Support at Home Program: Changes Are Coming to In-Home Aged Care

Support at Home: A New Chapter in Government-Funded Care

From November 2025 (formerly 1 July 2025), the Australian Government will introduce a new program called Support at Home which will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. The Support at Home program is designed to strengthen care for older Australians — offering greater funding, more personalised support, and a simpler system that evolves alongside our growing, ageing population.

If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package — or you're on a waitlist under HCP or CHSP — you don’t need to worry. We’ll guide you through every step of the transition.

For existing clients: please reach out to your case manager.

For new client enquiries: 1300 79 68 76

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What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is a reformed in-home care program developed by the Australian Government to simplify and personalise the way older Australians receive support to live independently at home.

Here’s what we know so far*:

✔ Expanded Funding Classifications:
The current four levels of care will expand to 10 new funding categories, offering more tailored support. The highest level will provide nearly $78,000 per year, exceeding what’s currently available under Level 4 HCP.

✔ Simplified Assessment Process:
A single, unified assessment system will streamline how support needs are evaluated — making it easier and faster to get the right care, without repeating the same information.

✔ Participant Contributions:
The program will use government-set contributions to ensure fairness and consistency. These changes aim to reduce wait times and improve access to funding.

✔ Transparent Service Inclusions:
A clearly defined list of services will give participants and families better visibility into what’s included — helping you make confident, informed choices.

✔ Fair Pricing with Capped Rates:
A capped pricing model will prevent overcharging, so you can get more care hours and value from your funding.

✔ Access to Assistive Tech & Home Modifications:
Support at Home will offer greater access to equipment and modifications — like grab rails, ramps, or personal alert systems — to help you live safely and independently at home.

FEATURE	IF YOU'RE ALREADY ON A HOME CARE PACKAGE	IF YOU'RE WAITING ON HCP OR CHSP SERVICES
TRANSITION TO SUPPORT AT HOME	You’ll move automatically with no reassessment required.	Your application/waitlist status carries over — no need to reapply.
NO WORSE OFF PROMISE	Your current contribution amounts will remain unchanged.	If eligible by 12 Sept 2024, you won’t pay more than you would under HCP.
UNSPENT FUNDS	Any unused funds in your HCP will carry over to Support at Home.	- Not applicable until package begins, but funding access will improve.
EXPANDED FUNDING MODEL (8 LEVELS)	You’ll be placed into one of the new levels that best matches your needs — up to ~$78,000/year.	When services begin, you’ll receive funding under the new model.
FAIR PRICING SYSTEM	Prices will be capped, helping your funds go further.	Clear pricing will apply from the moment your services start.
SERVICE CLARITY (DEFINED INCLUSIONS LIST)	You’ll have greater transparency about what your care includes.	You’ll benefit from a more predictable and visible service offering.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY & HOME MODIFICATIONS	You’ll have access to equipment and modifications to stay independent at home.	These supports will be available once services commence.
FASTER ACCESS TO SUPPORT	Assessment and care planning processes will be streamlined.	New system aims to reduce wait times and improve service speed.

* References:

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/about
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/support-at-home-fact-sheet.pdf
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/features
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/support-at-home-program-handbook.pdf

Please note:
This information is current as of 4 June 2025 and is based on publicly available details about the upcoming Support at Home program. The Government is still in the process of finalising the program, so some aspects may evolve over time. At Lumia Care, we’re committed to keeping you informed — and we’ll continue to provide Support at Home updates as more details become available.

New Care Pathways Designed Around You

The Support at Home program introduces three new care pathways to support independence and comfort at every stage:

✔ Restorative Care Pathway — Up to 16 weeks of allied health and reablement services to help you maintain or regain independence.

✔ Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme — Access up to $15,000 each for essential home improvements and equipment that make daily living safer and easier.

✔ End-of-Life Pathway — Provides dedicated funding of up to $25,000 over 12 weeks for compassionate, home-based palliative care.

Understanding What’s Not Included Under the Support at Home program

While the Support at Home program in 2025 offers extensive services and flexibility, there are some items that fall outside government funding. Knowing these limits helps you plan and budget confidently with your provider. Lumia Care is here to make that process stress-free.

General Exclusions

The Support at Home program does not fund expenses unrelated to your assessed care needs. This means day-to-day living costs and lifestyle choices remain your responsibility. Examples include:

✔ General home maintenance, such as roof repairs or major renovations

✔ Rent, mortgage or utility payments

✔ Entertainment or holidays

✔ Food, groceries or takeaway meals (except when part of meal-preparation support)

✔ Personal expenses like clothing, internet or phone bills

These guidelines ensure that government funding focuses directly on health, safety and independence rather than general household or lifestyle costs.

Service Limits and Eligibility

Even within the approved Support at Home service list, funding depends on your clinical and functional needs. Services that duplicate supports from other programs, such as hospital care, NDIS or veterans’ benefits, may not be included. For example:

✔ Hospital treatments or specialist medical care covered by Medicare

✔ Services already funded under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

✔ Disability supports that fall under the NDIS

✔ Home modifications beyond approved limits unless supported by professional evidence

Lumia Care will guide you through your options to ensure your Support at Home packages cover what’s essential while avoiding overlap with other funding sources.

Assistive Technology and Home Modification Limits

The new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme sets funding tiers from $500 to $15,000 per item. Additional funding can be approved with clinical evidence, but not all products qualify. Luxury, decorative or non-essential upgrades — like premium fittings or aesthetic renovations — are excluded. Your provider can help you identify what’s eligible within the new Support at Home program.

Why Trust Lumia Care Through This Change?

At Lumia Care, we’re experts in enabling. With over 66 years of combined experience through trusted providers like Colbrow Care, Regal Health and Meditech, we’ve supported thousands of Australians to live life on their terms.

We understand that change can feel confusing or overwhelming. That’s why at Lumia Care, we are here to make it easy with our Support at Home aged care services. We’ve created a dedicated help team to guide you — and your loved ones — through these upcoming changes.

Our promise to you:

️We will keep you informed every step of the way and provide personalised advice based on your circumstances
We will help you navigate future funding levels and Support at Home pricing
We will ensure your services continue without disruption
We are your trusted partner for Support at Home

If you’re unsure, don’t wait.

Whether you’re a current client or just starting your journey, speak to our friendly team and we’ll help you understand your options with the new Support at Home program.

Existing clients: Please reach out to your case manager
New clients: 1300 79 68 76
Email us: welcome@lumiacare.com.au

Additional Resources: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home

Support at Home. Same Care, Just Smarter.

While the names may be changing, our commitment to you isn’t.

At Lumia Care, your independence is our mission. Whether you’re gardening, painting, dancing, or just enjoying quiet time at home, our goal is simple: to support you, your way.

Support at Home Program: Changes Are Coming to In-Home Aged Care

Support at Home: A New Chapter in Government-Funded Care

For existing clients: please reach out to your case manager.

For new client enquiries: 1300 79 68 76

What is Support at Home?

✔ Expanded Funding Classifications:
The current four levels of care will expand to 10 new funding categories, offering more tailored support. The highest level will provide nearly $78,000 per year, exceeding what’s currently available under Level 4 HCP.

✔ Simplified Assessment Process:
A single, unified assessment system will streamline how support needs are evaluated — making it easier and faster to get the right care, without repeating the same information.

✔ Participant Contributions:
The program will use government-set contributions to ensure fairness and consistency. These changes aim to reduce wait times and improve access to funding.

✔ Transparent Service Inclusions:
A clearly defined list of services will give participants and families better visibility into what’s included — helping you make confident, informed choices.

✔ Fair Pricing with Capped Rates:
A capped pricing model will prevent overcharging, so you can get more care hours and value from your funding.

✔ Access to Assistive Tech & Home Modifications:
Support at Home will offer greater access to equipment and modifications — like grab rails, ramps, or personal alert systems — to help you live safely and independently at home.

New Care Pathways Designed Around You

Understanding What’s Not Included Under the Support at Home program

General Exclusions

Service Limits and Eligibility

Assistive Technology and Home Modification Limits

Why Trust Lumia Care Through This Change?

Support at Home. Same Care, Just Smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can We Help

Support at Home Program: Changes Are Coming to In-Home Aged Care

Support at Home: A New Chapter in Government-Funded Care

For existing clients: please reach out to your case manager.

For new client enquiries: 1300 79 68 76

What is Support at Home?

✔ Expanded Funding Classifications: The current four levels of care will expand to 10 new funding categories, offering more tailored support. The highest level will provide nearly $78,000 per year, exceeding what’s currently available under Level 4 HCP.

✔ Simplified Assessment Process: A single, unified assessment system will streamline how support needs are evaluated — making it easier and faster to get the right care, without repeating the same information.

✔ Participant Contributions: The program will use government-set contributions to ensure fairness and consistency. These changes aim to reduce wait times and improve access to funding.

✔ Transparent Service Inclusions: A clearly defined list of services will give participants and families better visibility into what’s included — helping you make confident, informed choices.

✔ Fair Pricing with Capped Rates: A capped pricing model will prevent overcharging, so you can get more care hours and value from your funding.

✔ Access to Assistive Tech & Home Modifications: Support at Home will offer greater access to equipment and modifications — like grab rails, ramps, or personal alert systems — to help you live safely and independently at home.

New Care Pathways Designed Around You

Understanding What’s Not Included Under the Support at Home program

General Exclusions

Service Limits and Eligibility

Assistive Technology and Home Modification Limits

Why Trust Lumia Care Through This Change?

Support at Home. Same Care, Just Smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can We Help

✔ Expanded Funding Classifications:
The current four levels of care will expand to 10 new funding categories, offering more tailored support. The highest level will provide nearly $78,000 per year, exceeding what’s currently available under Level 4 HCP.

✔ Simplified Assessment Process:
A single, unified assessment system will streamline how support needs are evaluated — making it easier and faster to get the right care, without repeating the same information.

✔ Participant Contributions:
The program will use government-set contributions to ensure fairness and consistency. These changes aim to reduce wait times and improve access to funding.

✔ Transparent Service Inclusions:
A clearly defined list of services will give participants and families better visibility into what’s included — helping you make confident, informed choices.

✔ Fair Pricing with Capped Rates:
A capped pricing model will prevent overcharging, so you can get more care hours and value from your funding.

✔ Access to Assistive Tech & Home Modifications:
Support at Home will offer greater access to equipment and modifications — like grab rails, ramps, or personal alert systems — to help you live safely and independently at home.