Navigating Aged Care Reforms: Home Care Packages vs. Support at Home – Your Essential Guide

Are you trying to understand the changes in Australian aged care and how Home Care Packages stack up against the new Support at Home Program? Knowing the ins and outs of these government-backed support systems is crucial for older Australians, individuals with disabilities, and their loved ones. This guide will walk you through Home Care Package levels, how assessments work, the types of services available, associated costs, and the upcoming shift to the Support at Home Program, launching on 1 November 2025. You’ll also discover how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) fits in, how to get started with My Aged Care, and how Cura.org.au can help you create a care plan that’s uniquely yours.

Understanding Home Care Packages: What They Are and How They Function

Home Care Packages are government-funded support plans designed to help older Australians continue living independently at home with personalised care services. You access these through My Aged Care, following an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). They offer a blend of personal care, household help, and allied health services.

My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the central point of contact for Australian Government-funded aged care services. It provides information, helps arrange assessments, and connects you with service providers, guiding older individuals and their families through the aged care system.

What Exactly is a Home Care Package? Its Purpose and Definition

A Home Care Package is a government-subsidised care plan for Australians who need extra support to live independently at home. It covers everyday tasks, health support, and opportunities for social engagement, all delivered by approved service providers. By matching your specific needs with a funding level, it aims to enhance your dignity, safety, and overall well-being at home and within your community.

Home Care Package Levels and Current Funding (from 1 July 2025)

Notes: Annual amounts are calculated from official daily subsidy rates × 365. Actual package budgets may be reduced by any income-tested care fee and can vary with applicable supplements. Providers may also choose to charge a basic daily fee in home care (separate to the subsidy and income-tested care fee). Figures are reviewed periodically; treat these as current at time of publication.

Transition note: From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home program is scheduled to replace the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs. Check official updates if your readers are viewing this after that date.

Last updated: September 2025

These funding amounts allow you to arrange services like help with personal care, home upkeep, and consultations with allied health professionals. Each level is designed to cater to increasing levels of care needs.

Who Qualifies for Home Care Packages? Understanding the ACAT Assessment Process

To be eligible, you’ll need an ACAT assessment. This assessment looks at your ability to manage daily tasks, your health requirements, and your living situation. If you’re 65 or older (or 50 or older if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), you can ask My Aged Care to arrange an assessment. The ACAT team will review your daily living skills, mobility, cognitive function, and social support network to determine the right package level for you.

Eligibility for Home Care Packages

To be eligible for a Home Care Package, individuals must be aged 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people). Eligibility is determined through an assessment of health, mobility, and personal circumstances.

What Kind of Services Can You Expect with a Home Care Package?

• Assistance with personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, and moving around.
• Help with household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and preparing meals.
• Access to clinical services like nursing, physiotherapy, and podiatry.
• Support for social activities, including transport and community outings.
• Modifications to your home and access to assistive technology.

This comprehensive range ensures that you receive integrated support for both your daily routines and your health management.

Understanding the Costs and Fees Associated with Home Care Packages

The cost of your package involves a government contribution and potential contributions from you: home care packages

• Basic daily fee: This is set at a maximum of 17.5% of the single basic age pension.
• Income-tested care fee: An additional contribution based on your income assessment.
• Service fees: Any extra charges from your provider for specialised services.

These fees have limits to ensure they remain affordable and fair for everyone, regardless of their income.

Introducing the Support at Home Program: The Future of In-Home Aged Care

The Support at Home Program is Australia’s new, rights-based approach to in-home aged care. It will combine Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care into one flexible system, starting on 1 November 2025. This program aims to simplify funding, assessments, and how services are delivered.

What is the Support at Home Program? Key Features and Definition

The Support at Home Program is a unified government service offering tiered in-home support across eight classification levels. It broadens the range of services available, simplifies the assessment process, and provides upfront funding for assistive technology and home modifications. With a focus on a single provider managing your care and personalised planning, it champions a rights-based approach focused on quality and openness.

Support at Home Program

The Support at Home Program, commencing November 1, 2025, will replace the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs. It aims to streamline in-home care, offering a more flexible system for older Australians.

When Does the Support at Home Program Begin? Understanding the Transition Timeline

The Support at Home Program officially launches on 1 November 2025. If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package or Short-Term Restorative Care, you’ll be moved to a comparable classification level automatically. The Commonwealth Home Support Program will begin its transition no earlier than July 2027. During this period, you’ll have the opportunity to review and adjust your care plan within the new program’s structure.

Who is Eligible for the Support at Home Program? A Look at the New Assessment Process

Eligibility remains for Australians aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people). A new, single assessment system will replace the ACAT and CHSP reviews. My Aged Care will use a streamlined process to evaluate your needs across daily living, clinical support, and social engagement, assigning you one of eight classification levels.

What Services Will Be Available Under the Support at Home Program?

• Personal care and help with household tasks.
• Clinical care, including nursing and allied health services.
• Restorative support designed to boost your independence.
• End-of-life and palliative care services.
• Support for community involvement and social connections.
• Assistive technology and home modifications.

The increased flexibility means you can create personalised combinations of services that adapt to your changing needs.

How Will Funding and Participant Contributions Work in the Support at Home Program?

Funding under the Support at Home Program will include:

• Eight classification levels, each with increasing subsidy amounts.
• Upfront funding specifically for assistive technology and home modifications.
• A lifetime cap of A$130,000 on participant contributions for non-clinical supports.
• A “no worse off” guarantee, ensuring current recipients won’t face financial disadvantages during the transition.

These measures are in place to ensure clarity, limit your out-of-pocket expenses, and support self-management if you choose.

How Will the New Aged Care Act Influence the Support at Home Program?

The new Aged Care Act establishes a rights-based framework that prioritises your choice, dignity, and quality of care. It requires clear care agreements, regular reviews, and effective complaint resolution processes. This legislative update strengthens accountability for service providers and enhances protections for consumers within the Support at Home Program.

The Aged Care Act 2024

The Australian Parliament passed the Aged Care Act 2024 on November 25, 2024, which will commence on November 1, 2025. This new Act introduces a rights-based framework for aged care, focusing on the rights of individuals accessing government-funded aged care services.

Transitioning from Home Care Packages to the Support at Home Program: What You Need to Know

If you’re currently on a Home Care Package, you’ll be automatically moved to a corresponding Support at Home classification. This ensures your care continues seamlessly without any need for a new application.

What Should Current Home Care Package Recipients Be Aware Of During the Transition?

It’s a good idea to review your current service agreements, check your assigned classification level, and discuss any new care needs—like the upfront funding for assistive technology—with your provider. The “no worse off” guarantee means your existing funding entitlements will be protected throughout this change.

What is the Timeline and Process for This Automatic Transition?

• Notification: My Aged Care will inform you about how your classification maps to the new program and the relevant timelines.
• Review Period: You’ll have a 90-day period to discuss any adjustments to your plan with your provider.
• Implementation: On 1 November 2025, all Home Care Packages will officially become Support at Home agreements.
• Ongoing Review: Your care plan will be reassessed annually using the integrated assessment tool.

This structured approach ensures your care remains consistent while allowing you to fine-tune your personalised plan.

How Will Funding and Services Change During the Transition?

Your funding levels will remain consistent thanks to the “no worse off” protections. You’ll also benefit from additional upfront grants for home modifications and assistive technology. The Support at Home Program offers greater flexibility, allowing you to combine clinical, restorative, and social support services within a single care agreement.

Understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and How It Compares to Aged Care

The NDIS is Australia’s dedicated support system for individuals under 65 who have permanent and significant disabilities. It operates differently from aged care programs in terms of its purpose, eligibility, and how funding is managed.

What is the NDIS’s Purpose and Who is Eligible?

The NDIS provides personalised funding for disability-related supports, aiming to foster independence and social inclusion. To be eligible, you must:

• Have a disability that is permanent and significantly impacts your daily life.
• Be under 65 years old when you apply.
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

NDIS Eligibility

The NDIS provides support for people under 65 with permanent and significant disabilities. Eligibility is based on age, residency, and the nature of the impairment and its impact on daily functions.

What Services and Funding Does the NDIS Offer?

• Personal care and support coordination.
• Assistive technology and necessary equipment.
• Therapeutic services, such as occupational therapy and speech pathology.
• Support for community participation and employment opportunities.

What Are the Main Differences Between the NDIS and Aged Care Programs?

Can You Receive Both NDIS and Aged Care Funding Simultaneously?

Australian policy does not permit receiving both NDIS and aged care funding for the exact same support needs. You’ll need to determine which scheme best aligns with your age, primary support requirements, and long-term aspirations.

Navigating My Aged Care to Access Home Care Packages and the Support at Home Program

Using My Aged Care is your gateway to assessments, funding approvals, and finding approved service providers, all within a single, user-friendly platform.

How Do You Apply for Aged Care Services Through My Aged Care?

• Register your details online or by calling My Aged Care.
• Complete a questionnaire about your health, mobility, and home environment.
• Arrange for an ACAT assessment or the new integrated assessment.
• Receive notification of your funding approval and classification level.
• Select a service provider to collaborate on your personalised care plan.

This straightforward process makes it easier to access government-subsidised home care services.

What Role Does the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) Play in Determining Eligibility?

The ACAT team assesses your functional capabilities, cognitive health, living situation, and social support network to determine your eligibility for Home Care Packages. From November 2025, a unified assessment tool will replace ACAT for the Support at Home Program, simplifying the process and reducing any overlap.

How Can You Find and Choose an Approved Aged Care Provider?

My Aged Care offers a directory of accredited organisations that provide Home Care Packages, Short-Term Restorative Care, and soon, Support at Home services. Take time to compare providers based on their services, fees, and client feedback before arranging an initial meeting.

What Government Funding Options and Subsidies Are Available?

In addition to the main package subsidies, you might be eligible for:

• Commonwealth Home Support Program grants for essential services (transitioning July 2027).
• Assistive Technology Grants to help with equipment and home modifications.
• Aged Care Supplements for specific needs like veterans’ care, dementia support, or intensive care requirements.
• Energy Concession Rebates and state-specific subsidies to help with utility bills.

Combining these can provide comprehensive support while helping to manage your personal expenses.

Key Differences Between Home Care Packages and the Support at Home Program

A direct comparison highlights how the new Support at Home Program is set to enhance the existing Home Care Packages, offering greater choice, transparency, and flexibility.

How Do Eligibility Criteria Differ Between the Two Programs?

Home Care Packages require an ACAT review focused on age-related functional decline. In contrast, the Support at Home Program will use a unified assessment tool that captures your restorative, clinical, and social support needs all in one evaluation.

What Are the Differences in Service Scope and Flexibility?

The Support at Home Program expands the service offerings beyond the Home Care Package framework by integrating restorative care, palliative support, and wellbeing activities into a single, cohesive plan. You’ll have more flexibility to shift funds between different service types without needing separate applications.

How Do Funding Levels and Contribution Models Compare?

What Are the Advantages of the Support at Home Program Over Home Care Packages?

By consolidating services, the Support at Home Program simplifies the system, speeds up access to assistive technology and home modifications, and strengthens consumer rights under the new Aged Care Act. Streamlined assessments and the option for a single provider will improve care continuity and make managing your plan much easier.

How Cura.org.au Supports You Through Aged Care Reforms and Transitions

Cura.org.au is dedicated to helping older Australians and individuals with disabilities navigate the evolving aged care and NDIS landscapes. We provide personalised in-home care plans that comply with both current and upcoming programs.

How Does Cura.org.au Develop Personalised Care Plans for Both Programs?

Our care coordinators engage in thorough consultations to understand your unique strengths, potential risks, and personal goals. We then craft a tailored mix of services—from personal care to allied health—ensuring your Home Care Package or Support at Home plan perfectly matches your lifestyle preferences and care objectives.

How Can Cura Assist with Navigating My Aged Care and Assessment Processes?

With extensive experience in ACAT and integrated assessments, our team is adept at preparing necessary documentation, liaising with assessors, and clarifying assessment outcomes. We work to expedite funding approvals and plan activations, ensuring you can start receiving the aged care support you need without delay.

What Support Does Cura.org.au Offer for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities?

We collaborate with multilingual care coordinators and community liaisons to design care plans that are culturally sensitive and appropriate. Through language assistance, consideration of dietary needs, and inclusive community engagement, we ensure CALD clients receive respectful and supportive care.

How Does Cura.org.au Help with Self-Management and Choosing Providers?

If you prefer to manage your own care, our self-management portal allows you to select your services and track your budget. For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, our care managers handle scheduling, provider selection, and financial reconciliation, adapting your plan as your needs change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care Packages and the Support at Home Program

Many individuals seek clearer answers regarding these important programs. Common questions focus on the differences between the programs, their start dates, how to become eligible, scenarios involving dual funding, and the specifics of the transition process. Getting clear, timely information can significantly help in making well-informed decisions about your aged care and disability support.

Future Trends and Reforms in Australian In-Home Aged Care

Continuous reforms and advancements in technology are set to transform how Australians access and manage their in-home care services.

How Will the Support at Home Program Enhance Quality and Transparency?

The new rights-based legislation mandates clear care agreements, enforces quality standards, and provides accessible complaint resolution processes. Digital portals offering real-time plan summaries will increase visibility of your entitlements, fees, and how your services are performing.

What is the Expected Impact of Increased Funding and Participant Numbers?

With a significant investment of A$4.3 billion and an anticipated rise to 1.4 million participants by 2035, the capacity for service delivery will grow across both metropolitan and regional areas. This investment will support workforce development, innovative care models, and specialised services to meet a wide range of consumer needs.

How Does the Lifetime Contribution Cap Ensure Fairness?

By capping non-clinical contributions at A$130,000, this measure protects long-term recipients from excessive fees, balancing the sustainability of government subsidies with the financial security of consumers. This safeguard encourages timely service adjustments and plan reviews.

What Can We Expect from Emerging Assessment Tools Like the Single Assessment System?

The Single Assessment System aims to unify clinical, social, and restorative evaluations through digital questionnaires and potentially in-home sensor data. Predictive analytics will be used to identify early support needs and optimise classification levels, reducing delays and improving the accuracy of care plans. For more information, visit understanding home care packages.

Independent comparisons and forward-thinking reforms position the Support at Home Program as a significant advancement in Australian care services. By preparing now—through clear assessments, reviewing your care plan, and seeking expert guidance from Cura.org.au—you can secure personalised, rights-based support that evolves with your needs. Whether you’re currently under a Home Care Package, preparing for the Support at Home framework, or navigating the NDIS, making informed choices today leads to greater independence, enhanced well-being, and lasting peace of mind.