From 1 November 2025, the way older Australians receive in-home aged care will change. The current Home Care Package (HCP) program will be replaced by the new Support at Home program. Designed to make services easier to access and more transparent, this program will introduce new rules around eligibility and assessments.
If you or a loved one is considering in-home aged care, it’s important to understand how Support at Home eligibility works and what the assessment process involves.
The Support at Home program is a government initiative that combines several aged care programs into one streamlined system. The goal is to make aged care simpler, fairer and more flexible for older Australians.
Under the new program:
Understanding Support at Home eligibility is the first step to making the most of the new program. Eligibility determines:
By knowing the requirements early, you can prepare for a smoother transition and make informed choices about your care.
Eligibility depends on your age, circumstances and care needs. You may be eligible if you meet one of these conditions:
Residency is also important. To qualify, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a permanent visa.
If you already receive a Home Care Package, are on the national waiting list or are using short-term restorative care, you will move across to Support at Home automatically. You won’t need to reapply unless your needs have changed.
To confirm Support at Home eligibility, you will need to go through a formal assessment. Assessments are done in person, usually in your home, and are designed to capture the full picture of your needs.
Your assessment will:
This plan will act as a guide for you and your provider, helping you choose the right services and manage your quarterly budget effectively.
One of the biggest improvements in the new program is the Single Assessment System (SAS). Until now, different teams have handled assessments depending on the type of support you applied for. All assessments will be delivered by the SAS using the Integrated Assessment Tool.
This means:
What happens after your assessment?
If you are assessed as eligible, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision letter. This letter will confirm your classification, budget and approved services. It may also include approval for short-term supports, such as:
Your provider will then work with you to set up a Service Agreement and start delivering services. If you’d like more control over your care decisions, you may want to explore self-management options.
Support at Home has been designed with flexibility in mind. If your circumstances change, you can request a reassessment. This ensures your services always reflect your current needs, whether that’s increased clinical care, extra independence supports or adjustments to daily living assistance.
The move to Support at Home represents a major shift in the aged care system. While change can be overwhelming, the new assessment process and eligibility rules are designed to make things clearer and more consistent.
If you or someone you care for is starting to explore in-home aged care, understanding Support at Home eligibility and the assessment process will help you feel prepared. At Homecare My Way, we’re here to guide you through the changes, answer your questions and make sure you get the support you need.
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