Support At Home: Changes from 1st Nov 2025

Australia's aged care system is getting its biggest update in decades. Here's what's changing.

On 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program launches nationwide, replacing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). Whether you're a provider, case manager, allied health professional, or family member navigating aged care, these changes will affect how in-home care works.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released comprehensive guidelines outlining the new system. Here are the nine key things everyone should understand.

1. Eight New Classifications Replace the Old System

Gone are HCP levels 1-4. The new system introduces eight ongoing classifications for regular care, plus three short-term pathways:

• Ongoing Classifications 1-8: Different funding levels based on assessed needs

• Restorative Care Pathway: Up to 16 weeks of intensive allied health services

• End-of-Life Pathway: Up to 12 weeks of enhanced support (extendable to 16 weeks)

• AT-HM Scheme: Separate funding for assistive technology and home modifications

Each classification comes with specific funding amounts and service entitlements.

2. Quarterly Budgets Change the Funding Cycle

Instead of annual allocations, participants receive funding in quarterly cycles. The quarters run:

• Quarter 1: 1 July - 30 September

• Quarter 2: 1 October - 31 December

• Quarter 3: 1 January - 31 March

• Quarter 4: 1 April - 30 June

Key features:

• Budgets are released at the start of each quarter

• Unused funds can carry forward with specific limits ($1,000 or 10%, whichever is higher)

• No negative balances allowed—overspends are prevented by the system

• Pro-rata calculations apply for participants joining mid-quarter

3. Assistive Technology Gets Dedicated Funding

The AT-HM (Assistive Technology and Home Modifications) scheme creates separate funding streams:

• Low tier: $500 over 12 months

• Medium tier: $2,000 over 12 months

• High tier: $15,000 over 12 months (not capped—additional funding available with evidence like prescriptions)

This funding is separate from ongoing care budgets and includes prescription services, installation, and training.

4. Care Management Becomes Mandatory and Structured

Every participant receiving ongoing services has 10% of their quarterly budget automatically allocated to care management. This funding covers:

• Direct care management activities delivered at least monthly

• Care plan development and review

• Service coordination and monitoring

• Risk assessment and management

• Communication with participants and families

Care management is delivered by designated "care partners" and cannot be opted out.

5. Single Provider Model Streamlines Service Delivery

Each participant works with one primary provider who coordinates all services, including:

• Ongoing care services

• Care management

• AT-HM services

• Short-term pathway services

This single provider is responsible for service coordination, budget management, and compliance with Quality Standards.

6. Service Agreements Become Mandatory

Before any services begin, providers must establish written service agreements covering:

• Services to be delivered and pricing

• Participant rights and responsibilities

• Budget management arrangements

• Complaint processes

• Exit procedures

These agreements must be in plain English and allow participants time to seek advice before signing.

7. Enhanced Quality Standards Apply Across All Services

The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards include five key areas:

• Standard 1: The Individual (person-centred care)

• Standard 2: The Organisation (governance and leadership)

• Standard 3: The Care and Services (service delivery)

• Standard 4: The Environment (safe and suitable)

• Standard 5: Clinical Care (if providing nursing services)

Compliance requirements vary based on provider registration categories and service types.

8. Wellness and Reablement Become Core Principles

The new system emphasizes:

• Wellness approaches: Supporting participants to maintain and improve wellbeing

• Reablement approaches: Helping participants regain or maintain independence

• "Doing with" philosophy: Supporting participants to remain actively involved in their care

• Goal-oriented service delivery: Focusing on participant outcomes rather than task completion

These approaches must be embedded in all service planning and delivery.

9. Transition Arrangements Protect Current Participants

Existing HCP and STRC participants automatically transition with protections:

• Current service arrangements continue initially

• Unspent HCP funds carry forward under new rules

• "No worse off" principle ensures contribution rates don't increase

• Equivalent funding levels maintained for transitioned participants

• New service agreements must be established, but service continuity is prioritized

What This Means Moving Forward

The Support at Home program represents a fundamental shift toward more personalized, outcome-focused aged care. The system emphasizes:

• Greater transparency through quarterly budgets

• Enhanced participant choice and control

• Improved access to assistive technology

• Stronger focus on maintaining independence

• Clearer provider accountability

Getting Ready for the Changes

For those involved in aged care—whether as participants, families, providers, or allied health professionals—preparation is key. Understanding these changes helps ensure smooth transitions and better outcomes for older Australians choosing to age at home.

Need support with assistive technology requirements under the new system? At Karis Life, we've been supporting the aged care community for over 40 years. We can help with equipment trials, procurement, installation, and training to meet AT-HM scheme requirements.

Contact us: relations@karislife.com.au | 02 9987 4500

This information is based on the official Support at Home Program Manual Version 4.0, published by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in September 2025. The complete manual is available at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/support-at-home-program-manual-a-guide-for-registered-providers

Karis Life is not affiliated with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. This content presents publicly available information for educational purposes only. Individuals and organizations should seek independent professional advice for their specific circumstances.