The Home Care Package (HCP) Program
is changing to Support at Home.
Support at Home is the new in-home aged care program developed by the Australian Government, bringing together existing programs. The new Support at Home program aims to improve access to services, products, equipment and home modifications to help older people to remain healthy, active and socially connected to their community.
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The Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program from 1 July 2025. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will become part of the Support at Home program no earlier than 1 July 2027. CHSP will continue operating as usual until it moves to Support at Home.
More information about the new program can be found through the Department of Health and Aged Care website at https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home
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Please find below some resources provided by the government that may answer some of your questions.
What the change to Support at Home
means for existing clients.
If you were were receiving a Home Care Package, or assessed as eligible for a package on or prior to 12 September 2024, you will be no worse off when Support at Home starts.
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Transition to Support at Home:
If you're currently an HCP client, you will automatically move to the Support at Home program at your current funding level. No reassessment is required, and you’ll continue to receive the same amount of funding as under your current HCP level.
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Retention of Unspent HCP Funds:
Any unspent funds from your HCP will be carried over and can be used for things like assistive technology, home modifications, or additional services if you use up your quarterly budget.
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Quarterly Budgets:
The annual Home Care Package amount will be divided into four equal parts, each covering three months. If you don’t spend your budget within a quarter, up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget (whichever is greater) will be carried over to the next quarter.
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Defined Service List:
All services under the Support at Home program will be clearly listed, outlining what is and isn't included.
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Changes to Pricing Structure:
Starting 1 July, the pricing structure will change. Package management fees will be incorporated into the unit prices for each service, rather than being charged separately. Care management funding will be set at 10% of the ongoing quarterly budgets. Detailed discussions and information about these changes will take place leading up to the program's start (prior to 1 July 2025).
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Client Contributions:
The NO WORSE OFF principle ensures that you won’t pay more than you do under your current Home Care Package. If you pay an income-tested care fee, this will continue under the Support at Home program, with special discounted contribution arrangements (details to be determined by Services Australia). More information is available in the Support at Home program handbook.