Confused by the 2025–2026 aged care reforms? Learn how the new Support at Home system affects your funding, what you’ll pay, and how to stay independent at home.
It can be hard to find your way around the world of aged care in Australia, especially now that the big changes that started in 2025 and 2026 are in full gear. Getting a home care package is the most important thing you can do if you want to keep your independence while still being able to relax in your own house. Knowing how this government-funded subsidy works is the key to ageing on your own terms, whether you are just starting to realise that some jobs are getting harder or you need more complicated clinical help. This guide breaks down the most recent changes to the “Support at Home” transition so you know exactly how to get the care and money you need.
What is the new “Support at Home” program?
If you’ve been looking for home care providers all throughout Australia, you’ve probably noticed that the language has changed. A lot of people still call it a home care package, but the new system is meant to be more accurate. We now have eight funding categories instead of the former four-level approach. This makes sure that support better meets your everyday needs.
The goal is the same whether you require full-time home care for complicated medical needs or just help with the groceries: to help you stay in the house you love.
Questions About Home Care (Sorted by Purpose)
1. What are the differences between Home Care Packages and Support at Home?
The main difference is how the money is set up. The old home care package system had four levels, whereas the current one has eight. This lets home care providers in Australia offer services that are more specific to each client. Also, the new method changes from yearly budgets to quarterly ones. This makes sure that money is always used and not “hoarded” for later.
2. What effect does Support at Home have on my current Home Care Package?
If you were already getting home care before November 2025, you didn’t have to do anything to switch. The “no worse off” rule makes sure that your funding levels and services stayed the same. You can still work with your favourite home care providers in Australia, but you might discover that the way your quarterly budget is spent is more clear.
3. Is the CHSP now part of Support at Home?
Not yet. Your services will stay the same for now if you are currently getting entry-level help through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). The CHSP won’t join the Support at Home framework until at least July 2027. For a lot of people, this is a terrific “entry point” before they move on to more complete home care.
4. What is the cost?
One of the best things about the 2026 reforms is that the government pays for all medical care. This implies you don’t have to pay anything for nursing or physical therapy. You just have to pay for “Independence” services (like personal care) and “Everyday Living” services (like gardening), and the amount you pay depends on your pension status. This makes full home care significantly cheaper for many Australians.
5. What are the eight groups?
The scheme now has eight tiers of funding, from about $11,000 to $78,000 per year, to give users more options. This makes it easier to get help when your health needs change, instead of the big gaps that used to be in the home care package levels.
6. How do I get an evaluation?
You need to call My Aged Care for a “Single Assessment” to see if you qualify for home care package funding (now Support at Home). This new, simpler method replaces the old dual-track system, which makes it easier to get the aid you need.
7. Can I still get changes made to my home?
Yes. There is now a program just for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM). This gives you money up front for things like ramps or grab rails, so you don’t have to wait for your usual budget to grow.
Getting the Right Help in Your Area
It’s important to choose a service who knows these 2026 revisions whether you want a home care package in Adelaide or anyplace else in the country. A local home care package Adelaide expert may help you make the most of your 10% care management cap so that more of your money goes toward the services you need.
We at 101 Home Care are proud to be a reliable partner on this journey. We know that figuring out if you qualify for a home care package can be difficult. That’s why 101 Home Care helps you through the whole My Aged Care procedure. When you choose 101 home care, you choose a staff that puts your dignity and independence first.
Why Comprehensive Home Care Is Important
As we get older, our needs change. Comprehensive home care isn’t only about cleaning; it’s also about clinical safety, restorative care, and making social connections. You may make a safety net that expands with you by knowing now if you qualify for home care package funding. Whether you require a home care package that people in Adelaide trust or one from a nationwide company, the most important thing is always to have high-quality, person-centred care.
