Australia's aged care system is entering a new phase of reform with the launch of the Support at Home programme, officially replacing the current Home Care Package (HCP) system on 1 November 2025. This major reform aims to simplify aged care services, increase accessibility, and ensure older Australians can maintain their independence and wellbeing while continuing to live in their own homes.
If you are already receiving in-home aged care, are on the National Priority System, or plan to apply for support soon, understanding what’s changing is essential. This article outlines the major updates and how they will affect services, assessments, funding, and support such as allied health, home modifications, and meal delivery.
What Is the Support at Home Programme?
The Support at Home programme replaces the existing Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care from 1 November 2025. Announced by the Australian Government, the programme has been designed to improve flexibility, streamline assessments, and better match care levels to individual needs.
Unlike the current four-level system, Support at Home introduces eight new care classifications, each with its own funding allocation. It also integrates a Single Assessment System, simplifies how care is delivered, and introduces protections to ensure existing clients are not disadvantaged in the transition.
Key Updates at a Glance
- Eight care levels with tailored annual funding ranging from $16,356 to $119,261
- A standardised Single Assessment System using the Integrated Assessment Tool
- Tiered services across Clinical Care, Independence Services, and Everyday Living
- A “no worse off” principle to safeguard current package recipients
- Short-term pathways for Restorative Care and End-of-Life support
- Lifetime contribution cap of $130,000
New Care Levels and Quarterly Budgets
The new eight-tier classification system is designed to better match funding to your care needs. Each level comes with an annual budget, distributed quarterly:
| Classification | Annual Budget |
| 1 | $16,356.71 |
| 2 | $24,435.83 |
| 3 | $33,515.11 |
| 4 | $45,174.52 |
| 5 | $60,448.69 |
| 6 | $73,326.41 |
| 7 | $119,261.24 |
Unused quarterly funding of up to 10% (or $1,528.99) can be rolled over into the next quarter, giving you better flexibility and control over how you manage your care.
Streamlined Assessments Through a Single System
Introduced in mid-2024, the Single Assessment System brings together multiple aged care assessment services into one national framework. Using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), assessors can now collect relevant health, lifestyle, and care information in a single consultation—minimising duplication and reducing the burden on individuals and their families.
Your final outcome will include a Notice of Decision and a personalised support plan that details your approved services, classification level, goals, budget, and any temporary support like home modifications or assistive technology.
Contribution Structure: Clinical, Independence and Everyday Living
The new programme introduces a tiered contribution model based on the type of service being accessed:
Clinical Services – such as nursing, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy – are fully covered with no out-of-pocket costs.
Independence Services – including personal care, social support, home modifications, and assistive technology – require a moderate co-payment.
Everyday Living Services – which include help with cooking, cleaning, gardening, and meal delivery – may require higher individual contributions.
This structure is designed to prioritise access to essential health services while maintaining flexibility for daily living support. If you were receiving care before 12 September 2024, you will continue under the “no worse off” principle, ensuring your current benefits remain intact.
Short-Term Pathways for Targeted Support
Two specialised pathways will become available:
Restorative Care Pathway – Up to 12–16 weeks of allied health and rehabilitation support to help you regain or maintain independence. Base budget: $18,347.88.
End-of-Life Pathway – Designed for those wishing to remain at home during their final three months, with available support funding of $38,224.76.
These options provide enhanced care during specific life stages and are delivered alongside your core package services.
Lifetime Contribution Cap
One of the standout features of the new model is the introduction of a lifetime contribution cap of $130,000. Once this cap is reached, you will no longer be required to pay any additional care fees, regardless of how long you continue receiving services. All previously paid Home Care Package fees will count toward this cap, providing added peace of mind for individuals and families planning long-term care.
Supporting Health at Home: The Role of Meal Services
As older Australians look to maintain their independence at home, meal delivery remains one of the most vital and valued services in aged care.
Gourmet Meals is proud to remain a government-approved provider under both the current Home Care Package model and the upcoming Support at Home programme. For more than 30 years, Gourmet Meals has supported the health and wellbeing of thousands of older Australians by offering nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals that meet a wide range of dietary needs.
Our extensive Aged Care Services ensure recipients receive quality, balanced meals that are dietitian-approved, portion-controlled, and suited to specific health requirements including diabetes, low-sodium, gluten-free, and high fibre options. These meals not only improve physical wellbeing, but also relieve the stress of shopping and cooking—making daily life easier and more enjoyable.
All meals are delivered directly to your door and are eligible for funding under both existing and new aged care programmes. You can view the full range and order online through the Gourmet Meals Menu Page.
Continued Support for Existing Clients
If you are currently on a Home Care Package or were approved by 12 September 2024, your services and fees will carry over automatically to the new programme. You won’t lose any funding, care entitlements, or access to services such as home modifications, allied health, or meal delivery with approved providers like Gourmet Meals.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will remain separate until at least July 2027, giving those clients and service providers additional time to prepare for full integration into the new model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens on 1 November 2025?
The Support at Home programme begins, replacing Home Care Packages and integrating Short-Term Restorative Care into a new national model.
Do I need to reapply?
No. If you're already receiving services or were assessed as eligible before 12 September 2024, your care will be automatically transferred to the new system.
Will my meal services still be covered?
Yes. Meal delivery services like those provided by Gourmet Meals remain eligible under the new system. These fall under the Everyday Living service category.
What if I don’t use all my funds each quarter?
You can carry over up to 10% (or $1,528.99) of your quarterly funding into the next period.
Who decides how much I pay?
Your income and assets are used to calculate contributions. Full pensioners will pay the least, while self-funded retirees without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card may pay more.
Where can I see the full menu from Gourmet Meals?
You can view the menu and place orders directly through our Menu and Online Shop.
Final Thoughts
The transition to the Support at Home programme reflects a long-overdue modernisation of aged care in Australia. With increased funding levels, personalised support plans, and simpler assessments, older Australians and their families will be better equipped to manage their care needs at home.
Providers like Gourmet Meals will continue to play a crucial role in supporting this system, offering practical services that directly contribute to health, independence, and quality of life.
To learn more about how Gourmet Meals supports aged care clients, visit our Aged Care page. To explore our current range of meals and place an order online, browse the full menu here.
