Support at Home Delayed to November 2025

The Australian Government has announced a four-month delay to the commencement of the Support at Home program, shifting the start date from 1 July to 1 November 2025. 

This decision follows feedback from aged care providers and advocacy groups, who expressed concerns about insufficient preparation time and the risk of service disruptions. 

The Support at Home program is designed to consolidate and replace the existing Home Care Packages Program. It aims to provide older Australians with more streamlined and flexible in-home care services. 

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Why the Delay?

After careful thought, the government decided to allow a few more months before launching the new Aged Care Act. This extra time is not a step backward. The delay is intended to allow providers additional time to finalise operational and digital systems, train staff, and ensure that clients are adequately informed about the upcoming changes.

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What This Means for You Right Now

Although the program will now start in November instead of July, there’s nothing you need to worry about. Your current care will not change, and you will continue to receive the safe and quality support you deserve.

This small pause will make a big difference. It gives you, your loved ones, and your care team more time to learn about the new rights and protections, ask questions, and get ready for what’s ahead.

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A Commitment to Doing This Right

The Minister finished her message with a clear promise: that she, and the government, are committed to delivering these improvements as soon as possible – and doing it the right way.

At Aged Care Choices, we welcome this update. We believe that these changes, when they come into place, will help build a stronger, kinder aged care system for everyone.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect you or your loved ones, feel free to contact our team. We’re here to help you navigate aged care with clarity and confidence.

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Read the full announcement here

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