❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Support at Home Program?

A: The Support at Home Program is a new government initiative launching on 1 November 2025. It’s designed to improve how aged care is delivered at home by offering more personalised services, better access to resources, and greater flexibility for older Australians.

Q: How is it different from the current Home Care Package (HCP) program?

A: Support at Home will replace the Home Care Package (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. It simplifies the system, introduces more service options, and ensures care is tailored to your individual needs

Q: Who is eligible for the Support at Home Program?

A: You may be eligible if you are:

Aged 65 or older
An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or older
Aged 50 or older and homeless or at risk of homelessness

Eligibility is assessed using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).

Q: What is the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)?

A: Introduced in 2024, the IAT helps assessors gather detailed information about your health, lifestyle, and goals. This ensures your care plan is personalised and aligned with your needs.

Q: How is funding structured under the program?

A: Funding covers all clinical care costs and includes a co-payment model for non-clinical services based on your income. This ensures fairness and affordability for everyone.

Q: Is there a lifetime cap on costs?

A: Yes! There’s a lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs. This protects you from high out-of-pocket expenses over time.

Q: What are the funding levels available?

A: There are eight funding levels, with annual budgets ranging from $11,000 to $78,000, depending on your care needs.

Q: Can I use my quarterly budget flexibly?

A: Absolutely! Your quarterly budget can be used for a wide range of services; from clinical care to home modifications; giving you the freedom to choose what matters most to you.

Q: Will I be affected if I already receive a Home Care Package?

A: If you’re a current Home Care Package recipient:

You’ll automatically transition to the new program on 1 November 2025
Your services and funding levels will stay the same or improve
You’ll gain access to new services like restorative care and assistive technology
Any unspent funds will carry over into your new quarterly budget

Q: What are the big-picture goals of the Support at Home Program?

A: The program is designed to:

Improve care quality and access
Reduce wait times
Modernise aged care in line with the Royal Commission’s recommendations