Understanding the Support at Home Program in Australia

By November 1, 2025, the Support at Home program will usher in a new era for in-home aged care, set to benefit up to 1.4 million Australians seeking to maintain their independence at home. This significant initiative from the Australian Government aims to bring together the Home Care Packages, Short-Term Restorative Care, and Commonwealth Home Support programs into a single, person-centred system. This guide will walk you through the program’s background and objectives, who qualifies for support as an older Australian or a person with a disability, the comprehensive range of services available, how funding works and what participants might contribute, the process for applying and being assessed through My Aged Care, the key reforms driving these changes, specialised support for diverse communities, what to anticipate with your personalised care plan, and clear answers to common queries. Throughout, you’ll discover how dedicated providers like Cura.org.au deliver care that is not only culturally attuned and focused on your individual needs but also offers expert guidance on funding to ensure you can live safely and independently in your own home.

What is the Support at Home Program and Why Was It Introduced?

The Support at Home program is a forward-thinking Australian Government initiative designed to replace a patchwork of existing in-home aged care schemes with a unified, consumer-directed system. Its core purpose is to enhance the quality of care, expand choices, and improve accessibility for all Australians. By integrating Home Care Packages, Short-Term Restorative Care, and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, it aims to deliver personalised services across eight distinct funding levels. This consolidated approach ensures that older Australians and eligible individuals with disabilities receive consistent, timely support that genuinely promotes their independence, overall wellbeing, and connection with the community.

How Does the Support at Home Program Replace Previous Aged Care Services?

The Support at Home program brings together three key existing programs into one streamlined offering:

• Home Care Packages (offering ongoing support across four tiers)
• Short-Term Restorative Care (providing up to 16 weeks of focused allied health and nursing support)
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (delivering foundational domestic and personal care services)

By consolidating these, the new program aims to eliminate service overlaps, simplify the process of finding and accessing care through a single assessment tool, and offer greater flexibility for individuals to select services that precisely match their needs. This integration is designed to reduce waiting times and ensure a consistent standard of care across all support levels, paving the way for smoother transitions between different types of care.

When Does the Support at Home Program Start and What Are Its Key Features?

The Support at Home program is scheduled to officially commence on November 1, 2025. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will begin its transition into the new system no earlier than July 1, 2027. Key features of the program include:

• Eight distinct funding levels, with annual budgets potentially reaching up to $78,000.
• Provision for upfront funding for assistive technology and home modifications, up to $15,000.
• A dedicated End-of-Life Pathway offering up to $25,000 in support over a 12-week period.
• A firmly embedded consumer-directed care model, placing choice and control firmly in the hands of participants.

By providing tailored budgets, the program empowers individuals to direct their funding towards clinical care, daily living assistance, and social support services, thereby reinforcing their autonomy and enabling truly personalised care planning.

How Does the Program Align with the Aged Care Reforms in Australia?

These significant reforms are a direct response to the findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, as well as the new Aged Care Act 2024. The overarching goals are to simplify access to care, elevate quality standards, and enhance consumer choice. The Support at Home program directly implements these recommendations by introducing a Single Assessment System utilising the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), establishing clear accountability for providers through transparent performance metrics, and integrating dedicated pathways for restorative and palliative care. This legislative evolution is set to improve the consistency of services, safeguard the wellbeing of participants, and ensure government funding is more closely aligned with individual needs.

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety put forward 148 recommendations aimed at reforming the aged care system. The Support at Home program is a direct outcome of these recommendations, designed to elevate the quality and safety of aged care services.

Who is Eligible for the Support at Home Program?

Eligibility for the Support at Home program is designed to be inclusive, considering both age and specific care needs to ensure that those who require support receive it in a timely manner.

What Are the General Eligibility Requirements for Older Australians?

To be eligible, individuals must generally be: aged care

• Aged 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
• Living in the community (not in permanent residential aged care).
• In need of assistance with everyday tasks or requiring clinical care.
• Have undergone an assessment through My Aged Care that confirms their care needs.

A positive outcome from the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) will then determine the appropriate funding level, from one of the eight available tiers, based on the assessed level of support required.

Eligibility for Support at Home Program

Eligibility for the Support at Home program is primarily determined by age and care needs. Australians aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals) who require help with daily living activities or clinical care, and have completed a My Aged Care assessment, are generally eligible.

How Does Eligibility Differ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders are eligible to access the program from the age of 50. This earlier eligibility reflects considerations around life expectancy and the potential for earlier onset of care needs within these communities. The assessment process is designed to be culturally sensitive, involving community engagement and liaison to ensure care planning is respectful and responsive to individual and community needs.

Are Individuals with Disabilities Eligible for Support at Home Services?

Yes. Individuals under the age of 65 who have a significant and permanent disability can access in-home aged care services if they meet specific criteria:

• They are participants in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and require support that goes beyond what their NDIS plan covers.
• They have been assessed by My Aged Care and deemed eligible for home care services under the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).

This dual-eligibility approach allows for better coordination between NDIS-funded disability supports and aged care services funded by the government.

How Is Eligibility Determined Through My Aged Care Assessments?

Eligibility is determined through a structured, step-by-step process managed by My Aged Care: My Aged Care

• Initial Contact and Registration: This begins with registering your needs, either by phone or through the online portal.
• Screening Call: A brief phone call to confirm basic eligibility and gather initial information.
• In-Home Assessment: A comprehensive assessment conducted in your home by a trained and qualified assessor, using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).
• Outcome and Recommendation: Following the assessment, you will receive a report detailing the outcome, which will recommend a specific funding level or suggest alternative support options if appropriate.

This unified assessment system is designed to ensure fairness, consistency in decision-making, and a clear pathway towards personalised care planning within the program.

What Services Are Provided Under the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program offers a wide spectrum of services, encompassing clinical care, personal assistance, household support, opportunities for social engagement, and specialised short-term pathways designed to help you maintain or regain your independence.

What Clinical Care Services Are Included?

Clinical care services are tailored to meet individual health needs and include nursing, allied health, and specialist therapies: support at home

These essential services aim to reduce the need for hospital admissions and empower participants to effectively manage chronic health conditions within the comfort of their own homes.

How Does Personal Care and Daily Living Assistance Work?

Personal care assistants provide crucial support with hygiene, dressing, grooming, and mobility. They can assist with: services.

• Morning and evening routines to start and end the day comfortably.
• Transfers and safe movement around the home.
• Activities that enable you to maintain your self-care and dignity.

This direct support significantly enhances overall wellbeing, eases the burden on family carers, and helps individuals maintain confidence in their daily lives.

What Domestic Assistance and Home Maintenance Services Are Available?

Domestic support services are focused on ensuring your living environment remains safe, clean, and comfortable:

• Light housekeeping tasks and laundry services.
• Assistance with meal planning and preparation.
• Minor home maintenance and basic garden upkeep.

By maintaining your home to a high standard, these services help to prevent accidents, reduce health risks, and ensure the smooth continuation of your daily routines.

What Transport and Social Support Services Does the Program Offer?

The program also includes services designed to combat social isolation and promote community connection:

• Assistance with attending scheduled community outings.
• Support for participation in group exercise classes or support groups.
• Transport to medical appointments and other essential errands.

These services are vital for maintaining mental wellbeing, fostering a sense of belonging, and bridging the gap between essential care and a fulfilling social life.

What Short-Term Care Pathways Are Included?

The Support at Home program incorporates two important short-term care pathways:

Restorative Care focuses on intensive allied health and nursing interventions to help you recover skills, while the End-of-Life Pathway provides dedicated funding for palliative care services, enabling you to remain comfortable and supported at home during your final months.

How is the Support at Home Program Funded and What Are the Costs?

The program is funded through a tiered system of annual budgets, with participants potentially contributing based on their income. Government funding plays a central role in covering the costs of care.

What Are the Eight Funding Levels and Their Benefits?

Participants will be allocated to one of eight funding levels, with higher levels providing access to more extensive support hours and a broader range of services:

Higher funding levels unlock access to services such as nursing care, occupational therapy, assistive technology, and substantial home modifications.

How Do Participant Contributions and Fees Work?

Your contribution towards the cost of care will depend on your income and assets. While clinical care services are fully funded by the government, there may be contributions required for personal and domestic services. These can include: support at home.

• A basic daily fee.
• An income-tested care fee, which has an annual cap.
• A means-tested special care fee (this is voluntary).

Importantly, fee exemptions are available for individuals holding concession cards, ensuring that the program remains affordable and that no one is financially worse off compared to the previous aged care arrangements.

What Government Funding Schemes Support the Program?

The Support at Home program is primarily financed by the Australian Government through the My Aged Care system. For eligible participants with disabilities, funding may also be supplemented by their NDIS plans. This collaborative funding approach allows for a broader range of supports to be covered, from essential home modifications to specialised disability equipment.

How Does Funding Support Assistive Technology and Home Modifications?

Participants who are allocated to funding levels 4 and above are eligible for upfront grants of up to $15,000. This funding can be used to purchase essential items like mobility aids, safety equipment for bathrooms, ramps, and sensory aids. By facilitating access to these modifications and technologies, the program aims to significantly reduce the risk of falls, promote greater self-sufficiency, and complement clinical care for improved health outcomes.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme

The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, an integral part of the Support at Home program, provides financial assistance for assistive technology and necessary home modifications. The scheme’s objective is to enhance the safety and independence of older Australians.

How Do You Apply for the Support at Home Program?

Accessing the Support at Home program follows a clear, four-step process designed for transparency and efficiency.

What Is the My Aged Care Assessment Process?

The application process involves these key steps:

• Register Your Needs: You can register by calling My Aged Care or by completing an online application.
• Eligibility Screening: A phone call to confirm your basic eligibility and gather essential information.
• In-Home Assessment: A comprehensive assessment conducted in your home by a qualified assessor using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).
• Outcome and Recommendation: You will receive a report detailing the assessment outcome, which will recommend a suitable funding level or suggest alternative support options.

This structured approach aims to provide a clear outcome within a few weeks, reducing uncertainty and enabling timely access to care services.

My Aged Care Assessment Process

The My Aged Care assessment process begins with an initial check to determine eligibility, followed by an in-home assessment to accurately gauge the level of support required. This process is crucial for identifying the most appropriate aged care services for each individual.

How Does the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) Work?

The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) employs a standardised set of questions and observational methods across six key domains: mobility, self-care, cognition, communication, behaviour, and social engagement. This systematic approach generates an objective scoring profile, which is then used to align participants with the appropriate funding levels, ensuring consistency and fairness in care allocation.

How Do You Choose a Support at Home Provider?

Selecting the right provider is a crucial step. Consider the following:

• Review the range of services offered and the provider’s specific expertise.
• Explore their approach to consumer-directed care and how it aligns with your preferences.
• Consider their cultural competence, especially if you belong to a CALD or Indigenous community.
• Look into provider performance ratings and read testimonials from other clients.

Providers like Cura.org.au are committed to developing personalised care plans, offering multilingual staff, and utilising community liaison officers to ensure the best match for your individual needs and preferences.

What Are the Steps to Access In-Home Aged Care Services?

Once your assessment is complete and you have received your approval:

• Receive Approval and Budget: You will be notified of your approval and provided with details of your allocated budget.
• Develop Your Care Plan: Meet with your chosen provider to collaboratively create a personalised care plan that outlines your specific needs and goals.
• Schedule Your Services: Arrange for your chosen services to be delivered according to your care plan.
• Regular Reviews: Your care plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet your evolving needs and lifestyle goals.

Ongoing reviews are essential to ensure your care plan remains relevant and effective as your circumstances change.

What Are the Key Changes and Reforms Affecting Support at Home?

The Support at Home program is a significant reform, directly implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission. It introduces new support pathways, enhanced quality measures, and updated funding structures.

How Does Support at Home Replace Home Care Packages and Other Programs?

By November 1, 2025, Home Care Packages (across all four levels) and the Short-Term Restorative Care program will be integrated into the new eight-level Support at Home structure. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is expected to transition by July 1, 2027. This phased transition is designed to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of care for all recipients.

What Is the Role of the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme?

This scheme, now a core component of the Support at Home program, provides grants of up to $15,000 for essential equipment and home modifications. It aims to expedite access to vital items such as mobility aids, fall-prevention devices, and safety upgrades for the home, thereby reducing hospital readmissions and significantly boosting participant independence. For more information, visit our Support at Home page.

How Does the Restorative Care Pathway Support Independence?

The restorative care pathway offers up to 16 weeks of focused allied health and nursing interventions. The primary goals are:

• To improve muscle strength and balance.
• To enhance fine motor skills required for daily tasks.
• To provide cognitive support for memory and planning abilities.

This structured rehabilitation approach is designed to help individuals regain lost function and reduce their long-term reliance on ongoing care services.

What Support Does the End-of-Life Pathway Provide?

The End-of-Life Pathway allocates dedicated funding of up to $25,000 over a 12-week period. This funding supports specialised palliative nursing, home nursing, and allied health services. Its purpose is to ensure comfort, effective symptom management, and vital respite support for families, allowing individuals to remain in their familiar home environment during their final months.

How Does Support at Home Cater to Diverse Communities?

The Support at Home program is committed to embedding cultural competence and fostering community engagement to effectively meet the unique needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders.

What Support Is Available for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Communities?

Providers are equipped to offer: aged care services

• Access to multilingual staff and professional interpreters.
• Care plans and resources available in various languages.
• Cultural liaison officers who can connect participants with relevant community networks and support systems.

This tailored approach helps to build trust, ensure clear communication, and show respect for diverse dietary, religious, and social customs.

How Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders Supported?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders are eligible for aged care support from the age of 50. The program ensures culturally appropriate care through:

• Guidance from Indigenous health workers throughout the assessment process.
• Development of care plans that respect cultural identity and practices.
• Active engagement with local elders and community groups to ensure culturally safe and relevant support.

This focus upholds cultural heritage and leverages community strengths to promote overall wellbeing.

What Inclusive Aged Care Services Does Cura.org.au Provide?

Cura.org.au specialises in delivering: services

• Person-centred care planning that deeply respects individual cultural values.
• Specialised support services for individuals living with dementia and disabilities.
• Effective coordination with CALD and Indigenous community organisations to ensure seamless support.

Their holistic approach to in-home support integrates clinical care, personal assistance, and social engagement, all aimed at nurturing independence and preserving dignity.

What Can You Expect When Receiving Support at Home Services?

Participants can anticipate a well-structured and transparent journey, from the initial assessment phase right through to the ongoing delivery of care services.

How Are Personalised Care Plans Developed?

Your personalised care plan is a collaborative document that combines your assessment outcomes, your personal goals, and the expertise of your care provider. It will outline: services.

• The specific services you will receive, including the frequency and duration.
• Details of your service providers and how to contact them.
• A schedule for regular reviews to make any necessary adjustments to your plan.

This collaborative development process ensures that your care plan remains relevant and effective as your needs evolve over time.

What Is Consumer-Directed Care and How Does It Work?

Consumer-directed care places you at the centre of your care decisions, offering: home care packages

• Significant control over the choice and timing of your services.
• Flexibility in how you allocate your budget across different providers.
• The ability to have direct input into the selection of your care workers.

This model is designed to enhance your sense of choice, support your self-management capabilities, and ultimately lead to greater satisfaction with your care experience.

How Is Provider Accountability Ensured?

Providers are held to high standards through: aged care

• Regular quality audits and mandatory performance reporting.
• Established mechanisms for gathering participant feedback and handling complaints.
• Strict adherence to national quality standards and the requirements of the Aged Care Act 2024.

This robust accountability framework is in place to safeguard the quality of services and uphold the rights of all participants.

What Are Common Outcomes and Benefits for Clients?

Individuals receiving support through the program commonly experience:

• Enhanced functional independence in their daily lives.
• A reduced likelihood of hospitalisation.
• Stronger social connections and community engagement.
• Increased confidence and wellbeing.

These positive outcomes clearly demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in promoting health, wellbeing, and active participation in the community.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About the Support at Home Program?

While many questions arise, these key points often appear in People Also Ask sections and help clarify program distinctions and practical aspects.

What Is the Difference Between Support at Home and Home Care Packages?

The Support at Home program integrates the former Home Care Packages into a new system of eight flexible funding levels. It simplifies access through a single assessment tool and introduces dedicated short-term restorative and end-of-life care pathways, offering a more comprehensive support structure.

How Much Does the Support at Home Program Cost?

The government fully funds clinical care services. For personal and domestic support, participants may contribute through basic daily fees and income-tested care fees. Contribution caps are in place to protect concession card holders and ensure individuals are not financially disadvantaged compared to previous arrangements.

When Will the Commonwealth Home Support Programme Transition?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is scheduled to transition into the Support at Home program no earlier than July 1, 2027. This transition will be managed carefully to ensure seamless continuity of services for those currently receiving entry-level support.

How Can You Access Assistive Technology Funding?

Participants allocated to funding levels 4 and above are automatically eligible for grants of up to $15,000 through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme. This funding can be used for the prompt purchase and installation of essential mobility and safety equipment.

Who Can I Contact for More Information or Support?

For personalised guidance, detailed budget explanations, and culturally sensitive care planning, please reach out to Cura.org.au’s friendly care coordinators. They are ready to assist you with assessments, finding the right services, and ongoing care plan reviews.

Living independently at home, with access to tailored clinical, personal, and social support, is now more achievable than ever thanks to the Support at Home program. By consolidating previous aged care services, prioritising consumer choice, providing government funding, and implementing robust quality safeguards, this initiative empowers older Australians and individuals with disabilities to thrive in the comfort of their own homes. Providers like Cura.org.au enhance government funding by offering personalised care plans, cultural expertise, and skilled navigation of funding options, ensuring every participant experiences the dignity, safety, and wellbeing they deserve. For expert advice, assistance with funding, or to begin your care journey, connect with Cura.org.au today.