What is Support at Home?
Support at Home replaces the Home Care Packages (HCP) program from 1 November 2025, offering improved access to services, products, and equipment to help older Australians remain healthy, active, and socially connected
The Australian Government is transforming in-home aged care to create a simpler, fairer, and more responsive system. Support at Home brings together existing programs under the new Aged Care Act, putting older people at the centre of their care journey.
Stay at Home Longer
Comprehensive support to help you maintain independence in your own home
Flexible Services
Adapt your care mix anytime to meet your evolving needs
Quality Assured
Government-regulated providers delivering safe, high-quality care
Transitioning from Home Care Packages
If you currently have a Home Care Package or are on the waitlist, you'll automatically move to Support at Home on 1 November 2025. Your funding level will match your current HCP level, and you won't need a new assessment. You'll continue receiving the same quality care without interruption. Your provider will communicate with you directly about any changes to your in-home care arrangements before they occur.
8 Ongoing Service Classifications
Support at Home offers 8 classifications (compared to the previous 4 HCP levels), providing more precise funding aligned to your assessed care needs. Each classification comes with a quarterly budget for services.
Classification 1
Basic SupportEntry-level support for those beginning their aged care journey with minimal assistance needs.
Classification 2
Low SupportFor individuals requiring low-level assistance with daily activities and social support.
Classification 3
Low-ModerateSuitable for those needing regular assistance with personal care and domestic tasks.
Classification 4
Moderate SupportEquivalent to previous HCP Level 2 - moderate care needs with increased service hours.
Classification 5
Moderate-HighFor those transitioning to higher care needs requiring clinical and personal support.
Classification 6
High SupportEquivalent to previous HCP Level 3 - intermediate care with comprehensive services.
Classification 7
Very High SupportFor individuals with complex care needs requiring extensive clinical and personal support.
Classification 8
Maximum SupportEquivalent to previous HCP Level 4 - highest level for complex, high-level care needs.
How Your Classification is Determined
Your classification is determined through an aged care assessment conducted by trained assessors. They evaluate your daily living needs, health conditions, social support, and overall wellbeing to assign the most appropriate classification. You can request a re-assessment if your needs change.
Special Support Pathways
Three short-term service classifications provide additional time-limited support when you need it most, accessed via an aged care assessment
Restorative Care Pathway
Regain your independence
Up to 16 weeks of restorative care services
$6,000-$12,000 for multidisciplinary allied health services
Access separately or in addition to ongoing services
Includes assistive technology and home modifications
End-of-Life Pathway
Stay at home in your final months
Urgent access to higher funding levels
Up to $25,000 over 12 weeks
16 weeks to use the funds for flexibility
Complements state palliative care services
AT-HM Scheme
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications
Up to $15,000 for home modifications
Up to $15,000+ for assistive technology
12 months to use funding
Includes mobility aids, rails, ramps & equipment
Assistive Technology & Home Modifications Funding Tiers
| Funding Level | Assistive Technology | Home Modifications |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Up to $500 | Up to $500 |
| Medium | Up to $2,000 | Up to $2,000 |
| High | Up to $15,000 | Up to $15,000 |
| Additional | Amounts over $15,000 for assistive technology can be accessed with evidence of need | |
Services You Can Access
Support at Home offers a wide range of services to help you live well at home. You can choose the mix of services within your budget and change them anytime.
Clinical Care
0% Contribution- Nursing care and health monitoring
- Wound care and management
- Medication management
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Speech pathology
- Podiatry services
- Continence care
- Chronic disease management
Independence Support
5-50% Contribution- Personal care assistance
- Help with bathing and dressing
- Mobility support
- Transport to appointments
- Social support and companionship
- Respite care services
- Community participation
- Carer support
Everyday Living
17.5-80% Contribution- Cleaning and housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Gardening and home maintenance
- Shopping assistance
- Pet care
- Bill paying assistance
- Home safety checks
Care Management Services
10% of your quarterly budget goes to care management, ensuring you get the best outcomes from your aged care services
What's Included in Care Management
Your Support at Home provider delivers comprehensive care management including:
- Developing and reviewing your personalised care plan
- Service coordination with all care workers
- Budget management and oversight
- Monitoring and responding to changing needs
- Support during transitions (hospital to home)
- System navigation and advocacy
Contribution Rates
Contributions ensure a fair system providing better services. You only pay for services you receive, with rates based on service type and your financial situation.
| Age Pension Status | Clinical Care | Independence | Everyday Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part Pensioner / CSHC Holder | 0% | 5-50% | 17.5-80% |
| Self-Funded Retiree | 0% | 50% | 80% |
'No Worse Off' Principle
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package, on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package on or before 12 September 2024, you will be no worse off under Support at Home. You'll pay the same or lower contributions as under the HCP program (maximum 25% for self-funded retirees).
Financial Hardship Support
If you can't afford to pay your fees, hardship arrangements are available. Complete form SA462 at Services Australia with evidence of your expenses. There is also a lifetime cap on contributions - once reached, you won't be charged any more for services.
How to Access Support at Home
Follow these simple steps to begin your Support at Home journey with RusCare
Register with My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 or visit MyAgedCare.gov.au to check your eligibility and register for an assessment.
Complete Your Assessment
An assessor will visit your home to understand your needs and determine your classification level and approved services.
Receive Your Approval
You'll receive a Notice of Decision with your classification, quarterly budget, and approved services list.
Choose RusCare as Your Provider
Contact us with your referral codes. We'll develop a personalized care plan tailored to your needs and cultural preferences.
Begin Your Services
Start receiving high-quality, culturally sensitive care from our Russian-speaking team of professionals.
Ready to Start Your Support at Home Journey?
Our experienced Russian-speaking team is here to guide you through every step. Contact RusCare today for culturally sensitive aged care support.
