From 1 November 2025, Australia’s aged care system will see one of its biggest transformations with the launch of the Support at Home (SAH) program.
This new program replaces the Home Care Packages (HCPs) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs, creating a simpler and more flexible way to access in-home support. It’s designed to make services fairer, easier to navigate, and better suited to each person’s needs.
Support at Home – A Simplified System for In‑Home Care
Support at Home is part of the aged care reform, developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The aim is to give older Australians greater choice, fairer access, and more transparency when receiving care at home.
While these changes are positive, it’s understandable that people may feel uncertain as more details are yet to release on these changes. The new My Aged Care website will continue to provide the latest updates from 1 November, and you can visit it anytime using the link: Click Here
At COTA Tasmania, along with our Care Finder team, we’ll continue to share updates and help keep the community informed. For personal advice or questions about your care, please contact My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422.
Key Changes Under the New Program
- New structure: The Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs will now operate under the Support at Home model.
- Eight care levels: The former four HCP levels are being replaced by eight funding levels, ranging from approximately $11,000 to $78,000 per year, allowing care to be better matched to individual needs.
- Reduced management fees: Providers can no longer charge package management fees, and care management fees will be capped at 10%.
- Capped pricing: From 1 July 2026, capped pricing will apply to ensure fair and consistent service fees.
- CHSP transition: The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will gradually be absorbed into Support at Home by 1 July 2027.
Services and Participant Contributions
Under the new system, recipients will work with their aged care provider to plan services ( that fit within their funding) across three broad categories:
- Clinical supports: Nursing and allied health services. (Fully funded by the government.)
- Independence services: Personal care, transport, social support, and respite care. (a percentage of Client co-contribution will be required.)
- Everyday living services: Cleaning, gardening, and meal preparation. (a percentage of Client co-contribution will be required.)
These percentages will be calculated by Services Australia (Centrelink).
This change replaces the current basic daily and income-tested care fees. Instead, clients will make fair contributions only toward the services they use.
The ‘No Worse Off’ principle –for Current HCP Clients
People who were approved for or receiving a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024 will be no worse off under the new program.
- If you were already paying fees, you will pay the same or less under Support at Home.
- If you weren’t required to pay fees before, you won’t be asked to under the new system.
This ensures existing clients can move into the new model with confidence and stability.
If you have questions about how aged care changes might affect your situation, get in touch with your provider to discuss your options.
If you need further individualised advocacy or support, contact the local Older Persons Advocacy Network—Advocacy Tasmania—on 1800 700 600
Staying Informed and Getting Support
As with any large change, it’s natural to have questions. The My Aged Care website will continue to share official updates, resources, and tools to help people understand what the new system means for them.
For more information, visit My Aged Care online or call 1800 200 422.
You can also follow the COTA Tasmania website & socials for local updates, news, and information as the rollout continues.
Update: 01 Nov 2025
Since publishing this article, the Government has shared some extra information to help older Australians transition smoothly to Support at Home. The new Aged Care Act is now in effect, and you’ll have 90 days to review and sign your new service agreement. Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know:
- You’ll soon receive a letter from Services Australia with your individual contribution rate.
- Once you receive it, you’ll have up to 90 days to review and sign your agreement – giving you time to consider what’s right for you.
- You’ll continue receiving services after 1 November, even if you haven’t yet signed.
- Accepting services after 1 November does not mean you’ve accepted your new agreement.
- During this transition, your provider cannot stop your services just because you haven’t signed.
If you are concerned about the prices your provider is charging you can contact the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission , and if your services are reducing you can apply to have a reassessment.
For more information about service agreements and the transition to Support at Home, visit: Support at Home service agreement resources
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