What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is the Australian Government’s new funding program for older Australians who want to receive care at home. It came into effect on 1 July 2025 as part of the new Aged Care Act 2024 reforms.
Support at Home replaces three previous programs:
- Home Care Packages (HCP) — Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Short-Term Restorative Care Programme (STRC)
- Most of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) — phased in over time
It consolidates everything into a single, more flexible system designed around what each person actually needs — not what package level they qualify for.
How is Support at Home different from Home Care Packages?
Three big differences:
1. Service-based budgets, not package levels
Under HCP, people received a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 package with a set annual budget. Many older Australians found themselves with too much funding for some things and not enough for others. Under Support at Home, the budget is based on assessed need and can be spent flexibly across a wide menu of approved services.
2. Greater flexibility and transparency
Providers must publish prices for individual services (not just bundles). Care management fees are capped. People can see exactly what they’re paying for, and switch services more easily.
3. Faster access
The HCP waitlist (which sometimes ran for over a year) is being addressed through Support at Home. Funding allocations are intended to be more responsive.
What does Support at Home fund?
Support at Home covers a broad menu of in-home services:
- Clinical care — registered nursing, wound care, medication management, continence care, diabetes management
- Personal care — showering, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility assistance
- Allied health — physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, speech pathology
- Domestic assistance — cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, shopping
- Social support — companionship, transport, community engagement
- Assistive technology — mobility aids, safety devices, communication tools
- Home modifications — handrails, ramps, bathroom adaptations, smart-home safety
- Restorative care — short-term programs to regain independence after illness or injury
Who is eligible for Support at Home?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are 65 or older (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a relevant visa
- Need help with everyday tasks due to ageing, illness or disability
- Want to remain living in your own home
Eligibility and funding level is determined by an assessment through My Aged Care.
How to apply for Support at Home
Step 1: Register with My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 or apply online at myagedcare.gov.au. Have your Medicare card handy.
Step 2: Get assessed
An assessor (usually ACAT for higher-needs Support at Home) visits your home. They evaluate what you can do, what’s challenging, and what supports would help.
Step 3: Receive your support plan
You’ll receive a written plan describing the services you’re approved for and your individual budget.
Step 4: Choose a provider
Choose a registered Support at Home provider — like My Evervale. They become your main provider, coordinating all services.
Step 5: Sign a service agreement
The provider issues a service agreement with prices, scope and start date. Read it carefully.
Step 6: Care begins
Most clients have services running within 2 weeks of signing.
What does Support at Home cost?
The Australian Government funds the bulk of Support at Home. Some clients pay a means-tested co-contribution. The amount depends on:
- The services you receive (clinical care is generally fully funded; lifestyle services may have a co-contribution)
- Your income and assets (assessed by Services Australia)
- Caps that protect against excessive lifetime contributions
See our Aged Care Funding guide for detail, or our Pricing & Funding page.
What if I’m currently on a Home Care Package?
Existing HCP recipients have transitioned to Support at Home with no loss of funding — and most have gained flexibility. Your existing provider should have communicated the change. If you’re uncertain about your transition, contact your provider or call My Aged Care.
Choosing a Support at Home provider
Things to look for:
- Registration breadth — providers registered for multiple service categories can deliver more services in-house
- Local presence — local teams understand local hospitals, GPs and pharmacies
- Cultural fit — bilingual carers, dietary preferences, cultural sensitivity
- Transparent pricing — clear unit prices, no hidden fees
- Strong reputation — check star ratings, ask for references
How My Evervale delivers Support at Home
My Evervale is a registered Support at Home provider servicing Point Cook, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham Vale and Tarneit. We’re registered for all six service categories meaning every Support at Home service is delivered by our own team, not subcontracted out. Learn more about our Support at Home service or make a referral.