What Is A Package?
Support At Home (previously known as Home Care Package) is a government-funded initiative that supports individuals aged 65 and older in maintaining their independence. Once approved for funding, you can select a provider and work together to create a personalised care plan based on your needs. Looking for home care providers in Melbourne or regional Victoria? Benetas offers a dedicated team of qualified carers and nurses committed to empowering individuals to achieve their independence through high-quality services.
Changes to Home Care Packages in 2025
The Australian Government is introducing the new Support At Home program to replace Home Care Packages (HCP) from 1st November 2025.
The following table summarises the key changes under Support At Home Program
| Key Differences | Home Care Packages | Support at Home |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Single Assessment System (Previously ICAT) | Integrated Assessment Tool |
| Funding | 4 levels of funding | 8 levels of funding + 3 short-term pathways |
| Service Access | Limited by package levels | Flexible, needs-based care options |
| Wait times | Longer wait times | Government predicts faster access and streamlined processing for older people |
Am I eligible for a Home Care Package?
To qualify for a Home Care Package in Australia:
- Australians aged 65 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+
- Australians aged 50+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
An assessment by an Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) is required to determine your need for support to live independently. Your financial situation won’t affect your eligibility, but you may need to contribute to service costs based on your circumstances. If you only need minimal support, you might qualify for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Transitioning From a Home Care Package
From 1 November 2025, Home Care Packages are transitioning to Support At Home. Where you fit depends on your journey:
Transition Clients
If you have received your Home Care Package or approved after 12 September 2024, you'll move to Support at Home but keep any unspent funds and your current funding level unless your needs have changed. From the start of Support at Home (November 2025), you will be subject to new co-contribution rules and may have to pay contributions for more services such as everyday living support or independence support services.
Grandfathered Clients
If you have received your Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you are protected under the 'no worse off' principle. You'll pay the same or lower contributions, keep unspent funds, and maintain your package level until reassessed. Your contributions will not increase because of the transition.
Home Care Package client subsidies:
Home Care Package (HCP) care recipients will move to the Support at Home program. This means you will automatically be approved for services under Support at Home. From November 1, 2025, HCP clients will move to a transitional Support at Home classification and continue to receive the same funding level as they did with their HCP.
| HCP Classification | Support at Home Classification | Support at Home Quarterly Budget | Support at Home Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCP Level 1 | Transitioned HCP Level 1 | $2,746.63 | $10,986.50 |
| HCP Level 2 | Transitioned HCP Level 2 | $4,829.86 | $19,319.45 |
| HCP Level 3 | Transitioned HCP Level 3 | $10,513.83 | $42,055.30 |
| HCP Level 4 | Transitioned HCP Level 4 | $15,939.55 | $63,758.20 |
We’ll continue to provide support and deliver services to you when you move to Support at Home.
What are the new funding levels under the Support At Home program?
Support At Home introduces eight funding levels, compared to the four levels under the Home Care Package program.
Get to know the key terminology changes
| Previously Home Care Package |
Now Support At Home |
|---|---|
| Funding Delivery – “Package” | Funding Delivery – “Classification” |
| Client Advisor | Care Partner |
| Clinical Case Manager | Clinical Lead |
We're here to help in any way,
give us a call for some free advice
Let’s find the perfect fit
We want to give you the most relevant information to fit your needs. Choose which step of the Home Care process you’re at and we will provide the information that is relevant to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will endeavour to keep you informed throughout the stages of this change. However, you can also speak to a trusted family member or caregiver, or the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN).
English is not my mum’s first language, and we struggled to navigate the government subsidy system with her, until Benetas came along.