Australia’s aged care system is in the middle of its biggest reform in decades, and at the centre of that change is a new program most people haven’t heard of yet: the Support at Home Program. If you or someone you love is thinking about home-based aged care support — or is currently receiving it — this is important to understand.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is the Australian Government’s new approach to home-based aged care, launched on 1 July 2025. It replaces the previous Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages Program, consolidating them into a single, more flexible system.
The goal is straightforward: give older Australians better access to support that helps them stay in their own homes for as long as they choose, with more control over how that support is delivered.
How Is It Different From the Old System?
The previous system was fragmented. There were separate programs, separate waiting lists, and complex rules about what could and couldn’t be funded under each. Moving from lower-level support to a higher level of care was often a lengthy, frustrating process.
The Support at Home Program is designed to be more unified. Key differences include:
- A single assessment pathway — one assessment determines your needs, rather than separate assessments for different programs
- Quarterly funding — eligible participants receive a quarterly budget to spend on approved support services, rather than waiting for a package to become available
- Faster access — the new system is designed to reduce the significant waiting times that plagued the previous Home Care Packages program
- More choice — participants have more flexibility in choosing which services they access and which providers they use
Who Is Eligible for Support at Home?
The Support at Home Program is for older Australians who need some level of assistance to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Generally, you need to be:
- 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
- Living at home (not in residential aged care)
- Assessed as needing support to continue living independently
The level of support you receive depends on your assessed needs. Some people need minimal assistance — perhaps just help with housework or transport a few times a week. Others require significant daily support with personal care, meal preparation, and health management. The program is designed to scale with your needs over time.
What Services Does It Cover?
Support at Home can fund a wide range of services, including:
- Personal care (help with showering, dressing, grooming)
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, cooking)
- Transport to appointments and activities
- Home modifications to improve safety and accessibility
- Allied health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry)
- Nursing and clinical care
- Assistive technology and equipment
- Social support and connection activities
- Respite care to support family carers
How Much Does It Cost?
The government heavily subsidises Support at Home services. Most participants will contribute a portion of the cost, which is determined by an income assessment conducted by Services Australia. Participants on lower incomes pay less, and there are limits on the total amount anyone can be asked to contribute.
Some services — clinical care and nursing, for example — are fully subsidised with no contribution required. Others, like domestic assistance, have an income-based contribution. The exact fee schedule is available on the My Aged Care website.
How to Access Support at Home
The entry point for all government-funded aged care, including Support at Home, is My Aged Care. You can register online at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422. Once registered, you’ll be referred for an assessment to determine your needs and what level of support you qualify for.
Our guide on how to apply for aged care in Australia walks through this process step by step. And if you need a comprehensive assessment for more complex support needs, our article on what an ACAT assessment involves explains what to expect.
What About People Already Receiving Home Care?
If you or a family member was already receiving a Home Care Package or CHSP services before July 2025, you’ll be transitioned to the Support at Home Program. The government has committed to ensuring no one is worse off through the transition, and existing participants are being supported through the changeover.
Technology and Staying Connected
For older Australians using home support services, technology can play an important role in staying safe, connected, and independent. Health apps that support medication reminders, appointment tracking, and communication with family or care providers can complement the formal support you receive through the program.
For the full picture of Australia’s aged care system — including residential care and short-term options — see our guide on how aged care works in Australia.
Internal Links Used:
– How Does Aged Care Work in Australia? — pillar article, supporting article links back up
– How to Apply for Aged Care in Australia — practical next step for readers ready to apply
– What Is an ACAT Assessment and How to Get One? — helpful for readers who need comprehensive assessment