Earlier this year, the aged care sector faced uncertainty when the Australian Government delayed the Support at Home program launch from July 1 to November 1, 2025. This four-month postponement raised concerns among providers about implementation readiness, but was implemented following strong industry feedback to allow additional preparation time and system refinements.
Recent Support at Home updates from the Department of Health and Aged Care confirm that all systems are now ready, providing aged care providers with the certainty needed to finalise preparations for the confirmed November launch.
November Launch Date Officially Confirmed
The Australian Government has demonstrated its commitment to delivering aged care reform with the confirmed November 1, 2025, start date. All implementation milestones are being met on schedule, with comprehensive testing and provider onboarding processes well underway.
The extended planning period has enabled significant improvements based on sector consultation. Enhanced provider registration systems, refined assessment protocols, and comprehensive transition support have been developed during this time. These refinements address the initial concerns that prompted the delay, ensuring a robust foundation for program delivery.
Providers can now move forward with confidence, knowing the November timeline is firm and all necessary infrastructure will be operational from day one.
Automatic Transition: No Action Required for Current Participants
Current Home Care Package recipients will automatically transition to the Support at Home programme without any action required. This seamless process ensures continuity of care whilst eliminating administrative burdens for participants and providers.
Automatic transition means existing participants retain their current care arrangements, funding levels, and service providers when the programme launches. The Department handles all system transfers and notifications. Despite earlier concerns about whether support at home has been delayed, the automatic transition process remains unchanged and will proceed smoothly in November, with service delivery continuing uninterrupted throughout the changeover period.
New Care Management Structure: The 10% Rule Explained
Under Support at Home, providers will receive a dedicated pooled care management account comprising 10% of each participant’s ongoing quarterly budget. This standardised allocation ensures consistent funding for essential care coordination activities across all participants.
Key Changes from Current Arrangements:
- Care managers become “care partners” with enhanced responsibilities
- Pooled funding model replaces individual budget deductions
- A flexible account system allows responsive care management based on participant needs
Benefits for Providers:
- Predictable funding stream for care coordination services
- Greater flexibility to allocate resources where needed most
- Streamlined budgeting without individual participant savings requirements
The 10% allocation must be used exclusively for care management services, including care planning, service coordination, monitoring, and participant education. This dedicated funding ensures providers can deliver comprehensive care management while maintaining transparent budget separation from direct care services.
Preparation Checklist: What You Need to Know Before November
For Current Participants:
- No action required – transition is automatic
- Expect written confirmation once the transition is complete
- Current services and providers remain unchanged
- Contact your provider with any questions about the changeover
For Aged Care Providers:
- Update staff training on new care partner responsibilities
- Prepare systems for pooled care management accounts
- Review participant communication strategies
- Ensure compliance with new program requirements
Key Timeline Expectations:
- October 2025: Final system testing and provider preparations
- November 1, 2025: Official program launch
- Early November: Participant transitions processed in batches
- Mid-November: All transitions expected to be complete
Regular support at home updates will be provided through the Department of Health and Aged Care website, including implementation guides, training resources, and FAQ documents. Provider helpdesk support will be available throughout the transition period to address technical and operational queries.
Conclusion
The Support at Home program’s November launch represents a major step forward in aged care reform, delivering the quality improvements the sector has been working towards. With comprehensive preparation and support systems in place, providers can approach the transition with confidence.
Stay informed by regularly checking for support at home updates on the Department of Health and Aged Care website, and ensure your team is prepared for the exciting changes ahead.
Need expert guidance for your Support at Home transition? SAH Consulting helps aged care providers navigate the November 2025 changes with tailored transition support, staff training, and compliance guidance. Contact us today to ensure your organisation is fully prepared.