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The Support at Home program helps eligible older Australians access government-funded care while continuing to live safely and independently at home. Introduced on 1 November 2025, it replaced the former Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) to create a simpler and more flexible in-home aged care system.
From personal care and household help to nursing and allied health services, Support at Home provides personalised support based on your individual needs. This guide explains how the program works, who is eligible, what services are covered, costs, and how to access support.
What Is Support at Home Program?
Support at Home is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program designed to help older Australians remain independent and continue living at home.
Unlike the previous Home Care Packages program, Support at Home provides funding based on your assessed care needs. After completing an assessment through My Aged Care, eligible participants receive a funding classification that determines the level of support available.
The program covers a range of services, including:
- Personal care and domestic assistance
- Nursing and allied health services
- Transport and social support
- Assistive technology and home modifications
Services are grouped into three categories:
- Clinical Care: Nursing, allied health, medication management, and health services.
- Independence Support: Personal care, meal preparation, transport, and daily living assistance.
- Everyday Living Support: Cleaning, gardening, laundry, and home maintenance.
Support at Home is designed to provide flexible, person-centred care that changes as your needs evolve, helping you maintain your independence and wellbeing.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for the Support at Home program if you:
- Are 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
- Need support to continue living safely and independently at home.
- Complete an aged care assessment through the Australian Government's Single Assessment System.
- Are assessed as requiring government-funded aged care services.
In some cases, younger people with age-related care needs may also be eligible.
Benefits of the Support at Home Program
Support at Home offers a range of benefits that make it easier for older Australians to receive quality care without leaving their homes.
1. Stay Independent for Longer
The program provides practical support that helps you continue living safely in familiar surroundings while maintaining your daily routines and independence.
2. Personalised Care
Your services are tailored to your individual needs rather than being limited to a standard package. As your circumstances change, your care plan can be reviewed and updated.
3. Access to a Wide Range of Services
Depending on your assessment, you may receive support with personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, allied health, transport, meal preparation, and more.
4. Government Funding
The Australian Government subsidises the majority of Support at Home services, making essential care more affordable for eligible participants.
5. Choice of Provider
You can choose a registered Support at Home provider that best suits your needs and switch providers if your circumstances change.
By providing flexible and personalised support, the program helps older Australians remain safe, healthy, and connected to their communities.
What Does Support at Home Include?
Support at Home funds a range of services to help older Australians live safely and independently at home. The services you receive are based on your aged care assessment and personalised care plan.
1. Clinical Care
Clinical Care supports your health and medical needs and is fully funded by the Australian Government. Services may include:
- Nursing care
- Wound care
- Medication management
- Physiotherapy and other allied health services
2. Independence Support
These services help you manage everyday activities and maintain your independence. They may include:
- Personal care
- Meal preparation
- Domestic assistance
- Shopping and transport
- Social support
Participant contributions may apply, depending on your financial circumstances.
3. Everyday Living Support
Everyday Living Support focuses on improving comfort and wellbeing at home. Services may include:
- House cleaning
- Laundry
- Gardening
- Basic home maintenance
These services are government subsidised, with participant contributions based on your income and assets assessment.
4. Additional Support
Support at Home also offers separate funding pathways for:
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
- Restorative Care
- End-of-Life Care
Your provider will work with you to develop a personalised care plan that meets your needs and supports your independence.
What Isn't Covered Under Support at Home?
While the Support at Home program funds many essential care services, it doesn't cover general living expenses or services that aren't directly related to your assessed care needs.
Support at Home funding generally cannot be used for:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Electricity, gas, water, or internet bills
- Groceries and everyday shopping
- General home renovations unrelated to care needs
- Luxury furniture or household items
- Holidays or travel expenses
- Entertainment or recreational memberships
- Medical services already funded through Medicare
- Services that aren't included in your approved care plan
Before your services begin, your provider will explain what's covered under your funding, any participant contributions that may apply, and any costs you'll need to pay yourself.
Understanding what's included and what isn't can help you plan your care more effectively and make the most of your Support at Home funding.
How Much Does Support at Home Cost?
The Support at Home program is heavily subsidised by the Australian Government, making it more affordable for eligible older Australians to receive care at home. However, you may still need to contribute towards some services depending on your financial circumstances.
The amount you pay is determined by:
- The type of service you receive.
- Your income and assets assessment.
- Your pension or concession status.
Support at Home Funding Classifications
Unlike the former Home Care Packages program, Support at Home uses eight funding classifications. Your classification is determined during your aged care assessment and reflects the level of support you need.
Note: These amounts are government funding budgets, not cash payments. The funding is used to pay for approved services delivered by your registered Support at Home provider.
Who Pays for Your Services?
Support at Home services are divided into three categories, and the amount you contribute depends on the type of service you receive.
How to Access Support at Home?
Accessing Support at Home is straightforward and begins with My Aged Care.
The process involves:
- Register with My Aged Care online or by phone.
- Complete an aged care assessment through the Single Assessment System.
- Receive your assessment outcome confirming your eligibility and funding classification.
- Wait for funding allocation, if ongoing funding isn't immediately available.
- Receive your Funding Allocation Letter when funding becomes available.
- Choose a registered Support at Home provider that meets your needs.
- Develop your personalised care plan and sign a Service Agreement.
- Start receiving your approved services, with regular reviews as your needs change.
The process is designed to ensure you receive the right level of care while giving you the flexibility to choose a provider that aligns with your goals and preferences.
Conclusion
The Support at Home program makes it easier for eligible older Australians to access personalised, government-funded care while continuing to live safely and independently at home. From personal care and nursing services to domestic assistance and allied health support, the program is designed to provide flexible care that adapts to your changing needs.
If you think you or a loved one may be eligible, the first step is to register with My Aged Care and complete an aged care assessment. Once approved, choosing the right Support at Home provider can help you make the most of your funding and receive quality care that supports your health, wellbeing, and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Support at Home program?
The Support at Home program is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program that helps eligible older Australians receive funded care and support while continuing to live independently at home. It replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) on 1 November 2025.
2. Who is eligible for Support at Home?
Generally, you may be eligible if you are aged 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), need assistance with everyday living, and are assessed as eligible through the Single Assessment System after registering with My Aged Care.
3. How do I apply for Support at Home?
To apply, register with My Aged Care online or by phone. You'll then complete an aged care assessment through the Single Assessment System. If you're eligible, you'll receive a funding classification and can choose a registered Support at Home provider.
4. What services are covered under Support at Home?
Support at Home can fund a wide range of services, including personal care, nursing, allied health, domestic assistance, meal preparation, transport, social support, assistive technology, home modifications, restorative care, and end-of-life care, depending on your assessed needs.
5. Do I have to pay for Support at Home services?
The Australian Government fully funds Clinical Care services. However, participant contributions may apply to Independence Support and Everyday Living Support services based on your income, assets, and financial assessment.
