Independence At Home
Support at Home
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government is changing the way aged care services are delivered at home.
The new Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
This change is designed to make it easier for you to access the care you need, when you need it, and to ensure that funding is more flexible, transparent, and matched to your personal needs.
ECH is here to guide you through the changes with trusted advice, continuity of care, and support that’s tailored to you.
About Support at Home
Support at Home brings together services, support, and funding into a simpler, easier-to-understand program.
From 1 November 2025, all people receiving a Home Care Package will transition to the Support at Home program. Your services will continue, but the way they are funded and managed will change.
Whether you’re new to aged care or already receiving services through ECH, we’ll work with you to ensure you feel informed, confident, and supported.
What services are available?
Support at Home services are grouped into three categories:
Clinical Care
This includes nursing, allied health services and care management.
Independence Support
This includes help with personal care such as showering, dressing, taking medication, transport, or respite support.
Everyday Living
This includes domestic tasks such as cleaning, shopping, gardening, and meal preparation.
Your services will be tailored to match your care needs and personal goals, and you’ll have the flexibility to adjust your support as your situation changes.
Funding and Budgets
The new Support at Home Program introduces 8 funding levels, replacing the current 4 Home Care Package levels. The amount of funding you receive will be based on the independent assessment of your unique situation from My Aged Care (MAC), ensuring that funding meets your needs.
If you are currently receiving a Home Care Package, your funding level will be equivalent to what you are receiving now.
Support at Home uses a quarterly budget system, simplifying care planning and budgeting for your care needs.
Extra support if you need it
In addition to your regular care budget, extra funding is available to support your changing needs:
- Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)
Up to $15,000 to help with safety equipment or home modifications.
- Restorative Care
Up to $6,000 for 16 weeks of allied health or nursing care to help you regain independence or recover after illness or injury.
- End-of-Life Care
Up to $25,000 for 12–16 weeks of palliative support, so you can be cared for at home.
ECH will work with you to access these supports if you need them.
Contributions
Under Support at Home, you only pay for contributions for the services that you receive, rather than a set fee. Your contribution level depends on the type of service you receive, and your income and financial situation which is determined by Services Australia.
Contributions for services are outlined below:
- Clinical Care
No contribution (fully government-funded) - Independence Support
Contribution ranges from 5% to 50% - Everyday Living
Contribution ranges from 17.5% to 80%
If you are a grandfathered client, your contributions will not increase. You will continue to pay the same or less than under your current HCP.
Existing or new client?
If you are already receiving a Home Care Package through ECH, you will automatically transition to the new Support at Home program on 1 November 2025.
You will:
- Keep your ECH care team and your services
- Transition to a new classification level that matches your current funding
- Retain any unspent funds from your current package
- Sign a new Support at Home agreement with us
An ECH Care Partner will contact you to talk through the changes and support you every step of the way.
If you’re not currently receiving a Home Care Package, Support at Home will be your starting point from 1 November 2025.
How to get started:
- Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
- Arrange an aged care assessment
- Based on your needs, you’ll be assigned a classification level (1 to 8) and a quarterly care budget
- ECH will work with you to design a care plan that matches your lifestyle, health needs, and goals
We’ll help you get started and stay connected to the support that matters.
How we’ll support you
ECH will continue to:
- Provide expert advice and updates as the changes unfold
- Help you understand your classification, budget, and care plan
- Support you in managing your funding and services
- Ensure your care remains consistent, respectful, and tailored to your needs
We’re here to make the transition simple and stress-free so you can stay focused on living independently, safely, and confidently at home.
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the transition from Home Care Packages to the new Support at Home program.
FAQs
All older Australians who are receiving in-home aged care services through a Home Care Package will transition to Support at Home. The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will continue to operate until at least 30 June 2027.
The Support at Home program commences on 1 November 2025.
Nothing right now. If you are currently receiving a Home Care Package from ECH you will be automatically transitioned to Support at Home on 1 November. You will receive advice from your Care Partner prior to this date and they will talk you through the transition arrangements and where any changes may impact your personal circumstances.
If you were receiving a Home Care Package, on the National Priority System or assessed as eligible for a package on 12 September 2024, you will continue to receive the same funding level as your previous Home Care Package when you transition to Support at Home. Grandfathered arrangements will be in place.
Those assessed from 13 September onwards will be considered transitional participants and will receive a Support at Home package equivalent to the same value as their current package.
Your annual budget will be managed quarterly. If you do not spend your quarterly budget under Support at Home, you can carry over a maximum of $1,000 or 10 per cent (whichever is greater) to the next quarter.
Existing unspent funds from Home Care Packages will be retained and can be used for services, home modifications or assistive technology in the Support at Home program.
From 1 November 2025, older Australians will be required to contribute towards non-clinical services. Individual contributions will be based on the type of services used, as well as the person’s income and assets.
Services Australia may ask for your income and asset information to determine your financial situation, and this assessment will determine the level of co-contribution that may be required.
The good news is that the Government will cover 100% of all clinical care services.
If you’re a grandfathered client your contributions will remain the same. Others may see changes to contributions depending on the services used and their financial circumstances.
If your HCP was approved before 12 September 2024, you are a grandfathered client. You’ll keep your current level of funding and contributions.
If your HCP was approved after 12 September 2024, you are a transitional client. You’ll still receive the equivalent funding that you are now, but your contributions may change depending on your income and the services you use.
Yes. There are separate funding streams available for assistive technology and modifications — up to $15,000.
There are no immediate changes for CHSP clients. The CHSP will continue until at least 30 June 2027, giving more time for a gradual transition into Support at Home. ECH will continue to support you and provide updates as more information becomes available from the government.
Yes. Your Care Partner will talk you through the changes and provide a new agreement to sign. This will occur in advance of the transition to Support at Home on 1 November.