From November 1st 2025, the Australian Government will introduce major reforms to aged care, including the new Support at Home program and a new Aged Care Act.
At Centric Support, we know these changes may feel overwhelming. That is why we are here to explain what is happening and how it affects seniors and families across the Gold Coast.
What is the New Aged Care Act?
The new Act is designed to protect the rights of older Australians and improve the quality of care. It focuses on accountability and stronger regulation of providers.
Key features include:
- Better quality care across home, community and residential services
- Stronger accountability for aged care providers
- Alignment with Royal Commission recommendations
- The Act will apply from 1 November 2025.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. Its purpose is to make in-home care simpler and more flexible.
The program groups services into three categories:
- Clinical care such as nursing, physiotherapy and care management
- Independence support, such as showering, grooming and personal care
- Everyday living assistance such as cleaning, gardening and meals
This means older Australians can access the right mix of care, tailored to their needs, while staying in their own homes.
What About the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
The CHSP will continue until at least 2027. If you are currently receiving services through this program, there will be no immediate changes.
What are the Biggest Changes for Families?
Some of the most important changes under Support at Home include:
- No out-of-pocket costs for clinical care such as nursing and physiotherapy
- Higher levels of care with more government funding available
- Faster access to in-home care, reducing wait times
- Up to $15,000 extra funding for assistive technology and home modifications
- Restorative Care Pathway up to $12,000 extra funding designed to help you return home from hospital or illness or decline in function with extra support
- A new End-of-Life Pathway with up to $25,000 for those who wish to remain at home
How Will I Need to Contribute & how is it Be Calculated?
The new co contributions are applicable if you were assessed after 12 September you will have to contribute towards your funding.
| Category | Clinical Care | Independence Support | Everyday Living Support |
| Full pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part pensioner | 0% | 5–50% (means-tested) | 17.5–80% (means-tested) |
| Self-funded retiree (with Seniors Health Card) | 0% | 5–50% (means-tested) | 17.5–80% (means-tested) |
| Self-funded retiree (without card) | 0% | 50% | 80% |
There is also a $130,000 lifetime cap across home and residential care.
Will I Need to Be Reassessed?
- If you are already on a Home Care Package before 1 November 2025, you will transition automatically.
- If you were assessed before 12 September 2024, your contribution will not increase under the “no worse off” principle.
- If you need additional care in the future, a new assessment will be required.
How Does the Support at Home Budget Work?
The Support at Home Program introduces eight levels of support, instead of the current four. You will have a quarterly budget instead of occurring funds daily.
| Level | Quarterly Budget | Annual Budget |
| 1 | $2,750 | $11,000 |
| 2 | $4,000 | $16,000 |
| 3 | $5,500 | $20,000 |
| 4 | $7,500 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| 6 | $12,000 | $48,000 |
| 7 | $14,500 | $58,000 |
| 8 | $19,500 | $78,000 |
Up to $1,000 or 10% of the budget can roll over into the next quarter.
Will I Lose My Unspent Funds?
No. Any unspent funds from your current Home Care Package will carry over, provided they are used under the Support at Home guidelines.
What About Self-Managing My Package?
Self-management will still be available. A percentage of your funding will be set aside for care management, covering service coordination, check-ins and clinical advice.
This option gives flexibility for those who want more control, while still ensuring professional oversight.
Will Providers Still Charge Management Fees?
No. Providers will no longer be able to charge separate package management fees. These costs will be built into service pricing. So check with your provider what this means to you and your current care plan, as you may find that the increase could decrease your service hours
Will There Be Price Caps?
Yes. Price caps will apply from 1 July 2026. Until then, providers set their own rates with government oversight.
What About Residential Aged Care?
There are also changes for residential care:
- New means-tested contributions for new residents (reviewed twice a year)
- The maximum room price is increasing from $550,000 to $750,000
- Partial retention of refundable accommodation deposits by providers
What Happens Next?
- If you are already on a Home Care Package, you will automatically transition on the 1st of November 2025
- If you are not yet on a package, apply now to check eligibility
- If you are in residential aged care, the new contribution system applies to new residents from July 2025
FAQs About Aged Care Changes
Will Commonwealth Support Program (CHSP) clients be affected?
No. CHSP will continue until at least 2027.
Can I keep my unspent Home Care Package funds?
Yes. They will carry over into Support at Home, but must be used under the new rules. New rules apply though under the Support at Home Program and only $1000 or 10% whichever is greater will roll over moving forward
Will I need a reassessment?
Existing clients will not, unless additional care is needed.
Are there price caps on services?
Yes, from 2026.
What is the main benefit of Support at Home?
Faster access, more funding levels and flexibility to stay at home longer.
Will I need to pay a co-contribution?
You will only need to pay a co-contribution if you were assessed after the 12th November 2025
What if I can’t afford to pay the co-contribution?
If you cannot afford to pay your fees or contribute to your care costs, hardship arrangements are available.
To apply for financial hardship assistance, complete the form at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/sa462
Send this form and evidence to support your claim, including evidence of your expenses for the previous 3 months, to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/fiancial-hardship-assistance-eligibility-for-aged-care-cost-care?context=23296 who will assess your application within 28 days.
They will let you know in writing of their decision and what assistance you are eligible for. If they need more information to assess your claim, they will contact you to ask this.
My Aged Care’s has further information to help you plan your finances
How can i find out what my co-contributions are going to be?
Give us a call at Centric Support and we can work through your support needs and tell you what your co-contribution will be.
I have an existing Home Care Package (Support at Home Program) . What happens?
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package, on the national priority system or assessed as eligible for a package on or before the 12th of September 2024, you will be no worse off under Support at Home.
You will make the same lower contributions as you were liable for under the Home Care Package Program.
Get in Touch
If you are unsure about how these changes will affect you or your family, we are here to help.
Contact Centric Support’s aged care team on the Gold Coast today to discuss your options and plan ahead with confidence.