Support at Home
Navigating aged care changes? ACH Group is here to support you with personalised needs to live a good life, on your terms.
Understanding the new Support at Home Program
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government is introducing the new Support at Home program, a significant change designed to make accessing in-home aged care simpler, more flexible, and truly responsive to your unique needs. This program will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
At ACH Group, we believe older people should be valued and respected, connected to their communities, and in control of their lives. We are committed to guiding you through these changes with trusted advice, continuity of care, and support that’s always tailored to you, ensuring your journey is as simple and stress-free as possible.
The new Aged Care Act 2024 also introduces a new Statement of Rights, clearly outlining your entitlements as someone receiving aged care services.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home brings together a wide range of services and funding into a clear, easy-to-understand program. It’s designed to help you remain living independently and safely in your own home for longer.
From 1 November 2025, if you are currently receiving a Home Care Package, you will transition to the Support at Home program. Your services will continue, but the way they are funded and managed will change to a streamlined single provider model. Whether you’re new to aged care or already receiving services through ACH Group, we’ll work closely with you to ensure you feel informed, confident, and supported through every step.
Learn more about the Support at Home Program and what it means for you
What services are available under Support at Home?
Support at Home services are designed to be flexible and are grouped into three clear categories, ensuring your support matches your care needs and personal goals:
Clinical Supports
This includes professional health services such as nursing care, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy, as well as essential care management.
Independence Support
Get assistance with personal care like showering, dressing, taking medication, transport, or accessing short-term respite care to support you and your carers.
Everyday Living
Receive help with domestic tasks such as cleaning, shopping, gardening, and preparing meals, making daily life easier and more enjoyable.
Your dedicated Care Partner at ACH Group will collaborate with you to choose the right mix of services from your approved list and adapt your support as your situation changes.
How does funding and my budget work with Support at Home?
The new Support at Home program introduces a more responsive funding model. Instead of the previous 4 Home Care Package levels, there are now 8 classifications for ongoing services and 3 short-term classifications (Restorative Care, End-of-Life, and Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM).
The amount of funding you receive will be based on the independent assessment of your unique situation from My Aged Care, ensuring that funding truly meets your needs.
You will receive a Notice of Decision from My Aged Care with your classification and ongoing quarterly budget, making your care planning and budgeting clearer than ever.
Extra support if you need it
In addition to your regular care budget, extra funding pathways are available for specific needs:
Dedicated funding for products, equipment, and home modifications to enhance your independence and safety.
Short-term, time-limited support focused on helping you regain confidence and capacity after an illness or accident.
Dedicated funding to provide comprehensive services, enabling older people to remain at home in their last months of life.
Accrued funds
The program also allows for some funding to be saved between quarters if you are receiving ongoing services. These accrued funds can be used for any unplanned needs, capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is higher.
What contribution will I pay for Support at Home?
Under the Support at Home program, your contribution towards services is based on your individual income and assets assessment by Services Australia.
You only pay for contributions for the services you receive, rather than a set fee.
Contribution levels may vary depending on the type of service:
- Clinical Care: No contribution (fully government-funded).
- Independence Support: Contributions typically range from 5% to 50% of the service cost.
- Everyday Living: Contributions typically range from 17.5% to 80% of the service cost.
If you are a grandfathered client (meaning you were receiving a Home Care Package before 1 July 2014 and have not moved to a new provider or taken a break from services), your contributions will not increase. You will continue to pay the same or less than under your current Home Care Package.
Your journey with ACH Group
Are you new or existing customer?
If you’re not currently receiving a Home Care Package, Support at Home will be your starting point from 1 July 2025.
Here’s how to get started:
- Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to arrange an aged care assessment.
- Assessment and classification: Based on your needs, you’ll be assigned a classification level and a quarterly care budget.
- Partner with ACH Group: Your dedicated Care Partner will work with you to design a care plan that truly matches your lifestyle, health needs, and personal goals.
- Get started: We’ll help you get started seamlessly, ensuring you stay connected to the support that matters most.
If you’re currently receiving services through a Home Care Package with ACH Group, we are here to ensure a smooth transition to the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025.
- Expert Guidance: We will continue to provide expert advice and updates as the changes unfold.
- Clear Understanding: We’ll help you understand your new classification, quarterly budget, and updated care plan.
- Funding & Service Management: Your Care Partner will support you in managing your funding and services effectively.
- Consistent, Tailored Care: We are committed to ensuring your care remains consistent, respectful, and perfectly tailored to your evolving needs, in line with our ‘Good Lives’ philosophy.
We’re here to make the transition simple and stress-free so you can stay focused on living independently, safely, and confidently at home.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand the transition from Home Care Packages to the new Support at Home program.
From 1 November 2025, all older Australians who are receiving in-home aged care services through a Home Care Package will transition to Support at Home.
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will continue to operate until at least 30 June 2027.
A grandfathered client is someone who was receiving a Home Care Package before 1 July 2014 and has not moved to a new provider or taken a break from services.
If you are a grandfathered client, your contributions will not increase, and you will continue to pay the same or less than under your current Home Care Package.
For all other existing Home Care Package recipients transitioning to Support at Home, your contributions will depend on your income and assets assessment by Services Australia, and the type of services you use (Clinical, Independence, or Everyday Living).
The “no worse off” principle applies to many, meaning your overall contribution is not expected to be higher than your current Home Care Package costs for the same level of care.
There are no immediate changes for CHSP clients. The CHSP will continue until at least 30 June 2027, giving more time for a gradual transition into Support at Home. ACH Group will continue to support you and provide updates as more information becomes available from the government.
Thinking about Support at Home?
Whether you’re new to government-funded aged care or an existing Home Care Packages customer transitioning to the new program, our friendly Welcome Team Consultants will make your experience simple and stress-free.
