Support at Home Funding Changes from 1 November 2025
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government’s new Support at Home program replaced the previous Home Care Packages Program.
This change is designed to make it easier for older Australians to stay healthy, active and socially connected at home by improving access to services, products, equipment and home modifications. At Doutta Galla, we are prepared for this transition to ensure everyone understands what’s changed and how it works in practice.
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What Changed
Under Support at Home, people only pay for the services they use. Contributions depend on two things: the type of service and individual financial circumstances.
Type of service:
- No contribution for clinical support (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy).
- A moderate contribution for independence services such as personal care, or for products and equipment under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.
- A higher contribution for everyday living services such as domestic help and gardening.
Financial circumstances:
- Full and part pensioners have contributions determined through their Age Pension income and assets assessment.
- Non-pensioners need to provide financial details to Services Australia to have their contribution rate assessed.
- If financial details are not provided, the highest contribution rates apply by default.
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The “No Worse Off” Guarantee
People who were receiving or approved for a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 are protected under the “no worse off” principle.
This means:
- You will pay the same or less under Support at Home than you currently do.
- If you were assessed as not having to pay an income-tested care fee, you will not pay any fees under the new system.
- If you currently pay an income-tested care fee, you will make contributions at lower rates that ensure you do not pay more than before.
- Your existing lifetime cap on care fees will remain unchanged.
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Key Differences from Home Care Packages
The Support at Home model is simpler and more flexible:
- You’ll only pay for the services you use, rather than a daily fee regardless of usage.
- Your contribution is based on both income and assets (previously only income was considered).
- Clinical services are provided with no personal contribution required.
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Staying Informed
Doutta Galla will continue to support clients and families through this transition. As the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing releases further details, we’ll share timely updates and practical guidance to ensure everyone understands the new system and what it means day-to-day..
Our commitment remains the same – to help older Australians live independently and continue receiving quality care at home.