Get the answers to some frequently asked questions about the change from Home Care Packages to Support at Home.
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The Australian Government has recently announced that the introduction of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program will be deferred to 1 November 2025 (previously planned for 1 July 2025).
To read the official announcement:
There is nothing for you to do, and there is no change to the services and support you currently receive through your Home Care Package.
Your funding, service and support will remain unchanged, and you’ll continue to receive the care you rely on.
With the deferred start date for Support at Home, we’ll be in touch closer to the time to guide you through these changes and what they’ll mean for you.
Thank you for being part of the HomeMade community. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help – get in touch or share your feedback.
The federal government has announced that the launch of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program has been delayed to 1 November 2025. It was scheduled to start on 1 July 2025.
The delay is to ensure the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program is set up correctly and ready for older people and their aged care providers. This extra time will prevent disruptions and ensure the reforms are implemented correctly.
The Government’s decision followed advice from aged care providers to allow more time to get everything ready and ensure agreements, systems, and processes run smoothly. It will ensure the sector as a whole is ready for the new Act and Support at Home, to minimise or avoid any disruptions to care for older people.
The delay gives older people more time to get the necessary information to make informed choices, especially regarding the new Support at Home program and how it affects them.
The current arrangements for the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Short-Term Restorative Care Program, and Home Care Packages Program will remain unchanged until 1 November 2025.
The government has announced that the 83,000 new Home Care Packages will also be delayed until 1 November 2025.
My Aged Care in News and Updates.
HomeMade has provided general information regarding key questions below, but we advise that you contact the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for any specific questions.
The Support at Home program is the new Australian Government program launching on 1 November 2025 to replace the Home Care Packages program and Short-Term Restorative Care program. It’s all about creating a flexible, personalised and more supportive system for in-home aged care so older people can live independently at home for longer.
If you are a transitioned Home Care Package recipient, you will continue to receive an equivalent level of funding with Support at Home, but your annual funding amount will now be split across 4 equal quarterly budgets.
No, if you are currently receiving home care through a Home Care Package, your services will continue under Support at Home. However, if your needs have changed, you or your provider (with your consent) can request a Support Plan Review through My Aged Care.
Yes, you can continue with your current provider. However, you will need one provider to manage all services under the new Single Provider Model.
The Support at Home program is all about creating a flexible, personalised and more supportive system for in-home aged care. It comes with improvements such as:
You can switch providers at any time and your funding will follow you. However, when you switch, you will need to enter a new service agreement.
You have the right to make informed decisions about your care, even if they involve some risk, for example, choosing to live independently despite mobility issues. Your provider must support your choices.
As part of the Government’s “no worse off” principle, your access to care won’t be reduced, and you won’t have additional fees with this change.
If you received your Home Care Package after 12 September 2024, you may have to contribute to the services you receive if you’re able to. This contribution will be assessed by Services Australia. If you are on a low income, you may qualify for a Fee Reduction Supplement.
Contact your aged care provider for more information.
If you are already receiving care, no action is needed. If you are new to aged care, apply through My Aged Care.
Website: myagedcare.gov.au
Phone: 1800 200 422
You have the right to:
Please contact My Aged Care directly to arrange this. Phone: 1800 200 422
Find official updates at:
Get direct support at:
Learn more about Support at Home with these documents from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
This document outlines the core component of the Support at Home program design and arrangements from 1 November 2025.
A fact sheet answering some frequently asked questions about the Support at Home program design.
This booklet is aimed at older people and their families and carers. It contains information about the Support at Home program.
Acknowledgement of Country
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