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Program Update

What changed on 1 November 2025?

Home Care Packages were replaced by Support at Home. Here's what's different — and what stayed the same.

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5 min readUpdated November 2025Free for families
4→8
Funding levels (doubled)
Auto
Existing recipients transitioned
Nov 2025
Program start date
Free
For eligible Australians
What you need to know

On 1 November 2025, the Australian Government replaced Home Care Packages (HCP) with the new Support at Home program.

If you or a family member were on a Home Care Package, you were automatically transitioned — no action was required. This guide explains what changed, what stayed the same, and what it means going forward.

What changed

Funding levels: 4 became 8
Under the old Home Care Package system, there were 4 levels of funding. Support at Home has 8 levels, allowing more precise alignment of government subsidy to individual care needs.
More transparent pricing
Providers must now publish clear, separate pricing for services and management fees. This makes it easier to compare providers and understand what your budget is actually being spent on.
Unspent funds may roll over
Under the new program, unspent funds may roll over between periods, subject to program rules. Previously, different rules applied under the HCP system — check with your provider for your specific arrangement.
New consumer rights framework
The Support at Home program introduced a clearer framework of rights and responsibilities for both providers and recipients — including the right to switch providers at any time.
Greater budget flexibility
Recipients generally have more flexibility in how they manage and direct their budget toward care services, within the approved categories.

What stayed the same

Despite the significant program change, many things remained consistent for existing recipients:

Your existing provider — unless you chose to change
Your existing support workers and carers
The My Aged Care system for registration and assessment
ACAT assessments — still free, still done at home
Your right to switch providers at any time
The program remains free for eligible Australians to access (means-tested contributions may apply)

If you were on a Home Care Package

Automatic transition
You were automatically transitioned to Support at Home — no action was required from you
Your funding level was mapped across to an equivalent Support at Home level
Your provider and existing services continued unless you chose to change
You received written confirmation of your new arrangements from your provider or My Aged Care

If you have not received confirmation of your transition or have questions about your current arrangements, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

If you are new to the system

There are no more Home Care Package applications. If you are applying for the first time — or applying on behalf of a family member — you apply directly for Support at Home through My Aged Care.

The new 8-level system applies to everyone from 1 November 2025 onward. Your level is determined by a free ACAT assessment at home.

How to apply:
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. A family member or carer can call on your behalf.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Information is current as of November 2025 — check myagedcare.gov.au for the latest updates.

How WithSally helps

Unsure about your new arrangements? We can help — free.

Whether you've just transitioned from a Home Care Package or you're new to Support at Home, WithSally can help you understand your package and find the right provider. Within one business day. Always free.

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