The Australian Government has made big changes to how older people get help at home so they can stay independent for longer. The Support at Home program has replaced the existing Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). The goal is to make home care simpler, fairer and easier to navigate — but for many older people and families, it’s important to understand what’s changing, what services will be available and how the fees will work.
This guide explains everything you need to know about Support at Home: how it works, who is eligible, how to get assessed, the kinds of help you can receive, how to choose your provider, and practical tips for getting the most from the system. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping an ageing loved one, you’ll find clear, up-to-date information here.
Support at Home is the new national program that will provide older Australians with government-subsidised help to stay living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. It will bring together the existing fragmented programs into one streamlined system. The main goals are:
For many people, this means simpler access to the help they need — whether it’s a cleaner once a fortnight, help showering, nursing visits, meal preparation, or home modifications like rails and ramps.
Eligibility is broadly the same as it is now under the current system: older Australians who need extra help to stay independent at home. Generally, you must be:
Some people under 65 with early onset dementia or special needs may also qualify — but younger people with disabilities are usually supported through the NDIS instead.
Like now, you must be assessed through My Aged Care. The assessment process will still involve:
Once approved, you can work with your chosen provider to set up a care plan and budget that suits your needs.
The types of help you can get under Support at Home are wide-ranging. They include:
Personal Care
Domestic Assistance
Transport
Allied Health and Therapy
Nursing
Home Modifications and Equipment
Social Support
One of the biggest changes is that Support at Home allows you to change your services and providers more easily if your needs or preferences change.
There will be three main ways the Government and you share the cost of your home care:
Some people on the pension will pay nothing more than the basic fee, while self-funded retirees may have to contribute more depending on income. There will still be annual and lifetime caps on care fees to protect people from excessive costs.
You have the right to choose your approved provider — and change them if you’re not happy. Good providers will:
As a client of Support at Home, you have rights under the Aged Care Act and the Aged Care Quality Standards. These include:
You also have responsibilities, such as:
Many older people and families find the current system confusing, with multiple programs and different funding models. The main differences under Support at Home are:
The aim is to reduce wait times, make services fairer and more responsive, and improve your overall experience as a client.
Here are some practical ways to get the best from Support at Home:
Many older people rely on family or friends to help them navigate My Aged Care and manage services. You can:
Always encourage your loved one to stay in control as much as possible — it’s their life and their choices.
The new Support at Home program will help more older Australians stay living safely and happily in their own homes for longer. While there’s still detail to be finalised before the 1 July 2025 start date, the fundamentals are clear: more choice, simpler access, fairer fees, and higher standards of care.
Take the time to understand your options, ask questions, and plan ahead. If you’re helping a parent or partner, get them involved in every step of the decision-making. Together, you can make the most of what Support at Home offers — so that home really does remain the best place to age well.