Home Care Packages and the Support at Home Program Explained

Home Care Packages have been replaced by Support at Home

If you have been searching for a Home Care Package, here is the most important thing to know: the Home Care Packages Program was replaced by the new Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. Support at Home is now the main way older Australians receive government-funded aged care in their own home.

People who already had a Home Care Package transitioned to the new program, keeping arrangements no worse than before. New in-home aged care is now delivered through Support at Home rather than as a Home Care Package.

For the full picture, start with our Support at Home program guide. If you had a package, moving from a Home Care Package to Support at Home explains exactly what carried over, including unspent funds and the no worse off rules.

What is the Support at Home program?

Support at Home is a government-funded program that helps older Australians stay living safely and independently at home. As with Home Care Packages, you have an assessment, you are approved for a level of funding based on your needs, and you choose an approved provider to deliver your services.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which provides entry-level support, is separate and will move into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

What does Support at Home fund?

Support at Home funds a range of in-home services, generally grouped into three types:

• Clinical care - nursing, allied health and therapies such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Independence - personal care such as help with bathing, dressing and moving around, plus social support
• Everyday living - domestic help such as cleaning, meal preparation, gardening, home maintenance and transport

Support at Home uses eight funding classifications rather than the four levels the old Home Care Packages had, so funding can be matched more closely to your assessed needs. The services list guide sets out what is and is not covered. It does not pay for accommodation, day-to-day living costs such as food and rent, or medical treatment covered by Medicare.

What will it cost me?

From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government fully funds clinical care and personal care under Support at Home, so participants approved for those supports can receive them at no out-of-pocket cost. Contributions may still apply to everyday living and independence services, based on an income and assets assessment. See Support at Home costs and contributions for the rates and worked examples. Your exact contribution depends on your personal circumstances, so it is worth confirming the current fees with My Aged Care.

How to access in-home aged care

1. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or at myagedcare.gov.au to register and request an assessment.
2. Have an assessment - an assessor will discuss your needs and determine your eligibility and the level of support you can receive.
3. Choose a provider - once approved, you choose an approved provider to deliver your services and agree on a plan.

Choosing a Support at Home provider

You have full choice over which approved provider delivers your services. Key considerations include:

• Services offered - does the provider offer all the clinical, independence and everyday living support you need?
• Fees and contributions - ask how any contributions apply to your services
• Worker consistency - will you see the same workers regularly?
• Cultural and language needs - some providers specialise in supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities

You can change providers if your circumstances or preferences change. Browse approved in-home aged care providers across Australia in the AusCareGuide directory to compare your options.