Support at Home: Changes to Home Care Funding

The Australian Government is introducing significant changes to how aged care services are funded, with the rollout of the new Support at Home program set to replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) system. These changes are designed to deliver more tailored support and flexibility, with a new funding model that impacts both new and existing home care recipients.

More Funding Levels & Increased Amount of Funding

Under the current Home Care Package system, recipients receive funding through 4 package levels. With Support at Home, this structure is being replaced with 8 funding classifications—each with an allocated annual budget, reviewed quarterly to continually assess care needs. There is also an increased amount of funding with the highest level offering up to $78,000 per year (compared to $61,400 under HCP).

Source: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/features

What It Means for Current HCP Recipients?

If you’re already receiving a Home Care Package—or are approved and waiting—you won’t be reassessed immediately. Instead, you’ll transition to a Support at Home budget that matches your current Home Care Package level when the new program begins:

However, if your care needs increase over time, you’ll undergo reassessment and may move into a higher Support at Home classification—granting access to a larger budget.

How Budgets Will Be Managed?

Support at Home funding is issued quarterly and managed by Services Australia. Providers will claim from your budget once services are delivered. Unspent funds can roll over—up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget (whichever is greater).

Each participant’s total budget will include:

• Government funding (minus 10% for care management)
• Participant contributions, if applicable (means-tested)
• Additional funding for:
  • Assistive technology (AT) & Home Modification
    Eligible participants can receive separate funding of up to $15,000 for assistive technology and home modifications. This funding is not taken from your core care budget and is based on assessed need, helping you live more safely and confidently at home.
  • Restorative Care Pathway
    This short-term support is designed to help participants regain strength and delay the need for ongoing services. It extends the previous 8-week program to up to 16 weeks, offering funding of up to $6,000 per episode, with higher amounts available for those with more complex needs.
  • End-of-Life Pathway
    For those wishing to stay at home in their final months, this pathway provides intensive support over a 12-week period. A one-off budget of $25,000 is available for eligible participants through the End-of-Life Pathway.

Case Study: Meet Rosa

Rosa is 78, lives alone, and is on the full age pension. She rents a small unit and receives rental assistance. Rosa doesn’t have many assets—just some savings—and relies on her pension to cover daily expenses.

Due to her growing care needs, Rosa has been assessed under the new Support at Home Program and placed into Classification 5, which provides around $39,500 per year in total support.

As a full pensioner (approved after 12 September 2024), Rosa pays only a small contribution toward her everyday services like house cleaning and gardening. The government covers all of her clinical care, such as nursing and physiotherapy.

Under the Support at Home program, Rosa can also access:

• Up to 12 weeks of restorative care to help her regain mobility after a hospital stay
• Assistive technology and home modifications, like a shower chair and handrails
• End-of-life support at home, should she ever need it

For every $1 Rosa contributes, the government contributes about $15. This ensures she receives the care she needs while keeping her costs low and predictable.

What Does This Mean for You?

This new structure offers greater flexibility and aims to ensure care is more responsive to individual needs. Key takeaways:

• More classification levels mean more precise support tailored to your care requirements.
• No immediate reassessment for existing HCP clients—your funding will align with your current package level.
• You’ll receive a clear quarterly budget, helping you plan and manage your services more easily.
• Care management is built in, with 10% of your budget allocated to help coordinate your services effectively.

Benetas is Here to Help

Benetas is here to support you as these changes come into effect. If you have questions about your classification, budget, or care options under Support at Home, please get in touch with our home care team.