Australia’s aged care sector is on the cusp of its most significant transformation in decades.
The Aged Care Bill 2024, introduced by the Australian Government, sets out to reform the system and deliver better outcomes for older Australians. Through the Support at Home program, the federal government aims to streamline in-home care services for older Australians. Driven by the Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendations, this new model is designed to simplify access, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of care provided to older people who wish to live independently at home.
Whether you are an aged care provider, case manager, or part of an administrative team, understanding what this new program entails is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the key changes and rollout timeline to new assessment processes and service offerings.
What is the Support at Home program?
What is replacing CHSP?
The Support at Home program will replace the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
Under the current system, CHSP provides entry-level support for older Australians, while the Home Care Packages Program delivers more intensive, individualised care. The STRC Programme offers short-term, goal-oriented services to improve function and delay long-term care.
These programs will be unified under Support at Home, allowing for a simpler and more efficient approach to accessing aged care services. This process will be managed gradually to minimise disruption, with existing care levels mapped to new Support at Home classifications.
Why Support at Home? The reason behind the change
The introduction of the Support at Home program is rooted in findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The commission identified critical gaps in the aged care system, such as inconsistent access to services, long wait times and a lack of integrated care. The Support at Home program aims to address these issues by:
- Simplifying service delivery: Consolidating fragmented programs into one streamlined model.
- Increasing accessibility: Implementing a Single Assessment System to speed up approvals and match clients with appropriate support faster. The program will provide tailored aged care support based on assessment results.
- Improving service quality: Enhancing standards for care management, clinical services and everyday living support. The new program will enhance the availability of services, products, and home modifications for older individuals to support their health and social engagement.
Using a person-centred care approach, Support at Home empowers older Australians to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.
When will it roll out?
The Support at Home program is set to roll out in stages:
- 1 November 2025 – Home Care Packages and STRC recipients transition to Support at Home.
- 1 July 2027 (or later) – Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) integrates into the new model.
The transition period will ensure minimal disruption for clients and aged care service providers, aligning with the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home regulations.
Key features of the Support at Home program
The Support at Home program introduces several key core components designed to streamline aged care delivery:
- Single Assessment System – A new, unified assessment process that simplifies eligibility and service access.
- Defined service list – Categorised into three main areas: clinical care, independence and everyday living.
- Quarterly budgets – Replacing annual budgets for greater flexibility and better resource planning.
These features are intended to make aged care services more accessible, transparent and responsive to the needs of older Australians.
Assessment and eligibility
Single Assessment System
The Single Assessment System is a key component of the Support at Home program, designed to simplify and streamline the process of determining eligibility for in-home aged care services. This new approach replaces multiple assessment processes with one unified platform, enhancing consistency and reducing waiting times.
Assessments will be done using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), a standardised framework that evaluates an individual’s care needs, living environment and personal circumstances. The assessment will determine eligibility for an approved home care package, which includes different levels of funding and support. The goal is to ensure older Australians receive the right level of support, tailored to their specific situation, without the need for repetitive evaluations.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the Support at Home program, individuals must meet specific criteria, including age, residency status and care needs. Typically, applicants must be aged 65 and above (or 50 and above for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), live in Australia and require assistance to remain safely in their own home.
Additionally, those at risk of homelessness or facing significant barriers to independent living may also be eligible for support under the program. Eligibility is determined during the assessment process, which evaluates factors like mobility, cognitive health and social support networks.
Wait times and program capacity
The Support at Home program is projected to expand significantly, with plans to accommodate 1.4 million older Australians by 2035. Over the next ten years, the Australian government aims to create 300,000 additional places to reduce wait times and improve access.
A new prioritisation system will replace the existing National Priority System. Applicants will be assigned a priority rating—High, Medium, or Standard—based on their assessment outcomes. If wait times exceed expectations, participants may receive interim allocations of 60% of their budgeted support until full funding becomes available.
What’s changing for aged care providers?
New assessment and classification system
The Support at Home program introduces eight distinct support levels, each designed to match client needs with appropriate funding through different care pathways and funding amounts.
| Support level | Annual funding amount |
| Level 1 | $10,696.72 |
| Level 2 | $15,981.68 |
| Level 3 | $21,919.77 |
| Level 4 | $29,545.33 |
| Level 5 | $39,535.04 |
| Level 6 | $47,957.41 |
| Level 7 | $58,122.13 |
| Level 8 | $77,709.00 |
Support at Home participants will also have access to three short-term pathways (see page 50 of the handbook for more information):
- Restorative Care Pathway – Extends support for up to 16 consecutive weeks of intensive allied health and/or nursing services aligned to a participant’s assessed needs (see page 176 of the new manual). Focusing on maintaining independence, delaying additional care and enabling participation in meaningful activities.
- End-of-Life Pathway – Provides essential services in the last three months of life for those wishing to remain home during this period.
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme – Offers short-term funding for equipment, technology, or minor home modifications to help participants remain safe, independent, and supported at home (see page 50 of the new manual).
Quarterly budgets
Funding under the Support at Home program is distributed on a quarterly basis, replacing the previous annual model. This change enhances cash flow management, allowing providers to align their operational costs more effectively with incoming funds.
One of the significant benefits of quarterly budgets is the ability to move unspent funds between quarters, offering providers greater flexibility in managing resources. However, this carryover is capped at the higher of $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget (inclusive of supplements). Within these limits, the rollover option is particularly useful for addressing fluctuations in service demand or unexpected client needs without disrupting financial planning. (See page 111 of the handbook)
Defined service list
Under the new Support at Home program, aged care services will be grouped into three main categories:
- Clinical Care
- Independence
- Everyday Living
Providers will be able to set their own prices for Support at Home services. Still, those prices must be reasonable, fully cost-inclusive (i.e., including labour, administration, travel and transport, sub-contracting, and any capital costs used in delivering services) and published on My Aged Care. However, starting from July 2026, these Support at Home services will also have capped prices, impacting how providers manage costs and allocate resources.
Care management
The Support at Home program introduces a robust framework for care management and self-management. Providers can now act as care partners, coordinating with clients to ensure their needs are met effectively, while clients also have the option to self-manage aspects of their care.
A key change is the introduction of a 10% cap on care management fees, with this funding pooled into the provider’s care management account alongside contributions from all participants. This pooled model provides flexibility for providers to respond to participants’ changing care needs, both short and long term, while ensuring that more of the overall budget is directed towards direct care and support services. Home care service providers will need to comply with the new government pricing structure, which is designed to increase transparency and trust in how budgets are allocated.
The move towards care partner roles and self-management will have significant operational impacts for providers, including:
- Compliance requirements: New reporting obligations aligned with the Single Assessment System, ensuring consistency and accountability in service delivery.
- Service delivery adjustments: Greater flexibility in how services are provided, emphasising client-led choices and decision-making.
- Enhanced reporting standards: More detailed tracking of service usage, budget spending and client outcomes, promoting transparency and continuous improvement.
Service list explained
Clinical care
Clinical care encompasses medical and health-related services designed to maintain or improve the health and well-being of participants. These supports are delivered by registered nurses, allied health professionals and specialist care staff.
Clinical care services are focused on preventing health decline, managing chronic conditions and supporting recovery. Key services include:
- Wound care and management – Assistance with the cleaning, dressing and monitoring of wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Medication administration and monitoring – Ensuring correct dosages and adherence to prescribed treatments.
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy – Rehabilitation exercises and mobility support to maintain physical function.
- Podiatry and mobility assessments – Foot care and mobility evaluations to prevent falls and improve movement.
- Dementia and palliative care – Specialist support for complex health needs, focusing on comfort and quality of life.
These services are intended to reduce hospital visits and support older Australians in managing their health at home safely and comfortably.
Independence
The Independence category focuses on maintaining and enhancing a person’s ability to perform daily activities, with the Support at Home program providing funding for equipment and home modifications that improve safety and independence, helping older Australians live independently and stay socially connected for as long as possible.
Key services include:
- Personal care – Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and other personal hygiene tasks.
- Social support – Programs that encourage community involvement, reduce isolation and provide companionship.
- Mobility support – Help with walking, transferring and using mobility aids to move safely around the home.
- Transport services – Providing safe and accessible transport to medical appointments and community activities.
- Assistive technology and home modifications support – Help with digital devices, equipment, or minor home modifications that support independence, such as using technology for telehealth appointments, staying connected with family, or making the home safer and more accessible .
Everyday living
Everyday living services enhance quality of life by assisting with non-clinical tasks that support a person’s daily routine and social connections. This category ensures that older Australians remain engaged and active in their communities.
Key services include:
- Domestic assistance – Support with household tasks such as cleaning, laundry and light maintenance.
- Shopping and errands assistance – Help with groceries, pharmacy trips and essential shopping tasks.
- Home maintenance and gardening – Basic upkeep of living spaces to ensure safety and comfort.
- Meal preparation and delivery – Assistance with cooking meals and maintaining a nutritious diet.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme (AT-HM)
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme (AT-HM) is a vital component of the Support at Home program. It allows for funding towards essential equipment and home alterations that improve safety, accessibility and independence. Funding is allocated based on individual assessments and is categorised into three levels:
| Funding tier | Maximum amount | Examples of supports |
| Low | $500 | Walking aids, shower stools, grab rails |
| Medium | $2,000 | Wheelchairs, ramps, stair climbers |
| High | $15,000 | Bathroom modifications, ceiling hoists, automated doors |
Benefits of Support at Home for older Australians
Support at Home gives older Australians more control over their care and support plan , allowing them to make decisions that suit their needs. With greater choice in service delivery and providers, they can select the care options that best align with their preferences.
The ability to self-manage certain aspects of care offers increased independence, while better access to care ensures they can get the support they need when they need it. With reduced wait times and more streamlined access, getting care is more efficient.
Additionally, older Australians can benefit from enhanced preventative care and early intervention, keeping them healthier for longer. The focus on remaining independent and safe in familiar surroundings allows them to age in place with the support they need to live comfortably at home.
Benefits of Support at Home for aged care providers
Aged care providers stand to gain from a more streamlined process and predictable funding under the new system. Clearer guidelines and predictable financial support help providers plan and deliver care more efficiently, improving the overall experience for both staff and clients.
The updated structure also offers enhanced client care through clear service definitions, ensuring that providers understand their responsibilities and can tailor services to meet individual needs. This clarity reduces confusion and improves the quality of care delivered.
For those managing more complex needs, the new pathways for complex care provide additional resources and frameworks, making it easier for providers to meet the diverse and evolving needs of their clients. This allows aged care providers to offer higher levels of care while maintaining efficiency and meeting compliance standards.
How software can help
MYP’s aged care management software equips providers with the tools needed to thrive under the new system, streamlining processes, enhancing client care and staying compliant with emerging standards.
Adapting to new requirements
MYP’s aged care software makes it easy to manage home care packages while staying agile and ready for change. Its comprehensive client management lets providers track service usage, client progress and outcomes in real time, ensuring high-quality, personalised care every step of the way.
MYP’s platform is built with regulatory compliance in mind, helping providers stay updated with the latest changes and generate necessary reports effortlessly. This ensures that providers are always audit-ready and meet the highest standards of care and safety.
Streamlined service delivery
Efficiency is key, and MYP’s advanced rostering and scheduling tools help providers allocate staff based on client needs and qualifications. Automated integration with timesheets and invoicing reduces admin work and keeps operations running smoothly.
With automated invoicing and payroll integrations, manual processing becomes a thing of the past. Accurate time tracking ensures precise billing, seamless claiming with Services Australia and quick access to real-time reporting and insights for smarter decision-making.
Preparing for the future
MYP’s software is future-ready, designed to adapt as aged care programs and regulations evolve. As a Digital Transformation Sector Partner Co-design Group member with the Department of Health and Aged Care, MYP is actively involved in shaping the future of Support at Home. This ensures that its platform is equipped to handle upcoming changes seamlessly, giving providers peace of mind as they navigate the transition.
What should aged care providers do now?
With the Support at Home program just around the corner, aged care providers should take steps now to ensure a smooth transition and maintain high standards of care.
Preparing for Support at Home
Start by understanding the new assessment and classification process. The streamlined system means clearer pathways for clients, so it’s essential to be familiar with the changes to provide the right support.
Next, train your team on the updated regulations and compliance requirements. Well-prepared staff will help prevent issues and keep care consistent and high-quality.
Lastly, consider adjusting your existing arrangements and service models to fit the new quarterly budget structure. Planning ahead will help you manage resources effectively and avoid disruptions.
Staying informed and connected
Staying up to date with legislative changes is a must. Regularly check for updates from the Department of Health and Aged Care to gain earlier access to industry changes and connect with industry networks for the latest information. This will keep you ahead of any changes and ready to adapt.
Want to ensure your organisation is ready for Support at Home? Book a demo with MYP to discover how our aged care management software can help you streamline processes, stay compliant and provide exceptional care through the transition and beyond.
