The Australian Government’s new Support at Home program will launch 1 July 2025, replacing the existing Home Care Packages program (HCP). This reform aims to simplify in-home aged care, and improve the access to services, allowing older Australians to maintain their independence at home for as long as possible. As the transition date approaches, many Australians currently receiving a Home Care Package, as well as those entering the system, are seeking clarity on how the changes will affect them, particularly when it comes to their funding. This highlights the need for clearer communication and greater transparency.
More funding levels to match your needs
One of the standout features of the Support at Home program is the introduction of eight classification levels for ongoing care. This replaces the four existing levels under the Home Care Package system. The new classifications aim to more accurately match the support provided to a person’s needs, which can change over time.
Under the new system, funding for ongoing services will be assigned based on a participant’s needs (as assessed through an aged care assessment). These funds cover a variety of services, including clinical care (nursing or physiotherapy), personal care (help with bathing, dressing, and mobility), as well as everyday tasks such as cleaning, meal preparation, and gardening.
The new classification system is designed to ensure that as a person’s health and support needs increase, their funding grows accordingly.
Annual budgets split into quarterly allocations
The Support at Home program will provide annual budgets, divided into quarterly allocations. These budgets will allow participants to plan and manage their care more effectively. Participants will also have the flexibility to carry over unspent funds from one quarter to the next.
Up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget (whichever is greater) can be carried over to the next quarter, providing some flexibility for those who do not fully use their funds within this period. However, any amount exceeding this carry-over limit will not roll over to the following quarter.
For instance, if your quarterly allocation is $7,000 and you only use $5,000, you can carry over $1,000 into the next quarter. But, if you have more than $1,000 left over, the excess will not be carried forward, ensuring that funds are being used towards immediate care needs.
New classifications and indicative budget amounts
The eight classifications for ongoing services, along with their indicative quarterly and annual budget amounts, are as follows:
- Classification 1: Quarterly budget ~ $2,750 / Annual budget ~ $11,000
- Classification 2: Quarterly budget ~ $4,000 / Annual budget ~ $16,000
- Classification 3: Quarterly budget ~ $5,500 / Annual budget ~ $22,000
- Classification 4: Quarterly budget ~ $7,500 / Annual budget ~ $30,000
- Classification 5: Quarterly budget ~ $10,000 / Annual budget ~ $40,000
- Classification 6: Quarterly budget ~ $12,000 / Annual budget ~ $48,000
- Classification 7: Quarterly budget ~ $14,500 / Annual budget ~ $58,000
- Classification 8: Quarterly budget ~ $19,500 / Annual budget ~ $78,000
A new participant’s classification and budget will be determined upon their assessment based on their individual needs, ensuring they receive the appropriate support.
Existing Home Care Package clients will not undergo an assessment into one of the new classifications when the Support at Home program commences. Instead, they will be allocated a budget that corresponds to their Home Care Package level, or the level they are approved for and are awaiting access to.
If a participant’s needs increase in the future, they will be reassessed and, if necessary, transitioned into a higher Support at Home classification with an adjusted budget to match their new care requirements. This ensures that funding remains flexible and can grow with the individual’s needs over time.
As the new Support at Home program rolls out, it promises to provide more tailored, flexible, and effective support for older Australians who require ongoing care needs. With eight funding classifications to better match individual needs, and the ability to carry over unspent funds, the program is designed to allow people to maintain their independence while receiving the care they deserve.
As the industry braces for the full implementation of the Support at Home program, KompleteCare is ahead of the curve, ensuring it meets the new legislative requirements while continuing to delivery exceptional care. If you have any questions about the new Support at Home program, contact KompleteCare today on (08) 8265 6596 or fill out an enquiry form via our website.
*All information provided is sourced from the Australian Government and is correct at the time of publication. Information may change until the Support at Home program commences on July 1st, 2025.
