Now’s the time to learn about your Support at Home changes

Big changes are coming to home care from 1 November 2025 when the new Aged Care Act begins.

If you are currently receiving help through a Home Care Package, it’s important to understand what will change for you, including how your care services are managed and what you might need to contribute from 1 November.

Talk to your care provider, and if you’d like some advice, we’re here to help.

What’s changing

 On 1 November, everyone receiving a Home Care Package will transfer to the new Support at Home program. What this means for you will depend on your situation and the choices you make, but two key changes you will notice are how the fees work and what happens if you don’t spend your full budget allowance.

New fee structure

 The Government will continue to pay a large portion of the cost for your home support but you will be asked to contribute a share of the cost. To determine your contribution, services will be grouped into three categories:

• Clinical care
• Independence support, and
• Everyday living.

The government will fully fund clinical care services, but you will be asked to make a contribution towards the cost of other services. How much you contribute depends on your financial situation – with age pensioners paying less than self-funded retirees.

The new fees are likely to be higher, but if you were receiving a Home Care Package (or held approval for one) on 12 September 2024, you’ll be eligible for grandfathering concessions (and lower rates) to ensure you are “no worse off” under the new rules.

Unspent funds

 Another big change is how your spending budget works.

Each quarter you’ll be given an available budget based on your package level. This is made available on a “use it or lose it” basis. If you don’t use all the money in that quarter, you can only carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater). The rest of the money is no longer available.

Unspent funds that you have accumulated at 31 October 2025 may remain available to spend on approved services at a future date.

What you should do now

 To help you get ready for the changes, all Home Care Package recipients should have received a letter from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, explaining whether you are grandfathered and what contribution percentage rates you can expect to pay.

Keep this letter safe – and share a copy with your financial adviser. They can help you to understand what it means for your finances and make sure you are set up to manage your costs.

Your contribution rates will be confirmed in a second letter from Services Australia after 1 November. Before 1 November, you should also speak to your care provider to review your care plan and sign a new care agreement based on their new pricing structure.

If you have questions or need guidance, talk to your adviser or get in touch with us on 03 8393 937. We can help you understand what the changes mean for you and how to make the most of your support.