Support at Home Program
Australia's new government-funded aged care program helping older Australians live independently at home for longer. Let Australian Community Aged Care guide you through the process.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is Australia's new government-funded aged care program. It replaces Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care with a single, streamlined system for in-home care.
Developed following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the program creates a fairer, more flexible approach to helping older Australians stay living safely at home.
At Australian Community Aged Care, our purpose remains the same: to help you stay connected to the family, friends, and community you love — for as long as you choose.
See How It Works →Add image: Caring moment at home
Funding Levels
Funding Classifications Comparison
Support at Home introduces 8 funding levels (replacing the previous 4 Home Care Package levels) for more precise matching to your care needs.
Home Care Packages
Previous program (4 levels)
Support at Home
New program (8 classifications)
Our Services
What Services Are Included?
Support at Home provides care under three service categories, each designed to help you stay safe, healthy, and connected at home.
Clinical Supports
Healthcare and therapeutic services delivered by qualified professionals. Fully funded by the government — no contribution required.
- Nursing care and wound management
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Podiatry and speech pathology
- Medication management
- Dietetics and nutrition support
Independence Services
Personal support to help you stay safe and connected in your community. Modest contribution required.
- Personal care assistance
- Mobility and continence support
- Social support and companionship
- Transport to appointments
- Respite care services
Everyday Living
Help with daily household tasks and home maintenance. Higher contribution rates apply.
- Cleaning and laundry
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Gardening and home maintenance
- Shopping assistance
- Home safety modifications
Short-Term Pathways
Flexible pathways that respond to changing circumstances and specific needs.
AT-HM Scheme
Practical changes to your home or equipment that support safety and independence — like grab rails, ramps, or mobility aids.
Learn more →Restorative Care
Up to 16 weeks of short-term support designed to help you get back on your feet after illness, injury, or a hospital stay.
Learn more →End-of-Life Pathway
Specialist services that help you remain comfortable, supported, and connected at home in the final stage of life.
Learn more →Maximise Your Funding with Our Living Well Programs
Our evidence-based programs focus on preventative health — building daily habits and routines that support confidence, strength, and wellbeing.
These programs align with the latest Aged Care Standards and bring supports together in a structured way that delivers long-term benefits and helps you remain at home for longer.
Instead of drawing on services one by one, our programs combine supports into a coordinated approach — an innovative way to use your Support at Home funding.
Add image: Active seniors staying healthy
Active Life
Building strength, balance, and mobility to reduce the risk of falls and keep you active in daily life.
Mealtime Support
Making mealtimes safer and more engaging through posture, pacing, and safe swallowing techniques.
Well Nourished
Personalised meal planning and nutrition support linked to better strength, cognition, and energy levels.
Cost & Fees
Understanding Your Contributions
You only pay for the services you use. Clinical care is fully funded by the government.
Full Pensioner
Part Pensioner
Self-Funded Retiree
💡 Clinical Supports (nursing, allied health, therapies) are fully funded by the government — no contribution required.
🛡️ A lifetime cap of $130,000 applies across Support at Home and residential aged care.
🤝 If you can't afford your contribution, you can apply for financial hardship assistance so your care can continue without interruption.
Eligibility
Which Participant Type Are You?
From 1 July 2025, everyone receiving or applying for home support is part of Support at Home. Your contribution arrangements depend on when you were first approved.
Grandfathered Participants
Approved on or before 12 Sept 2024Protected by the "no worse off" rule. Your contribution arrangements remain the same — you'll pay what you pay now, or less.
Transitioned Participants
Approved 13 Sept 2024 – 30 June 2025You'll move to Support at Home under the new contribution settings based on your pension or income status.
New Entrants
Approved from 1 July 2025 onwardsYou start directly in Support at Home under the new rules. Your contribution tier is set automatically.
Examples
Real-Life Examples
Here's how Support at Home contributions work for different situations.
Margaret
Full PensionerMargaret is 82 and lives in Adelaide. She's been receiving a Home Care Package since 2022 and receives a full Age Pension.
Because Margaret was approved before 12 September 2024, she's a grandfathered participant. Her contribution arrangements are protected.
Margaret will not pay new contributions for Independence or Everyday Living services. Her support continues seamlessly with costs unchanged.
Robert
Part PensionerRobert is 76 and lives in Melbourne. He began receiving a Home Care Package in February 2025. He receives a part Age Pension along with superannuation income.
Because his package was approved after 12 September 2024, Robert is a transitioned participant.
As a part pensioner, Robert contributes 5–50% for Independence services and 17.5–80% for Everyday Living. Clinical services remain fully funded.
Alan
Self-Funded RetireeAlan is 79 and lives in Melbourne. He applied for Support at Home in July 2025. He's a self-funded retiree with superannuation and investment income.
As a new entrant, Alan starts directly in Support at Home under the new rules.
Clinical supports are fully funded. Alan contributes 50% for Independence services and 80% for Everyday Living.
Rules for Unspent Funds
If you have existing Home Care Package funds, they're protected. All unspent funds carry over in full and remain available for use under Support at Home.
Pay for approved services once your quarterly budget is used
Purchase assistive technology or home modifications
Carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget
Your funding stays with you if you change providers
Why Us
Why Choose Australian Community Aged Care?
Our purpose is to help you stay connected to the family, friends, and community you love — for as long as you choose.
We help you maximise your funding
Our preventative programs strengthen daily routines and support wellbeing — helping you get more value from your budget.
Guidance through every step
We stay across every policy update so you don't have to. Our team makes applications and reviews simple.
Consistency you can count on
We carefully match you with qualified care workers who bring reliability and genuine care.
Flexibility in how you manage care
Choose coordinated support where we manage everything, or self-manage your own schedule.
Local Adelaide & Melbourne teams
We're a boutique provider with dedicated teams who know your community and respond quickly.
We've been preparing for this
Our team has been actively preparing for Support at Home — we're ready to guide you through the changes.
Your Home. Your Choice. Your Community.
The Support at Home reforms are designed to make aged care simpler — and with Australian Community Aged Care, it can be.
