At Cura Aged Care, our commitment to supporting your independence and wellbeing at home continues with the new Support at Home program. From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government transitioned the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) into this simplified, integrated program. We’re here to ensure you understand these changes and to guide you through your continued support.
The Support at Home (SaH) program is an upcoming government initiative designed to improve aged care services for older Australians living at home. While some details are still being finalised by the Australian Government, the information provided here serves as a general guide to help you understand what’s ahead. The program, initially set to begin on 1 July 2025, was deferred by the Department of Health and Aged Care and commenced on 1 November 2025, providing more time for discussions on aged care reforms.
Cura are dedicated to keeping our clients and community informed, ensuring they feel informed and supported. Future changes may occur based on government recommendations, and we will continue to share any updates as they happen.
To learn more about the initial deferral and its impact, you can read a letter from Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP.
The Support at Home (SaH) program replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs, introducing eight tailored SaH funding levels with a 'no worse off' guarantee for grandfathered participants.
The transition to the new Support at Home program officially began from the 1st of November 2025, streamlining in-home aged care for all eligible individuals.
These changes affected all current aged care recipients of HCP or STRC programs and new participants who will be seeking aged care support services from 1 November 2025 onward.
The Support at Home (SaH) Program is a new government initiative designed to simplify and enhance the delivery of in-home aged care services. By consolidating multiple existing programs, including Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC), it created one streamlined, person-centred approach to care. The new program reduces complexity, making it easier for older Australians and their families to access tailored support.
At its heart, the Support at Home Program is dedicated to empowering older people to remain independent, safe, and comfortable in their own homes for as long as possible. It covers a comprehensive range of services, such as clinical care, daily assistance, and everyday living tasks, ensuring care is personalised to each individual’s needs and goals. The program’s flexible structure provides improved continuity and quality of care, giving participants more choice and control over their care arrangements.
From 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act brought important changes to how care is delivered and accessed across Australia. To help participants, families and carers feel confident and informed, we’ve created a series of Support at Home fact sheets that explain what changed and what it means for you. These resources are designed to be clear, accessible, and culturally inclusive – supporting you to make informed decisions with dignity and ease. For further details, visit My Aged Care or the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
A comprehensive guide developed by Cura Aged Care to help guide participants through the Support at Home program changes.
A short fact sheet to introduce the Support at Home program. Including some frequently asked questions.
More information for Home Care Package participants approved before 12th September 2024.
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - "Consumer protections for Support at Home" fact sheet.
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - "A new rights based Aged Care Act" fact sheet.
Support at Home offers a broad range of tailored services, designed to evolve with your needs:
Nursing care
Allied health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
Continence & mobility
Nutrition
Care management
Restorative care
Personal care – Help with showering, dressing
Medication management
Social connection
Respite care
Transport & technology
Help at home – assistance with cleaning, laundry & shopping
Gardening & home maintenance
Meals
These services can be adjusted over time, ensuring continuous, personalised support.
| Classification Level | Quarterly Budget |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | $2,750 |
| Level 2 | $4,000 |
| Level 3 | $5,500 |
| Level 4 | $7,500 |
| Level 5 | $10,000 |
| Level 6 | $12,000 |
| Level 7 | $14,500 |
| Level 8 | $19,500 |
| End-of-Life | $25,000 |
| Restorative Care | $6,000* |
Support at Home introduced eight distinct funding levels, determined by your aged care assessment. See the table opposite for these details. *Per unit, maximum two units annually. Unused funds (up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater) can roll over to the next quarter.
Your financial contribution depends on your income and the type of support required:
Clinical Care: No contribution
Independence Supports: Moderate contribution
Everyday Living: Higher contribution due to reduced government funding
All contributions are means-tested and capped, ensuring fairness and affordability.
If you previously had a Home Care Package:
Approved before 12 September 2024: You will have automatically transitioned under existing conditions (“grandfathered”), ensuring no disadvantage.
Approved between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025: You will have automatically transitioned under new conditions and funding from 1 November 2025.
You have no need to change providers unless you choose to do so. Your continuity of care and your existing relationships remain important and unchanged unless you request otherwise.
Support at Home is a new initiative from the Australian Government that began 1 November 2025, designed to improve the way in-home aged care is delivered. It combined several existing programs into one, making it easier for older people to receive the care and support they need to live independently, stay healthy, and stay connected with their community.
Services are tailored to your needs and may include:
Services are flexible—you can work with your provider to update them as your needs change.
This change was designed to make care access simpler and more consistent.
Care management helps ensure you get the best from your services. Your provider will:
10% of your funding is allocated to care management, including for those who self-manage their care.
Your budget is based on your aged care assessment, which considers your health, lifestyle, and goals. Funding is paid quarterly, giving you the flexibility to plan your care.
Yes. If you don’t use your full funding, you can carry over:
This helps you save for unexpected care needs or changes in your situation.
You will be assigned one of eight funding levels based on your aged care assessment. These determine the amount of support you receive each quarter :
| Classification Level | Quarterly Budget |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | $2,750 |
| Level 2 | $4,000 |
| Level 3 | $5,500 |
| Level 4 | $7,500 |
| Level 5 | $10,000 |
| Level 6 | $12,000 |
| Level 7 | $14,500 |
| Level 8 | $19,500 |
| End-of-Life | $25,000 |
| Restorative Care | $6,000* |
*Per unit, maximum two units of funding over a 12 month period. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) of unused funds into the next quarter.
Your contribution depends on your income and the type of service:
Your assessment will help determine:
You’ll remain on a waitlist and transition into Support at Home as soon as a place becomes available. A new assessment won’t be needed unless your needs have changed.
Support at Home includes options for urgent or short-term needs, including:
These services can help you stay safe and well at home.
No. You can stay with your current provider If your needs or preferences change, you can request a reassessment.
If you were approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you are considered a “grandfathered” client.
You will have automatically transitioned to the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025, and your current care and funding arrangements will remain unchanged. Under the “no worse off” principle, if you don’t currently pay fees, you won’t be required to start. If you do pay fees, your contribution will stay the same.
Your grandfathered status will continue unless a reassessment is needed due to changes in your care needs. If reassessed after 1 November 2025, your contribution may be adjusted to reflect your updated support needs.
Note: If your Home Care Package was approved between 13 September 2024 and 31 October 2025 (inclusive), you will have moved to the standard Support at Home arrangements on 1 November 2025. From that date, your care and contribution will follow the new Support at Home pricing and fees framework.
If you fall into this category, please refer to our ‘Support at Home changes for Grandfathered participants’ Fact Sheet No.2. for more information.
Your contribution depends on your income and the type of service:
Several familiar terms will change to better reflect the new program:
| Home Care Package (Previous) | Support at Home (New - From 01 Nov 2025) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Home Care Package Level 1–4 | Classification Level 1–8 | More funding levels to better match individual needs |
| Package | Budget | Funds referred to as a quarterly budget rather than a "package" |
| Package Management Fee | Care Management Allocation | 10% of budget set aside to support planning, monitoring, and adjustments |
| Income-Tested Care Fee | Client Contribution | Fees based on service type and income, using clearer language |
| Approved Provider | Service Provider | More flexible service delivery and accountability expectations |
| Care Recipient / Consumer | Client / Participant / Individual | More inclusive and respectful language |
| Care Advisor / Case Manager | Care Partner / Clinical Care Partner | Reflects a more collaborative and empowering approach to care planning |
| My Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT/RAS) | Aged Care Assessor | Streamlined assessment for all in-home aged care services |
| Care Plan | Support Plan | Stronger focus on personal goals and evolving care needs |
| Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) | Short-Term Supports | Integrated into flexible short-term options under Support at Home |
| Charter of Aged Care Rights | Statement of Rights | Updated format but still protects your rights in aged care |
| Unspent Funds | Rolled Over Budget | If you don’t spend your budget each quarter, you can carry over unspent funds of $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater). |
| Authorised Supporters | Registered Supporters | They are trusted individuals—such as a family member or friend—whom you choose to support you in making decisions. While they don’t make decisions on your behalf, their role is to help you understand your options and feel confident in making your own choices. |
Our friendly Cura team is here to support you through these changes. For more detailed information, to discuss your personal circumstances, or to arrange an assessment:
Mon – Fri
9.00am – 5.00pm
Sat & Sun
By Appointment
Please fill in your details below to access your free Quick Guide to Support at Home.
Please fill in your details below to access your free Support at Home Fact Sheet.
At Cura Aged Care, we’re here to help. We have worked hard to cultivate close ties with our local communities, helping to enrich the lives of those who need a little extra support. Here are some of the ways in which we can help you.
