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Understanding Support at Home Costs in 2025
- Shubham Kafle
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
1. Introduction
From November 1 2025, the Australian Government will roll out the Support at Home program, a major reform aimed at transforming how aged care is delivered to older Australians living in their own homes.
This new program will replace existing models like the Home Care Packages (HCP), Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). By combining these into a single streamlined system, the Support at Home program is designed to be easier to understand, more flexible, and more responsive to individual care needs.
2. What Services Are Included in SaH?
The Support at Home service list covers a range of in-home care options, grouped into categories to suit the different needs of older Australians.
SAH Service List Categories:
Personal Care: Bathing, dressing, grooming
Domestic Assistance: Cleaning, laundry, shopping
Meals & Nutrition: Meal preparation or delivery
Transport: Getting to appointments, shopping
Health & Nursing Services: Wound care, medication management, nursing support
Allied Health: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry
Assistive Technology: Mobility aids, shower chairs, continence support
Home Modifications: Rails, ramps, safety improvements
Companion Care: Companionship, community engagement
Respite Care: Short-term relief for carers
Each individual will have access to a tailored mix of services, depending on their assessed level of need.
3. What Will I Have to Pay in SaH?
Under the Support at Home program, your costs will be based on a combination of government subsidies and personal contributions, depending on your income and eligibility.
The Australian Government will fully cover clinical care services, while you may need to contribute to non-clinical services based on a means-tested structure. The amount you pay depends on your financial status, such as whether you’re a pensioner, part-pensioner, or self-funded retiree.
Below is a detailed explanation for each financial category:
1. Full Pensioners
Example: Age Pension recipients with no or minimal additional income/assets.
Service Type | Contribution | Example Cost Scenario |
Clinical Care (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy) | 0% | $0 – Fully government-funded |
Independence Support (e.g. personal care, bathing) | 5% | If a service costs $100, you pay $5 |
Everyday Living Support (e.g. cleaning, gardening, meals) | 17.5% | If a service costs $100, you pay $17.50 |
Affordable support is ensured for pensioners to maintain independence at home.
2. Part Pensioners
Example: You receive a part pension and have modest additional income/assets.
Service Type | Contribution | Example Cost Scenario |
Clinical Care | 0% | $0 – Fully government-funded |
Independence Support | 5% to 50% (based on the means test) | If the service is $100, you may pay between $5–$50, depending on your income/assets |
Everyday Living Support | 17.5% to 80% (based on means test) | For a $100 service, you may pay $17.50–$80 |
The actual percentage is determined by Centrelink and Services Australia based on income and assets, so part-pensioners should seek a formal assessment.
3. Self-Funded Retirees (with or eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card)
Service Type | Contribution | Example Cost Scenario |
Clinical Care | 0% | $0 |
Independence Support | 5% to 50% (means-tested) | If personal care costs $100, you may pay $5–$50 |
Everyday Living Support | 17.5% to 80% (means-tested) | For house cleaning at $100, you may pay $17.50–$80 |
If you hold or qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you benefit from reduced rates despite being self-funded.
4. Self-Funded Retirees (not eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card)
Service Type | Contribution | Example Cost Scenario |
Clinical Care | 0% | $0 |
Independence Support | 50% | For a $100 service, you pay $50 |
Everyday Living Support | 80% | For meals or gardening worth $100, you pay $80 |
Highest out-of-pocket cost group. If you are a self-funded retiree without a Seniors Health Card, you are expected to contribute a significant portion of your care costs.
4. How Does the SaH Budget Work?
The Support at Home program introduces 8 levels of care, replacing the old 4-level HCP system with a more flexible, needs-based approach tailored to each person’s situation.
4.1 Support at Home Budget Tiers
The budget allocation will depend on the needs assessment and is structured in a tiered manner, as shown below:
Classification | Quarterly Budget | Annual Budget |
Level 1 | $2,750 | $11,000 |
Level 2 | $4,000 | $16,000 |
Level 3 | $5,500 | $20,000 |
Level 4 | $7,500 | $30,000 |
Level 5 | $10,000 | $40,000 |
Level 6 | $12,000 | $48,000 |
Level 7 | $14,500 | $58,000 |
Level 8 | $19,500 | $78,000 |
Your level is determined by a comprehensive assessment conducted by an independent assessor through My Aged Care. This budget breakdown outlines the quarterly and yearly funding allocated to each care level, enabling care plans to be customised according to each person’s assessed needs.
4.2 How does Support at Home cost differ from HCP cost?
As Australia transitions from the Home Care Package (HCP) system to the new Support at Home (SaH) program, there are significant changes in how care is funded and what individuals are expected to contribute. Below is a side-by-side comparison that highlights the key cost-related differences between HCP and SAH
Category | Home Care Package (HCP) | Support at Home (SaH) |
Program Structure | ||
Funding Allocation | Lump sum paid to the provider | Funds allocated based on individual needs and paid per service |
Client Contributions | Basic daily fee (up to $12.53/day) - Income-tested care fee (up to $35.95/day) | No basic daily fee - Means-tested contributions for non-clinical services only |
Clinical Care Services (e.g., nursing) | Partially covered, depending on package level | Fully funded by the government for all individuals |
Independence Support (e.g., personal care) | Covered within the overall package budget, no direct breakdown | Client pays 0% to 50%, depending on income/assets |
Everyday Living Support (e.g., cleaning, meals) | Covered within the package budget | Client pays 17.5% to 80%, depending on income/assets |
Statements and Transparency | Monthly statements from the provider, some inconsistencies in reporting | Standardised monthly statements with a full breakdown of subsidies and contributions |
Flexibility and Choice | Limited flexibility, tied to the package level | Greater flexibility—care based on changing needs, not locked into a fixed level |
4.3 What Will Happen to Unspent Funds?
If you don’t use your entire quarterly budget:
Funds will roll over into the next funding cycle.
These can be used for future or unexpected needs.
However, unspent funds are not refundable to you or your estate.
Working with your provider or care manager to plan ahead and use funds wisely ensures that you continue to receive high-quality care without waste.
5. Making the Most of Your Budget
Here’s how to get the most value from your Support at Home budget:
1. Compare Provider Rates
Use My Aged Care’s comparison tools to review provider fees.
Look at care management and service delivery costs—some providers charge more than others.
2. Use a Financial Adviser or Aged Care Navigator
A financial adviser can help you structure contributions and manage out-of-pocket costs.
Aged care navigators, such as those from My aged care, help you choose services, compare quotes, and handle applications.
3. Plan Ahead
Use unspent funds wisely.
Discuss future needs and potential changes with your provider.
How can My Companionship Help?
My Companionship is here to support you through every step of the aged care journey.
Whether you’re navigating the new Support at Home program, applying for an assessment, or looking for the best value from your care budget, we are there to assist you.
FAQs:
1. Will I lose my current home care services after November 1, 2025?
No. If you're receiving care through HCP or CHSP, you will transition to Support at Home with equivalent services after an individual review.
2. Do I have to pay more under Support at Home?
Not necessarily. Fees are income-based, and most pensioners will pay little to nothing. However, some co-payments (e.g., for meals or transport) may apply.
3. What happens to my unspent funds each month under Support at home?
They roll over and remain in your budget. You can use them for future or unexpected care needs.
4. Can I choose my care providers?
Yes. You’ll continue to have control over who delivers your services, within the SAH provider network.
5. Will prices be the same across all providers?
No, but the government will implement pricing limits and require clear monthly statements to increase fairness and transparency.
6. How do I apply for Support at Home?
Through My Aged Care. You’ll need an independent assessment to determine your eligibility and funding level.
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