Support at Home explained: what changed from Home Care Packages
If you or a parent had a Home Care Package, you've probably had letters about "Support at Home" and wondered what it actually means for you. Here's a plain-English summary from our nursing team, with the questions families ask us most.
The short version
On 1 November 2025, Support at Home replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care. It's the Australian Government's main program for helping older people stay safely at home. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) continues for now and will move into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
What changed for people on a Home Care Package?
- Your funding carried over. If you had a package, or were approved for one by 31 October 2025, you moved across to an equivalent "transitioned HCP" level.
- Unspent funds stay with you. You can use them for things like equipment and home modifications, or extra services once your quarterly budget is used.
- Budgets are now quarterly. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater.
- No worse off. If you were on, or approved for, a package on or before 12 September 2024, you won't pay more than you would have under the old rules.
What does Support at Home pay for?
Services fall into three groups, and what you contribute depends on the group:
- Clinical supports: nursing, allied health such as physio, and (from 1 October 2026) personal care like showering, dressing and continence support. These are fully government funded. You pay nothing.
- Independence: respite, transport, social support. A moderate contribution, based on your income and assets.
- Everyday living: cleaning, gardening, shopping, meal preparation. The highest contribution.
Full pensioners pay the lowest rates. Contributions are capped over your lifetime, and you can apply for hardship assistance if you can't afford them.
What families ask us most
"Do we have to change providers?"
No. You can stay with your provider, or change at any time. If you'd like Good Nurse to deliver your care, choose Trilogy Care as your registered provider and ask for us. We're an official Trilogy Care partner.
"Mum's needs have changed. Can her funding go up?"
Yes. Ask your provider for a Support Plan Review. If her needs have increased, she can be reassessed for a higher classification.
"Who decides what she gets?"
An aged care assessor sets the classification. Then your care partner works with you to plan services within the budget. Our nurses can give clinical input, for example on wound care, falls risk or medication support, so the plan matches what's really needed.
"Is there anything for short-term needs?"
Yes. There are short-term pathways for restorative care after an illness or fall, end-of-life care at home, and assistive technology and home modifications.
A nurse's tip
For funding levels, contributions and the lifetime cap in detail, read our full Support at Home Guide. Or call our nurses on 1300 457 557.
Talk to a nurse
Free, no-obligation chat with one of our Registered Nurses about NDIS or Support at Home care in Western Sydney.