The Support at Home Program is the Australian Government’s new aged care program which is commencing on 1 November 2025.
The new program is designed to make aged care simpler, fairer, and more flexible, ensuring older Australians receive the right care at the right time.
Pearl Home Care understands the impending changes have raised a number of questions for both existing and new care recipients. To assist, we answer below some frequently asked questions on services, funding and contributions.
Q. Do I need to reapply to receive care under Support at Home?
A. No. If you are already receiving care under an approved Home Care Package, you will be transitioned directly into Support at Home on 1 November. Your provider is required to ensure your care continues without interruption.
Q. Will my services change?
A. Services under Support at Home will be grouped into Clinical Care, Independence Support and Everyday Living. Within these you can continue to access the same types of support. Your provider should work with you to ensure your services are planned to continue to meet your needs.
Q. Will my funding amount change under Support at Home?
A. If you are transitioning from an existing Home Care Package, your funding amount should stay the same as it is currently. Changes to funding amounts will be determined if you need a new assessment (e.g. if your needs change) and you are then assigned a new funding classification under Support at Home. If you are a new care recipient joining with the implementation of Support at Home, you will be allocated funding in line with your classification level.
Q. Will I have to contribute more towards my supports?
A. If you commenced receiving services prior to 12 September 2024, you are considered a ‘Grandfathered’ client. This means if you currently pay an income-tested care fee, you will continue to pay the same amount under Support at Home. There will be no unexpected increase beyond what Services Australia has already determined for you.
If you commenced receiving services after 12 September 2024, Services Australia will conduct an income-based assessment under the Support at Home rules to determine how much you are required to contribute.
Any co-contributions determined can only apply to services under the groups of Independence Support or Everyday Living. Clinical services are exempt from co-contributions for everyone.
Q. Can I still accrue unspent funds to use at a later date?
A. If you have any unspent funds available from your current Home Care Package, these will roll over into your Support at Home budget for your ongoing support.
Under Support at Home, the focus is on utilisation of your full budget each quarter. You will be able to roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) to use in the next quarter for any additional needs. Your provider is required to provide you with monthly statements to assist you to keep track of your spend and to make decisions on the allocation of your budget.
The focus of Support at Home is on independence, wellness, and helping you stay safe and healthy at home. Pearl Home Care is committed to making this transition smooth for both existing and new clients, and ensuring you feel confident, supported, and well cared for at home.
If you are a new care recipient, or not happy with your current provider and looking to move, Pearl Home Care has immediate capacity to assist you with no waitlist. Our staff are highly trained and our Case Managers are available to meet in your home, on the phone or at our local office. This is part of our plan to be ready to meet the needs of Support at Home participants. We have also prepared a list of questions you may want to ask a new provider here.
Backed by decades of experience, we offer services to more than 3000 individuals nationally that are guided by strong values, personalised care, and local commitment.
To join our list of happy clients, find your nearest Pearl Home Care office here and get in touch today.
