Support at Home Program

Support at Home Program Postponed to November 2025: What It Means for You

In a significant update for older Australians and the aged care sector, the Australian Government has announced that the introduction of the new Support at Home program will be postponed until 1st November 2025.

Originally planned for rollout in July 2025, this new model is designed to streamline and improve in-home aged care services — but challenges faced by service providers in updating their systems and processes mean that more time is needed to get it right.

This article explains:

• What the Support at Home program is meant to achieve
• Why its launch has been delayed
• What the postponement means for older Australians, carers, families, and service providers
• How you can plan ahead to make the most of the new system when it arrives

A Quick Recap: What Is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is a major aged care reform announced in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The aim is to replace the current patchwork of in-home care programs — including the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP), and short-term restorative care — with one simplified system.

Key goals of the program include:

• Providing better access to services for older people who want to stay living at home as long as possible.
• Giving older Australians more choice and control over the types of support they receive.
• Making funding more transparent and easier to manage.
• Ensuring providers meet clear quality and pricing standards.

When fully implemented, Support at Home is intended to make aged care simpler to navigate for consumers and easier to deliver for providers — but only if everyone involved is ready for the change.

Why Has the Program Been Postponed?

The decision to delay the program’s launch was made after extensive consultation with aged care providers, peak bodies, and consumer advocates. Many organisations highlighted concerns that they would not have the right IT systems, workforce training, and operational structures in place to deliver the new model successfully by July 2025.

Specific challenges include:

• Upgrading IT systems: Providers need new software to manage individualised funding, flexible service options, and reporting requirements.
• Workforce planning: New care worker roles and responsibilities must be defined, and staff trained in the changed funding and service models.
• Contracts and compliance: Providers must ensure they can comply with new pricing, quality, and accountability standards.
• Consumer readiness: Older Australians and their carers need clear information about what the changes mean and how they will transition.

The government recognises that rushing the rollout could result in confusion, service gaps, or unintended financial impacts for vulnerable clients. By delaying implementation until November 2025, the goal is to give everyone more time to prepare, test systems, and build a sustainable foundation for success.

What Stays the Same for Now?

With the delay, the current system of in-home aged care will remain in place until 1st November 2025. This means:

• The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will continue delivering entry-level support for tasks like cleaning, meals, and social support.
• The Home Care Packages Program will keep providing higher-level support for people with more complex needs, including case management and coordinated services.
• Short-term restorative care and other existing flexible care arrangements will also continue.
• Funding arrangements, consumer rights, and provider obligations remain under current legislation.

For older Australians already receiving home care, there is no immediate change — your services should continue without interruption. If you’re on a waiting list for a Home Care Package, you will keep progressing through the system as usual.

Implications for Older Australians and Families

While the postponement may feel frustrating for some, it can actually be positive for consumers who want the transition to go smoothly. Here are some of the main implications:

More Time to Plan

The extra 16 months allows older Australians and their families to:

• Learn more about the Support at Home reforms and what they will mean for you.
• Have conversations with your current provider about how they’re preparing for the new model.
• Check that your care plan is up to date and still suits your needs.
• Explore whether you might benefit from reassessment for a higher-level Home Care Package if your circumstances have changed.

Continuity of Care

Keeping the current system in place means there will be no sudden change to your funding or services. This is especially important for people with complex needs who rely on a stable support team and familiar routines.

Keeping an Eye on Costs

One of the Support at Home program’s promises is to make fees clearer and more consistent. While that clarity is still on the horizon, now is a good time to understand what you pay under the current system — including your basic daily fees, income-tested care fees, and any additional fees your provider may charge.

Staying Informed

With any major reform, clear communication is vital. Look out for updates from My Aged Care, your service provider, and trusted sources like OMS. If you’re unsure how the delay affects you, ask your provider to explain it in writing.

Implications for Service Providers

Providers play a crucial role in making Support at Home a reality. This extra lead time will help organisations:

• Continue upgrading their IT systems to handle individualised budgets, real-time reporting, and streamlined payment arrangements.
• Train staff on the new program requirements, including care planning, billing, and compliance monitoring.
• Engage with clients to explain what will change and what won’t.
• Collaborate with the Government on pilot programs or testing new systems before full rollout.

The delay also gives the sector more time to work on issues like workforce shortages, skills development, and best practices for delivering flexible, person-centred care.

Implications for Carers

Many family members provide unpaid care and rely on home care services to give them respite, support with daily tasks, or help with complex medical needs. For carers:

• Your current support arrangements will stay the same until November 2025.
• If you feel your situation is becoming unmanageable, you can still apply for more support under the existing system.
• It’s wise to keep talking with your provider to ensure your loved one’s care plan stays appropriate.
• Use the extra time to learn about Support at Home so you know what to expect when it does launch.

Key Dates to Remember

Here are the updated key dates:

• Now to 31 October 2025: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages continue as normal. Existing clients stay on their current arrangements.
• 1 November 2025: Support at Home program now scheduled to commence.

Additional pilot programs and trials may occur before November 2025 — these will help test new IT systems, funding models, and service delivery practices before they go nationwide.

What Should You Do Right Now?

While you don’t need to make any immediate changes, there are practical steps you can take:

• Keep your care plan up to date. If your needs change, ask for a reassessment through My Aged Care.
• Talk to your provider about how they’re preparing for the new system.
• Stay informed. Follow reputable aged care news and check government updates regularly.
• Consider getting independent financial advice if you have questions about how your fees might change in the future.

Staying Positive About Reform

The delay can be disappointing for people who were counting on a simpler, fairer home care system. But it’s worth remembering that reform done well — even if it takes longer — will be better for everyone. When Support at Home does launch, the goal is for it to deliver:

• Greater choice and control for older Australians.
• Better support for carers and families.
• More efficient, transparent funding that follows the person — not the provider.
• Clearer pathways for getting the right services at the right time.

By working together, consumers, carers, providers, and government agencies can help ensure the final program is practical, people-centred, and ready to meet Australia’s future aged care needs.

Useful Links and Resources

To keep up to date, check out:

• My Aged Care — official information and updates about Support at Home.
• Department of Health and Aged Care — policy documents and timelines.
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission — information about your rights and provider compliance.
• Independent aged care financial advisers — for help planning your care funding.

Final Thoughts

Reforming aged care is complex and must be done right. The postponement of Support at Home to November 2025 means more time to make sure that older Australians, carers, and providers are ready to embrace a better, more flexible model of home care.

At OMS, we’ll keep you updated with clear, trustworthy information. If you’d like practical advice, check out our other guides on:

• Support at Home Overview
• Support at Home Eligibility Rules
• How to Access Home Care Services

If you have any questions about what the postponement means for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider or an independent adviser. Together, we can make sure that when the new system launches, it truly works for you.