Since 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home program has officially replaced the former Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care programs. The shift brought in an 8-tier classification system that delivers more targeted support based on each person’s clinical needs.
At the top end, the program now provides up to $78,000 a year for older Australians with complex care requirements—a significant uplift that’s reshaping how providers deliver services at home. For aged care businesses, these changes to aged care packages have opened the door to more flexible, tailored and genuinely person-centred care across the community.
Understanding the $78K Funding Level
The Support at Home program brings a new approach to funding, with up to $78,000 available annually for those needing higher levels of care. Here’s what aged care providers need to know about the classification system, funding structure, and how it compares to current packages.
Overview of the New Support at Home Classification System
The new Support at Home program replaces the old 4-level HCP system with a more detailed 8-tier classification model. Each tier reflects a person’s clinical needs, based on insights from more than 22,000 assessments completed during the Independent Assessment Tool (IAT) live trial in 2023.
At the highest level, Classification 8 provides up to $78,000 a year—around $19,500 per quarter—for people with complex care needs. Funding is delivered quarterly, giving providers and participants more control over how services are planned across the year.
A few key points to note:
- Funding is allocated every quarter.
- Participants can carry over unspent funds, capped at $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget (whichever is higher).
- The 8-tier model offers a more accurate match between assessed needs and available funding.
By aligning support levels more closely with individual needs, the new system works alongside wider aged care reforms and helps more older Australians stay living at home for longer.
Comparison with Current Level 4 Home Care Package
Under the previous system, a Level 4 Home Care Package provided roughly $61,000 a year. With the new Support at Home model, the top tier now offers up to $78,000 annually.
That’s a $17,000 increase, or about 28% more funding for people with higher and more complex care needs.
Here’s what this uplift means in practice:
- More hours of direct care and support
- Greater flexibility in how funding is used across the year
- Improved capacity for providers to deliver specialised services
- Better outcomes for older Australians who choose to stay at home longer
This clear step up in funding is one of the most significant changes to aged care packages under the new system.
Breakdown of All 8 Ongoing Classifications
Here’s a breakdown of the eight ongoing support classifications under the new program, showing how funding scales with assessed care needs:
Short-Term Classifications (Separate from Ongoing Budgets)
In addition to ongoing support, the Support at Home program includes targeted short-term classifications to address specific care needs.
Restorative Care Pathway
Provides up to $6,000 over 12 weeks, or up to $12,000 for eligible individuals. It’s aimed at helping people regain function and avoid long-term care. This can be used alongside ongoing support, without service duplication.
End-of-Life Pathway
Offers up to $25,000 over 12 weeks for individuals with a life expectancy of under three months. It replaces the ongoing budget during this period and can only be accessed once. After this, participants may be reassessed for a suitable ongoing classification.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
Funded separately, this covers high-cost equipment and home changes. There’s no need to save from existing budgets to access these supports.
These pathways reflect broader aged care changes in Australia, offering more targeted and flexible care options.
Preparing for the Transition
With the Support at Home program set to roll out, aged care providers need to act now to ensure a smooth shift from the current system.
- Staff Training
Your team needs the right skills to deliver higher and more complex levels of care. Ongoing training and upskilling will help your workforce stay confident, capable and ready to meet the requirements of the new classifications. - Infrastructure Upgrades
Support at Home relies heavily on updated IT systems, accurate reporting and streamlined internal processes. Reviewing and upgrading your digital tools now will reduce administrative pressure and ensure your organisation stays compliant. - Client Communication
Clear, timely communication with clients and families is essential. Explaining how the new program works—and what it means for their day-to-day support—helps build trust and reduces confusion during the transition. - Expert Guidance
At SAH Consulting, we partner with aged care providers to navigate the shift to the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home framework. Our job is to make the transition easier, so you can stay focused on delivering exceptional care where it matters most.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the $78,000 funding level has reshaped the way aged care is delivered in Australia. It gives older people with complex needs far more flexibility and support, while giving providers the chance to lift service quality, expand offerings and operate in a way that reflects today’s expectations.
If you want to make the most of these changes to aged care packages, the best time to act is now. Understanding how the new system works, preparing your workforce and upgrading your internal processes will put your organisation in a strong position for long-term success under Support at Home.
For deeper insights, you can explore the Support at Home handbook. And if you’d prefer expert, hands-on guidance, SAH Consulting is ready to step in. We’ll help you navigate the transition with confidence, so you can stay focused on what matters most: delivering exceptional care to older Australians.