Support at Home Program Explained (2026): What Sydney Families Need to Know

If you or a loved one receives in-home aged care — or you're about to start — you've probably heard about Support at Home. It's the biggest change to Australia's aged care funding in years, and it can feel confusing. This guide explains what Support at Home is, what it replaced, how the funding works, and the practical steps to take, in plain English.

A quick note on details: aged care rules are still bedding in, and specific dates, classification levels and contribution amounts can change. Always confirm the current figures for your situation on My Aged Care before making decisions.

What is the Support at Home program?

Support at Home is the Australian Government program that funds aged care services delivered in a person's own home. It began rolling out from 2025 and replaces the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, bringing in-home aged care under one streamlined system. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is expected to transition into Support at Home later, no earlier than 2027.

The goal is to make funding simpler and more transparent: each participant is assigned a classification and budget, and chooses an approved provider — like HomeWise Health — to deliver their services.

What changed compared with Home Care Packages?

The headline changes families notice most:

• Classifications instead of four package levels. Support at Home uses a wider set of funding classifications to match a person's assessed needs more precisely than the old Levels 1–4.
• Quarterly budgets. Funding is managed across quarters, which changes how unspent funds carry over compared with the old package model.
• Clearer service categories. Services are grouped so it's easier to see what your budget is being spent on — broadly, clinical care, help to stay independent, and everyday living support.
• Defined contributions. What you contribute is based on the type of service and a means assessment, rather than a single package-wide fee.

What is the "No Worse Off" principle?

If you were already receiving a Home Care Package (or were assessed as eligible) before the transition, the No Worse Off principle is designed to protect you: you should not be financially worse off under Support at Home than you were under your existing arrangements. In practice this means existing participants keep grandfathered contribution arrangements. If you're unsure whether it applies to you, our team can help you make sense of your letter from My Aged Care — and you can read our detailed explainer on keeping your funding without using services.

What services does Support at Home fund?

Support at Home funding can be used across three broad areas:

1. Clinical care — nursing, allied health (physiotherapy, occupational therapy), and other health-related support.
2. Independence — personal care such as showering and dressing, plus support that helps you keep doing things for yourself.
3. Everyday living — domestic help, meals, transport and social support.

A full-service provider can combine all three in a single care plan. See how HomeWise structures this on our services page.

What should I do next?

1. Get assessed. If you're new to aged care, arrange an assessment through My Aged Care to determine your classification.
2. Understand your budget. Once classified, review your funding and how it's split across service categories.
3. Choose a provider that explains things clearly. Look for transparent fees and a named care manager (see our guide on choosing an aged care provider).
4. Consider bridging with private care. If there's a wait, private in-home care can keep support in place in the meantime.

How HomeWise Health can help

Navigating Support at Home is much easier with a provider who does this every day. HomeWise Health delivers full-service in-home care across Greater Sydney and can help you understand your classification, plan your budget, and set up services that genuinely fit your life. Contact us or call 1800 717 590 to talk it through.

Frequently asked questions

When did Support at Home start?
Support at Home began rolling out from 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is expected to transition later, no earlier than 2027. Check My Aged Care for the latest dates.

Will I pay more under Support at Home?
Contributions depend on the type of service and your means assessment. Existing participants are protected by the "No Worse Off" principle, which is designed to ensure they aren't financially disadvantaged by the change.

Do I need to reapply if I already have a Home Care Package?
Generally, existing participants transition across without needing to reapply, and keep grandfathered arrangements under the No Worse Off principle. Confirm your specific situation with My Aged Care.

Can I still choose my own provider?
Yes. You choose which approved provider delivers your Support at Home services, and you can change providers if you're not satisfied.