Support at Home Program
The Australian Government is introducing significant changes to aged care funding to improve the quality, transparency, and accessibility of services for older Australians. These reforms aim to ensure that care is more person-centred, flexible, and aligned with each individual’s unique needs and goals.
What is Support at Home?
Already a Home Care Package Consumer?
What is Support at Home?
Starting from around November 2025, the Australian Government will introduce a new aged care funding initiative called the Support at Home program.
This program will gradually replace the current Home Care Package (HCP) system.
Further changes are planned from no earlier than 2027, when the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is also expected to transition into the Support at Home framework.
At Bamboo Home Support, we’re here to support you every step of the way—ensuring you understand these changes and continue to receive the personalised, reliable care you deserve.
What the New Support at Home Program Will Include
The Australian Government’s new Support at Home program launching from approximately November 2025 is designed to simplify aged care and ensure older Australians receive the right support, at the right time.
Here’s what’s changing:
- Eight funding levels, offering support of up to $78,000 per year, plus two short-term care options for transitional needs.
- Quarterly budgets will replace annual budgets, giving you more frequent control and visibility over your funding.
- A clear, standardised service list so you know exactly what types of support you’re entitled to.
- Price caps on services will begin around July 2026. Until then, providers may set their own pricing.
- A capped 10% care management fee, ensuring more of your funding goes directly toward your care.
At Bamboo Home Support, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate these changes—making sure you continue to receive trusted, personalised care to live independently and confidently at home and within your community.
Support at Home Care Services
The Australian Government’s new Support at Home program provides a clearly defined range of aged care services, organised into three main categories. These categories are designed to help older Australians receive the right level of support based on their individual needs.
Below are examples of the types of care and assistance that may be available under each category.
Clinical supports
- ✅ Nursing
- ✅ Allied health and other therapeutic services
- ✅ Nutrition
- ✅ Care management
Independence supports
- ✅ Personal care
- ✅ Social support and community engagement
- ✅ Therapeutic services for independent living
- ✅ Respite care
- ✅ Transport
Everyday living
- ✅ Domestic assistance
- ✅ Essential home maintenance and repairs
- ✅ Meal preparation and delivery
As your care journey progresses, your needs may evolve—gradually or unexpectedly.
During these times, you may require additional support. The Support at Home program offers flexible options and supplementary services that can be accessed when needed, ensuring you continue to receive the right care at the right time.
Additional short-term care programs
For times when you need extra support, two short-term programs are available.
Restorative Care
Our goal is to help you rebuild strength and regain independence through tailored allied health services. Support is initially available for up to 12 weeks, with the option of a 4-week extension based on your individual assessment and care needs.
End-of-life Care
Offers specialised in-home support for individuals with a life expectancy of three months or less, with the goal of enabling you to remain at home for as long as possible. Eligible individuals can access up to $25,000 in funding, with services available for a period of up to 16 weeks.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
The AT-HM Scheme provides eligible participants with access to assistive technology and home modifications without requiring deductions from their individual Home Care Package budgets.
During the assessment process, participants may be approved for specific equipment or modifications and assigned a funding tier that aligns with their support needs.
If you have unspent Home Care Package funds, these must be used before accessing additional funding through the AT-HM Scheme.
To view the complete list of eligible products and services, please visit the official Australian Government website.
Funding & Fees
New Classifications
The Support at Home program introduces eight new funding classifications, replacing the current four levels under the Home Care Package system. These classifications offer annual budgets ranging from $11,000 to $78,000, based on individual care needs.
Indicative Classification Budgets*
| Support at Home Classification | Approx. Quarterly Budget | Approx. Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,750 | ~$11,000 |
| 2 | ~$4,000 | ~$16,000 |
| 3 | ~$5,500 | ~$22,000 |
| 4 | ~$7,500 | ~$30,000 |
| 5 | ~$10,000 | ~$40,000 |
| 6 | ~$12,000 | ~$48,000 |
| 7 | ~$14,500 | ~$58,000 |
| 8 | ~$19,500 | ~$78,000 |
If you’re already receiving a Home Care Package, no reassessment is required. Under the Support at Home program, you’ll be placed into a classification that aligns with your current care level.
Indicative Transition Budgets*
| Current HCP Level | Support at Home Quarterly Budget | Support at Home Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,708 | ~$10,833 |
| 2 | ~$4,762 | ~$19,049 |
| 3 | ~$10,365 | ~$41,460 |
| 4 | ~$15,713 | ~$62,853 |
If your needs change, you may undergo a new assessment and be reclassified to a level that better reflects your care requirements and provides a higher funding allocation.
Participant Contributions
The Support at Home program provides government funding for essential services that help you stay healthy, independent, and comfortable in your own home—reducing the need for avoidable hospital visits.
As part of this model, participants are expected to contribute toward everyday items and services they’ve typically managed independently throughout life. Your contribution amount is determined by both your income level and the type of service you receive.
Estimated Contribution Rates by Service Type
| Service Type | Full Pensioner | Part Pensioner / CSHC Holder | Self-Funded (No CSHC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Support | ~0% | ~0% | ~0% |
| Independence Support | ~5% | ~5% – 50% | ~50% |
| Everyday Living | ~17.5% | ~17.5% – 80% | ~80% |
Lifetime Contribution Cap
Your care journey is protected by a $130,000 lifetime cap on contributions, offering long-term financial security and peace of mind. If your care needs transition to residential care, this cap continues to apply—ensuring all contributions you’ve made count toward the same limit, no matter where your journey takes you.
Quarterly Budgets & Capped Care Management
Under the Support at Home program, you’ll receive a quarterly budget to spend on the care and services that best meet your individual needs.
To provide added flexibility, you’ll be able to carry over a portion of unspent funds each quarter — up to 10% of your quarterly budget or $1,000 (whichever is greater). This ensures you can plan your care with confidence and manage occasional changes without disruption.
If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, your existing unspent funds will automatically carry over when you transition to the new Support at Home system.
A capped care management fee of 10% will be deducted from your quarterly budget. This ensures that Bamboo Home Support can continue to deliver, coordinate, and maintain the high standard of trusted care you deserve.
This portion of funding helps support the following ongoing services:
- ✅ Planning and coordinating services
- ✅ Regular check-ins to ensure participants feel supported
- ✅ Clinical advice and practical assistance if your needs or circumstances change
- ✅ Education and support for you and your family when needed
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program introduces the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme to help older Australians live safely and independently at home.
This funding is separate from your regular budget and supports the purchase, setup, and use of assistive equipment and home modifications based on clinical need.
Estimated Funding Tiers:
- ✅ Low Tier: Under $500
- ✅ Medium Tier: Up to $2,000
- ✅ High Tier: Up to $15,000+¹
¹ Higher funding amounts are available when prescribed by a qualified health professional.
What’s Included:
- ✅ Professional prescription and needs assessment
- ✅ Delivery and safe installation of equipment
- ✅ Training and support to use the equipment effectively
- ✅ Flexibility to exchange or upgrade equipment as needs change
A national loan scheme is also being developed to allow participants to trial equipment before purchase, ensuring suitability and confidence in their care choices.
How will Support at Home changes affect you?
The way you receive aged care support under the Support at Home program will depend on when your services were approved by the government. Understanding your approval date is essential for maintaining continuity of care and navigating these changes with confidence.
Use the table below to see how these changes apply to your situation based on your aged care approval date:
| Changes | If Approved Before 12 Sept 2024 | If Approved After 12 Sept 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | You’ll be transitioned to a Support at Home classification that aligns with your current Home Care Package level – no reassessment needed. | You’ll be assessed and assigned a classification under the new Support at Home funding model. |
| Contribution | The no-worse-off arrangement applies. Your contribution will stay the same or decrease under Support at Home. | If your package starts before 1 July 2025, you’ll move to the new contribution model from July. If your funding starts after 1 July 2025, you’ll begin with the standard Support at Home contribution arrangements. |
| Budget | Your annual budget will convert to a quarterly budget from 1 July 2025. | You’ll receive quarterly budgets from the beginning of your package. |
| Unspent Funds | Any unspent Home Care Package funds prior to 1 July 2025 will carry over in full. After that date, carry-over is capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget – whichever is greater. | From 1 July 2025, carry-over is capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget. If your package starts before this date, unspent funds will carry over. |
At Bamboo Home Support, our commitment to your independence and wellbeing remains steadfast. We are here to help you understand and embrace these changes as your dedicated partner in care.
For First Nations peoples
The Support at Home program is designed to be responsive to the diverse and evolving needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, ensuring access to services that are culturally safe and respectful.
This includes:
- ✅ Offering culturally safe care services — including support to participate in cultural activities and access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and workers
- ✅ Providing a care management supplement to service providers supporting older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, enabling additional hours of tailored care
- At Bamboo Home Support, we are committed to delivering culturally safe and meaningful care for First Nations people. Our goal is to honour culture, support wellbeing, and create opportunities that truly matter for Mob.
Support at Home FAQ
The Support at Home program is a new aged care initiative by the Australian Government that will replace the current Home Care Package (HCP) program starting from November 2025. It aims to simplify in-home aged care services and provide older Australians with more flexibility, transparency, and choice in their care.
The Support at Home program will officially begin in November 2025 for those receiving Home Care Packages. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be included no earlier than 2027.
No. If you already receive a Home Care Package, you will automatically transition to an equivalent Support at Home classification level. There is no need for reassessment.
There are eight funding classifications, ranging from approximately $11,000 to $78,000 per year, designed to match your care needs. Funding is allocated on a quarterly budget basis.
Support at Home introduces:
Quarterly budgets instead of annual ones
Capped care management fees (10%)
A standardised service list
Price caps (from July 2026)
Stronger focus on flexibility and accountability
Yes. Any unspent Home Care Package funds will carry over into Support at Home. From 1 November 2025, unspent funds will be capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater.
Participant contributions will be based on your income and the types of services you receive. A lifetime cap of $130,000 ensures financial protection across all types of aged care.
If your services were approved before 12 September 2024, you will not need to be reassessed. If approved after that date, you’ll be assessed under the new classification system.
If your needs increase or change, you may request a reassessment and be assigned to a higher classification level with a larger budget.
Yes. The program includes specific provisions for culturally safe care, including access to Indigenous health workers and a care management supplement to support tailored services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Support AT HOME - BAMBOO HOME SUPPort
Your care needs come first, not your funding limits.
At Bamboo Home Support, we believe your care should be shaped by your goals, your values, and your independence — not just your government subsidy. While funding plays a role, it should never define the quality or scope of support you receive.
That’s why we start with you: your needs, your wellbeing, and how you want to live at home. We help you make the most of your Support at Home funding while delivering services that empower you to live with confidence, dignity, and choice.
Our experienced care team is here for you across every stage of your journey — from everyday help with meals or cleaning, to more specialised services like clinical care, falls prevention, and post-hospital recovery. As a trusted provider of in-home care, we’re committed to walking beside you, every step of the way.
Delivering Care Through Trusted Partners
Bamboo Home Support collaborates with government-approved aged care providers to deliver personalised in-home services under Home Care Packages and the Support at Home program — ensuring your care remains compliant, coordinated, and centred around you.
