The Australian Government is poised to launch the Support at Home program on July 1, 2025, marking a transformative step in in-home aged care. This initiative, developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, aims to enable older Australians to live independently at home for longer by offering enhanced services, equipment, and home modifications. Below, we delve into what will happen when the program starts, the changes it will bring, and how it will impact older Australians and their families.
What Will Happen on July 1, 2025?
On July 1, 2025, the Support at Home program is expected to replace the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will remain unchanged until at least July 1, 2027, when it will merge with Support at Home. This reform is designed to create a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable system, addressing the growing demand for in-home care, with an estimated 1.4 million Australians needing support by 2035.
The program will introduce a unified framework, offering eight levels of support tailored to individual needs, with annual funding ranging from $11,000 to $78,000 per person. New services, such as restorative care and end-of-life support, will be available, and a new assessment system will streamline access to care.
Key Changes to Expect
The Support at Home program will bring several significant changes to in-home aged care:
1. Replacement of Existing Programs
- Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care: These will be fully replaced by Support at Home on July 1, 2025.
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): This will transition to Support at Home no earlier than July 1, 2027, ensuring continuity for current CHSP recipients.
2. New Funding Structure
The program introduces eight classification levels, replacing the previous four-level system, with budgets allocated quarterly:
| Level | Quarterly Budget | Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,750 | ~$11,000 |
| 2 | ~$4,000 | ~$16,000 |
| 3 | ~$5,500 | ~$22,000 |
| 4 | ~$7,500 | ~$30,000 |
| 5 | ~$10,000 | ~$40,000 |
| 6 | ~$12,000 | ~$48,000 |
| 7 | ~$14,500 | ~$58,000 |
| 8 | ~$19,500 | ~$78,000 |
Unspent funds, up to $1,000 or 10% of the budget, can roll over to the next quarter, providing flexibility.
3. Enhanced Services and Interventions
- Restorative Care Pathway: A 12-week program to support recovery from illness or injury, promoting independence.
- End-of-Life Pathway: Up to $25,000 for individuals with less than three months to live, enabling them to remain at home.
- Upfront Supports: Access to allied health services, assistive technology, and home modifications to maintain health and independence.
4. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
The AT-HM scheme will provide funding for:
- Minor Modifications: Up to $500 for items like grab rails.
- Extensive Modifications: Up to $15,000 for changes like stairlifts.
A trial Assistive Technology Loans Scheme is underway in NSW (Enable NSW).
5. Equitable Pricing
Government-set price caps on services are planned but delayed until July 1, 2026. Until then, providers will set their own prices, similar to the current Home Care Packages system. Indicative price ranges are available (Support at Home Prices).
6. Legal Framework
The program is grounded in the Aged Care Act 1997, ensuring fairness, transparency, and sustainability. It aligns with the government’s commitment to modernise aged care services.
Who is Eligible for the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is designed for older Australians, with specific eligibility criteria:
- Individuals over the age of 65.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50.
- Individuals over the age of 50 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
These criteria ensure that vulnerable populations, including Indigenous Australians and those facing housing challenges, can access necessary support.
How to Apply for the Support at Home Program
Applications will be processed through the Single Assessment System, using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), introduced in July 2024. Assessors will collaborate with applicants to create a personalised support plan based on their needs and goals, determining funding levels and services.
- For New Applicants: Contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 to start the assessment process. Applying for a Home Care Package before July 1, 2025, may secure current contribution rates.
- For Current Recipients: Home Care Package recipients will automatically transition to Support at Home on July 1, 2025, without reassessment unless needs change. Unspent funds will be retained, and budgets will align with the new quarterly structure.
The transition is guided by a “no worse off” principle, ensuring current recipients maintain or improve their benefits.
Cost and Funding Under the Support at Home Program
The Support at Home program introduces a cost-sharing model based on income, with a lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs (covering both in-home and residential care). Here’s how costs are structured:
| Service Type | Government Contribution | Individual Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Services (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy) | 100% | 0% |
| Independence Services (e.g., medications, showering) | 50-95% | 5-50% (based on income) |
| Everyday Living Services (e.g., housework, meal delivery) | 20-82.5% | 17.5-80% (based on income) |
Contribution Rates by Income Bracket
| Income Bracket | Clinical Services | Independence Services | Everyday Living Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Pensioners (<$32,000 ind, <$50,000 couple) | $0 | 5% (~$5+) | 17.5% (~$10-$25) |
| Part Pensioners ($32,001-$60,000 ind, $50,001-$90,000 couple) | $0 | 5%-50% based on assessment | 17.5%-80% based on assessment |
| Self-Funded Retirees (>$60,001 ind, >$90,001 couple) | $0 | 50%+ (~$50+) | 80%+ (~$100+) |
Current Home Care Package recipients will not pay more than they currently do, ensuring affordability.
Impact on Current Recipients
Current Home Care Package recipients will experience a seamless transition:
- Automatic Transition: On July 1, 2025, recipients will move to Support at Home without reassessment unless needs change.
- No Increased Costs: Contributions will not exceed current levels.
- Access to New Services: Recipients will benefit from the AT-HM scheme, restorative care, and end-of-life support.
- Retained Funds: Unspent funds will carry over, adjusted to the quarterly budget structure.
CHSP recipients will continue under their current program until at least July 2027, with the option to apply for a Home Care Package before July 2025 or Support at Home thereafter.
Provider Impact and Support
Providers will operate under a unified framework, with:
- A single provider per participant.
- 10% of budgets allocated for care management.
- Invoicing through Services Australia.
- Monitoring by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Preparing for the Transition
To prepare for the Support at Home program:
- Apply Early: If eligible, apply for a Home Care Package before July 1, 2025, to secure current contribution rates.
- Stay Informed: Subscribe to updates from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
- Seek Assistance: Contact organisations like FOCUS Connect (02 4627 1188) for support during the transition.
Conclusion
The Support at Home program, launching on July 1, 2025, is set to revolutionise in-home aged care in Australia. By offering increased funding, new services, and a streamlined assessment process, it aims to empower older Australians to live independently with dignity. Current recipients will transition smoothly, and new applicants can prepare by engaging with My Aged Care. As the program evolves, staying informed and acting early will ensure you or your loved ones benefit fully from these reforms.
FAQ
Q: What is the Support at Home program?
A: The Support at Home program is a new initiative starting on 1 July 2025. It will change how aged care is delivered at home in Australia. It aims to meet the needs of seniors better by providing more services and easier access to resources.
Q: How does the Support at Home program differ from the current Home Care Package (HCP) program?
A: The Support at Home program replaces the Home Care Package (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. It aims to make in-home care better for seniors by streamlining services.
Q: Who is eligible for the Support at Home program?
A: People aged 65 and older can apply. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over 50 and those over 50 who are homeless or at risk can also apply. Assessments use the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).
Q: What is the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)?
A: Introduced in 2024, the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) helps assessors gather important information. This information is used to tailor services to meet the needs and goals of applicants.
Q: How is the funding structured under the Support at Home program?
A: The funding model covers health-related costs. It also has a contribution mechanism based on a person’s financial status. Seniors may pay for services based on set rates.
Q: What is the lifetime cap for non-clinical care costs in the Support at Home program?
A: There’s a lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs. This ensures seniors don’t face high out-of-pocket expenses throughout their lives.
Q: What are the classification levels of funding available in this program?
A: The program offers eight funding levels. Annual budgets range from about $11,000 to $78,000, based on the individual’s care needs.
Q: Can participants use their quarterly budgets flexibly?
A: Yes, participants get quarterly budgets for flexible use. They can cover clinical care, independence support, and everyday living aids to maintain independence at home.
Q: Will current Home Care Package recipients be affected by the transition to the new system?
A: Existing Home Care Package recipients will be moved to the Support at Home program. This will happen without changing their current services or funding levels. It ensures their care continues without interruption.
Q: What overarching changes are expected from the Support at Home program?
A: The program aims to improve in-home care standards and access. It also wants to reduce waiting times and follow the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
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