Over the past nine months, we have been sharing information about the upcoming Support at Home Program, which begins on 1 November 2025. We understand that change can bring questions or uncertainty. That’s why we’re here to help you stay informed and feel supported, and confident, about what’s ahead.
If you’re considering support to help you live safely and comfortably at home, now is a great time to learn about your options under the new program. Even if you don’t currently have a Home Care Package, understanding these changes can help you plan ahead and make the most of your future funding.
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Today’s update focuses on funding under Support at Home. We will explain how you can get the best value from funding and how contributions will work.
Participant contributions under Support at Home
Under Support at Home, you will only pay for the services you use, rather than a monthly income tested fee which is the current arrangement under the Home Care Package program. The amount you contribute depends on two things:
1. The type of service
- You will not pay for clinical support services, such as nursing or physiotherapy.
- You may pay a moderate amount for independence services, like personal care, and for products or equipment under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme.
- You may pay a higher amount for everyday living services, such as domestic help or gardening.
2. Your financial situation
For services that require a contribution
- Full pensioners usually pay the lowest rates, around 5%–17.5% depending on the service.
- Self-funded retirees and non-pensioners may pay higher rates, between 5%–80%, depending on their income and assets and the type of service.
The table below shows how this works.
Contributions calculator
The Government has developed a calculator to help you estimate your contributions under Support at Home.
Key takeaway: Your contribution depends on the type of service you use and your financial situation. You will only pay for the services you use.
Making the most of Support at Home funding
Under Support at Home, funding will be provided and planned quarterly. You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly funding (whichever is greater) to the next quarter. This means it’s important to plan your services to get the most value from your funding each quarter.
We're here to guide you through your options, help you plan your services, and ensure you get the support that truly matters to you. Our goal is to make sure you enjoy the full benefits of care, so you can feel safe, comfortable, and live life to the fullest at home.
What’s next?
In the coming weeks, we’ll share more updates to help you prepare for Support at Home, including:
- How quarterly budgets work
- Service pricing
- Your rights under the new Aged Care Act
Want to learn more?
For easy-to-understand information on the aged care reforms and the Support at Home Program, please read this article.
If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone to learn more, please call our care advice team on 1300 787 581 (Option 2). We’re here to support you every step of the way.