, but it is now officially a Support at Home classification, with eight classifications (Levels 1–8) based on your assessed needs.

This guide explains what has changed, what hasn’t, and what to do if you’re an existing recipient with another provider or new to aged care. There is also helpful links to other related articles throughout so you can have all the information.

What is the Support at Home program?

Support at Home is the updated Australian Government program for in-home aged care. It replaces Home Care Packages 

The aim of all home care services is to help older Australians remain safe, independent and supported at home, with services tailored to individual goals and circumstances.

Support at Home classifications: Levels 1–8 explained

Under the previous Home Care Package system, funding was provided across four levels. Support at Home introduces eight classifications (Levels 1-8) and quarterly budgets, creating a more graduated approach.

After your ACAT My Aged Care assessment, your classification determines funding for services such as:

• Personal care
• Domestic assistance
• Nursing and clinical care
• Allied health services
• Social support and community participation
• Transport and meal assistance

I’m an existing Home Care Package recipient — what happens now?

If you were already receiving a Home Care Package, you would likely have already had a conversation with your provider about transitioning to Support at Home. Even so, it’s common for people to keep using the term “Home Care Package” in everyday conversation.

At Just Better Care, we communicated these changes to our customers in advance to ensure clarity and continuity of care.

Your care and support continue — the main change is that funding is now managed under a Support at Home classification, and depending on your circumstances, you may also have a "no worse off" principle applied. For more information, read Support at Home for existing HCP customers

Can I change my provider under Support at Home?

Yes. You always have the right to choose and change your aged care provider.

If you are currently with another provider and feel you need clearer communication, more flexibility, or support that better aligns with your goals, changing providers may be the right step. Your classification and funding remain in place — they move with you.

At Just Better Care, we can help make the process of switching providers straightforward and respectful, including:

• Helping you understand your Support at Home classification
• Reviewing your current care plan and goals
• Supporting a smooth handover so services continue without disruption

If you’d like to speak with someone locally about your situation, you can contact your nearest Just Better Care office to get started.

I’m new to aged care. How do I access Support at Home?

If you’re new to aged care, the first step is understanding which type of support is right for your situation. 

Support at Home is one option available to older Australians, but it’s not the only one. Depending on your needs, you may be referred to other government-funded programs following your assessment. 

To access the majority of government funded aged care, the typical steps are:

1. Register with My Aged Care via their website myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422 
2. Book an ACAT My Aged Care assessment, typically performed in the home
3. Receive a Support at Home classification (Level 1–8)
4. Choose an approved provider to deliver your services

If you require assistance straight away, you can also consider private (self-funded) home care, which offers immediate and flexible support. You can learn more about how this works and why families choose it here: Why choose private care?

Why do people still say “Home Care Package”?

“Home Care Package” is still widely used in the community and remains a common search term. 

Even though the program has transitioned, it’s normal for the old terminology to stick around. The official program name is now Support at Home.

What hasn’t changed?

Even with the new structure, the fundamentals remain the same:

• You can receive aged care support in your own home
• You have a choice and control over your provider
• Your services should be personalised and reflect your goals, preferences and needs.

Support at Home: Questions and Answers

What replaced Home Care Packages in Australia?

Home Care Packages have been replaced by the Australian Government’s Support at Home program. Support at Home provides government-funded in-home aged care services based on assessed needs. Funding is now structured into eight classifications (Levels 1–8), rather than the previous four Home Care Package levels.

What is the Support at Home program?

Support at Home is Australia’s national in-home aged care program. It helps older Australians remain safe, independent and supported in their own home. Funding is allocated according to assessed care needs and can be used for services such as personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, allied health and social support.

How many levels are there in Support at Home?

There are eight Support at Home classifications, ranging from Level 1 (lower support needs) to Level 8 (higher support needs). These classifications provide a more graduated funding structure than the former four Home Care Package levels.

What happened to existing Home Care Package recipients?

Existing Home Care Package recipients transitioned to the Support at Home program. Their funding moved across to a Support at Home classification, and services generally continued without interruption.

Will I lose my Home Care Package funding?

No. If you were previously approved for a Home Care Package, your funding transitioned into the Support at Home program. Your classification now determines your funding level, but your approved support remains in place.

How is my Support at Home classification determined?

Your classification is determined through an aged care assessment arranged via My Aged Care. The assessment considers your health, mobility, daily living activities and personal goals. Based on this assessment, you are allocated a classification from Level 1 to Level 8.

What services can Support at Home funding cover?

Support at Home funding may cover:

• Personal care
• Domestic assistance
• Nursing and clinical services
• Allied health services
• Transport
• Meal preparation
• Social support

Services should align with your assessed care needs and support you to live safely and independently at home.

Is Support at Home means-tested?

Yes. Support at Home may include an income-tested contribution depending on your financial circumstances. Services Australia determines whether you need to contribute and, if so, how much.

Is there a waiting list for Support at Home?

There can be waiting periods between assessment approval and funding availability, depending on demand and government allocation. If you require immediate assistance, private in-home care can provide support while you wait.

Can I change my Support at Home provider?

Yes. You have the right to change providers at any time. Your Support at Home classification and approved funding move with you. Changing providers does not reduce your funding level.

How do I apply for Support at Home?

To apply for Support at Home, you must:

1. Register with My Aged Care
2. Complete an aged care assessment
3. Receive your classification (Level 1–8)
4. Choose an approved provider

Can I receive private care as well as Support at Home?

Yes. Some people choose to supplement their government-funded Support at Home services with private in-home care. This can provide additional flexibility, especially while waiting for funding or if higher levels of support are needed.