Support at Home
FAQs
Answers to common questions about Support at Home services and eligibility.
Understanding Support at Home
Support at Home represents a major update to Australia’s in-home aged care system, bringing together services under one simpler, more flexible program. Because these changes can affect future care planning, many people naturally have questions about how the program works and what it means for them.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Support at Home, including eligibility, funding, available services, and transitioning from existing programs. Helpful links are included for more detailed information, ensuring individuals and families can access guidance and make informed care decisions.
Support at Home FAQs
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s new program for older people who need help to keep living safely and independently in their own homes. It replaces older in-home care programs with one simpler system focused on personalised support and better care planning.
How does Support at Home work?
Support at Home starts with an aged care assessment to understand what help you need. Based on this, you receive government-funded services delivered at home by approved providers, supporting daily tasks, personal care, health needs, and independent living.
Who is eligible for Support at Home?
Eligibility is based on your care needs and personal situation. An assessment through My Aged Care determines whether you qualify and what level of support you require to continue living safely and independently at home.
Is Support at Home replacing Home Care Packages?
Yes. Support at Home is replacing Home Care Packages and other in-home aged care programs. The goal is to create one easier system with clearer funding, more flexibility, and services that better match individual care needs.
What happens to people who already have a Home Care Package?
People with an existing Home Care Package will move to Support at Home when the new program begins. The transition is designed to be smooth, with arrangements in place to maintain services and ensure care continues without disruption.
How much does Support at Home cost?
Costs vary depending on your care needs and financial situation. The government pays a large part of the cost, but some people may need to contribute. The amount you pay is based on your personal circumstances and assessment results.
What government contributions and fees apply under Support at Home?
Support at Home funding includes government contributions and, for some people, individual fees. The level of contribution depends on your care needs and financial assessment. This helps make the system fair while ensuring support goes to those who need it most.
What services are included in Support at Home?
Support at Home includes a range of approved in-home aged care services tailored to assessed needs, such as personal care, clinical support, and daily living assistance.
Are all services available to everyone?
No. The services you can access depend on your assessment, care plan, and personal circumstances. Support is tailored to what you need most, ensuring funding is used for services that directly improve your safety, health, and independence.
Can Support at Home services change over time?
Yes. Support at Home is designed to be flexible. If your care needs change, your services can be reviewed and adjusted. This ensures you continue receiving the right level of support as your health or situation changes.
Is Support at Home available in NSW?
Yes. Support at Home is available across New South Wales, including city, regional, and rural areas. Approved providers deliver services based on local availability and individual care needs, helping older people stay supported in their own homes.
Do I need to reapply for aged care under Support at Home?
Most people will still go through an assessment process. Some individuals may need a new or updated assessment during the transition to ensure their care plan matches their current needs under the Support at Home program.
Can couples or families access Support at Home?
Couples or family members may both receive Support at Home if each person has been assessed and approved. Support is based on individual care needs, even if people live together or share the same home environment.
Who delivers Support at Home services?
Support at Home services are delivered by approved aged care providers. These organisations have trained staff who provide care, support, and health services in people’s homes according to their individual care plans.
How do I choose a Support at Home provider?
When choosing a provider, consider their experience, communication, service range, and ability to adjust care as your needs change. A good provider will listen, explain your options clearly, and deliver reliable, respectful support.
Will my services change under Support at Home?
There has been no change to your services if they continue to be supported under the current Support at Home program. However, if any of your existing services are not included in the new service categories, you may need to adjust your care plan. Your Support Partner will go through any necessary updates with you to ensure everything remains aligned with your needs. Contact My Guardian if you have any questions.
What does the ‘no worse off principle’ mean?
It means you will not contribute more towards your care than you previously did. If you did not pay an Income Tested Fee, you are not required to pay any co-contributions under Support at Home, even if you are reassessed to a higher classification. If you were paying an Income Tested Fee, your co-contributions will not exceed what you previously paid.
Do I still pay Income Tested Fee Support at Home?
The Income Tested Fee no longer exists under Support at Home and has been replaced by service-based co-contributions. Your co-contribution does not exceed what you previously paid as an Income Tested Fee and only applies to services delivered rather than being charged as a daily fee.
What will my Care and Package Management cost?
All providers charge 10% of your quarterly budget for Care Management to support your care planning and ongoing reviews. Package Management, which covers invoice payments, claiming and compliance, is no longer charged separately. Instead, providers include these costs within their hourly service rates.
What if I need to be reassessed for a higher level of funding?
If your needs increase and you require additional funding, you can be reassessed for a Support at Home classification of up to approximately $78,000. This does not result in you paying additional co-contributions.
What will happen to the unspent funds from my current Home Care Package?
Your unspent funds remain available for you to use on care and services. However, since 1 November 2025, you are no longer able to accumulate additional funds. You are expected to use your allocated funds each quarter, with a maximum of $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget allowed to roll over to the next quarter.
What are the new co-contributions and will I have to pay?
Under Support at Home, all participants contribute to the cost of their care. Clinical services such as Nursing and Allied Health are fully funded by the government regardless of income. However, Independence and Everyday Living services require a co-contribution. These co-contributions do not apply to grandfathered participants who were not paying an Income Tested Fee.
What is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications funding?
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications funding is additional to your regular quarterly budget and can be used for approved equipment and home modifications. To access this funding, you need to be assessed and must have used all of your unspent funds. You can be approved for up to $15,000 for equipment and a further $15,000 for home modifications.
Are you already receiving care and wondering how the transition to the new Support at Home program will affect you?
- If you were receiving a Home Care Package or Short-Term Restorative Care, you automatically transitioned to the new program on 1 November 2025.
- If you are receiving support under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, your transition will take place later, starting no earlier than July 2027.
How My Guardian helps with Support at Home
Understanding Support
Assessment Guidance
The team assists with preparing for assessments, gathering information, and understanding outcomes to ensure appropriate services and support levels are approved.
Personalised Services
Care plans are tailored to individual needs, preferences, and routines, ensuring dependable in-home support that promotes safety, comfort, and independence daily.
Ongoing Communication
Key points to remember
Support at Home introduces important changes to the way in-home aged care is delivered in Australia.
Understanding the basics can help individuals and families feel more confident when planning care, making decisions, and preparing for future support needs at home.
- Support at Home replaces Home Care Packages
- Access is based on assessed care needs
- Costs vary depending on individual circumstances
- Services can change as needs change
- Approved providers deliver care under national standards
Need more information?
Understanding Support at Home can feel overwhelming, especially with new changes to aged care services. If you still have questions or are unsure how the program applies to your personal situation, getting the right guidance can make a big difference.
Speaking with an experienced provider can help clarify eligibility, funding, available services, and next steps. Personalised advice ensures you can make informed decisions and plan care with confidence for yourself or your loved one.
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