Home Care from Zero — Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about Home Care Packages and the new Support at Home program
Basic Concepts
What is a Home Care Package (now Support at Home)?
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-funded program that helps older Australians live independently at home. From 1 November 2025, HCP has been replaced by the new Support at Home program, which offers 8 funding classifications, quarterly budgets, and greater flexibility. Services can include personal care, meal preparation, cleaning, transport, nursing, social support, and more. SDC Happy Health's bilingual team can explain the new system in Mandarin, Cantonese or English.
What's the difference between the old HCP 4 levels and the new Support at Home 8 classifications?
From November 2025, the old HCP 4-level system transitioned to the new Support at Home 8-classification system.
| Old HCP Level |
Annual Funding (approx.) |
New Support at Home |
Annual Funding |
| Level 1 (Basic) | ~$10,986 | Classification 1 | $10,731 |
| Level 2 (Low) | ~$19,319 | Classification 2 | $16,034 |
| Level 3 (Intermediate) | ~$42,055 | Classification 3 | $21,965 |
| Level 4 (High) | ~$63,758 | Classification 4 | $29,696 |
| — (new level, no direct HCP equivalent) | Classification 5 | $39,697 |
| — | Classification 6 | $48,114 |
| — | Classification 7 | $58,148 |
| — | Classification 8 | $78,106 |
Key changes: More granular (4 levels → 8 classifications), budgets changed from annual to quarterly, consumer-directed care model, 10% fixed care management fee, easier provider switching. Existing HCP recipients transitioned with equivalent funding. Amounts are indexed annually in July — check health.gov.au for latest figures.
What's the difference between HCP / Support at Home and CHSP?
CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) is for older Australians with low-level care needs needing occasional help. HCP / Support at Home is for those with more complex, ongoing needs requiring coordinated services. CHSP is managed per-service by the provider, while HCP / Support at Home provides a total funding package you can allocate across different services.
Eligibility & Application
Who is eligible?
You must be 65+ (50+ for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander), living in Australia with permanent residency or citizenship, and need coordinated in-home care support. The final decision is made by an ACAT/ACAS assessment.
How do I apply?
- Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website for initial assessment.
- Complete an ACAT assessment visit.
- Receive an approval letter.
- Receive package allocation, then choose a provider within 56 days.
- Choose a provider and sign an agreement.
- Start receiving services.
Tip: Apply for CHSP transitional support if needed while waiting.
How long is the wait time?
Wait times vary: Level 1-2 typically months to 1 year; Level 3-4 may be longer. New system classifications 5-8 have higher priority. Check Indicative Wait Times on the
My Aged Care website.
Services
What services can funding be used for?
Personal care, domestic assistance, meal support, transport, care management, allied health (physio, OT, podiatry), social support, home modifications, and assistive equipment.
What can funding NOT be used for?
Rent, utilities, groceries, holidays, medical costs already covered by Medicare/PBS, gambling, family carer payments (special exceptions), non-care-related renovations.
Fees & Costs
Do I need to pay anything out of pocket?
Clinical services (nursing, allied health): 100% government-funded. Independence services (personal care): full pensioners ~5%, self-funded retirees 50%. Everyday living (cleaning, meals): full pensioners ~17.5%, self-funded 80%. Call Services Australia 1800 227 475 for assessment.
What management fees do providers charge?
10% of quarterly budget is fixed for care management; 90% goes directly to services. Providers must provide a clear price list. You can switch providers and transfer unused funds.
What happens to unused funds?
Unused funds can be carried to the next quarter (up to $1,000 or 10%, whichever is greater). Funds cannot be withdrawn as cash or transferred to others. Unused funds transfer if you switch providers, or return to government if you enter residential care.
Provider Choice & Rights
Can I choose or switch my provider?
Yes. Consider transparent fees, Chinese-speaking staff, service coverage, reputation, and CALD-friendly services. Use My Aged Care's provider finder tool.
What rights do I have?
Safe, quality care; participate in care planning; view account balance and spending; complain without discrimination; switch providers; exit at any time. Complaints: ACQSC 1800 951 822.
Can I request changes to my care plan?
Yes. Care plans should be reviewed regularly. Contact your Care Manager, request a formal review, invite family to discussions. Apply to My Aged Care for reassessment if needs increase.
Chinese Community Support
Are there services for the Chinese community?
Yes. Providers like SDC Happy Health offer Mandarin, Cantonese and English bilingual services. Government support includes TIS National interpreter service (131 450) and multilingual My Aged Care pages.
Where can I find more information?
My Aged Care:
1800 200 422. Services Australia: 1800 227 475. Complaints: ACQSC 1800 951 822. TIS National: 131 450. OPAN: 1800 700 600. SDC Happy Health: 1800 427 791. Web:
www.myagedcare.gov.au
