Question 1

New classifications

Accepted Answer

The Government intends that you will be “no worse off” under the new Support at Home program, and your access to care will not be reduced.

If you received a Home Care package before 12 September 2024, you will have been moved into a Support at Home classification that aligns with your previous Home Care Package level.

There will now be 8 classifications of in-home aged care funding as opposed to the current 4 levels in the Home Care Package program.

Any unspent funds you have will move across to your Support at Home program. If your needs change in the future, you’ll be reassessed into a new Support at Home funding level.

ClassificationQuarterly budgetAnnual amount1$2,752.50$11,010.012$4,112.84$16,451.353$5,634.20$22,536.814$7,617.13$30,468.515$10,182.38$40,729.536$12,341.32$49,365.277$14,915.00$59,660.008$20,034.28$80,137.12

Question 2

Support at Home services

Accepted Answer

The government has developed a defined service list that outlines the types of services you can access.

Support at Home makes it easier to understand what support services you are entitled to. Services will be grouped into three categories:

Clinical supports: These are services that help to maintain or regain functional and/or cognitive capabilities. They must be delivered or supervised by a university-qualified or accredited health professional. They are fully funded by the government and do not require you to contribute to the service cost.
- Nursing care (e.g. wound dressing and medication management)
- Allied health (e.g. physiotherapy and occupational therapy)
- Speech pathology
- Psychology
- Social work
- Prescribed nutrition and enteral feeding
- Palliative and end-of-life nursing
- Continence management (clinical)
- Diabetes support

Independence: These services help you manage activities of daily living and the loss of skills required to live independently. They require a small to moderate contribution, depending on your pensioner status.
- Personal care (e.g. showering, grooming, and dressing)
- Help with taking medication (non-clinical)
- Group or individual social support
- Assistance in maintaining personal affairs
- Therapeutic care (e.g. acupuncture and remedial massage)
- Transportation
- Respite care
- Assistive technology

Everyday living: These services help you keep your home in a livable condition, so you can stay at home longer. They require a high contribution that is based on your pension status, income, and assets.
- General cleaning
- Laundry services
- Gardening
- Assistance with home maintenance
- Meal delivery

You will be assessed on the services you need, which will be outlined in your care plan.

Question 3

You were approved for a Home Care Package on or after 12 September 2024

Accepted Answer

If you were approved for your Home Care Package on or after 12 September 2024, your contribution will be based on income, asset assessment, and the hours or units of care you receive. This will be assessed for you by Services Australia.

As your provider, we will collect this contribution from you and provide you with visibility of the cost, so you’re always clear and confident on what you’re paying.

If you do not currently pay an income tested care fee, the “no worse off” principle means you will not have to pay personal contributions under Support at Home.

Question 4

You were approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024 and pay an income tested care fee

Accepted Answer

If you were approved for your Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, and you currently pay an income tested care fee, you will need to pay a contribution that should be the same or lower than you currently pay. This contribution will go towards the support you receive under the new Support at Home program.

Contributions are determined by Services Australia through an income and asset assessment.

If you were receiving a HCP prior to 12 September 2024 and do not currently pay an ITCF contribution you should not have to pay a contribution under Support at Home.

Question 5

Detailed invoices

Accepted Answer

Invoices from your support services will look different.

Your invoices from support workers and services will now show a detailed breakdown of each service type your funding is paying for, rather than a bulk amount.

Question 6

Quarterly budgets

Accepted Answer

Budgeting changes encourage you to make the most of your funding.

Your annual funding amount will now be split across four equal quarters with a limit on the amount of unspent funds you can carry over.

From 1 November 2025, if you don’t use all your quarterly budget, you can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of what’s left, whichever is greater, into the next quarter. This change is designed to ensure funding is used for current care needs, which helps people stay in their homes for longer.

If you have an existing Home Care Package, you can carry over any unspent funds, but any further accumulation of unspent amounts will be subject to these new rules.

Question 7

Management fee structure changes

Accepted Answer

Under Support at Home, registered providers can charge up to 10% for care management. The Government will set aside 10% of each participant’s quarterly budget for care management.

This pooled funding offers flexibility to meet individual needs, so the level of care management recipients receive may vary month to month. Providers are paid for care management services after they are delivered.

Question 8

Service fee

Accepted Answer

If you’re self-managing, your provider may charge a service loading fee of up to 10%.

HomeMade will charge the 10% management fee, which is standard across all Aged Care providers. In addition, HomeMade charges up to 10% service loading on services delivered. This service fee covers administrative costs as well as the costs associated with managing service providers and support workers.

Introducing the Support at Home program

Support at Home

What does the new Support at Home program mean for you?

Participant contribution

Need more information on contributions?

Funding and fees

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HomeMade Platform

Mable independent support workers

Resources

Frequently asked questions

For older people, families and carers