Support at Home

Support at home

The Support at Home Program – a new, flexible, and more personalised way of delivering care and support. At the Chinese Community Social Services Centre (CCSSC), we are proud to support this program as we believe everyone deserves the chance to live independently, confidently, and happily in their own home for as long as possible.

Starting 01 November 2025, Support at Home will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short- Term Restorative Care (STRC) and eventually the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) from 2027. This transition brings simpler funding, clearer options, and more choice for you.

What Makes Support at Home Different:
  • Funding classifications for ongoing services increase from 4 to 8 support levels
  • Quarterly budgets replace annual budgets, giving you more control. A portion of the unspent funds in the quarter will be allowed to be carried forward.
  • 3 new short-term service classifications are introduced alongside the 8 ongoing services levels
  • All aged care services are grouped into three categories
  • Care management fees are capped at 10%
  • Participant contributions apply for non-clinical support services, based on individual’s income and assets
  • · Price caps for services will be introduced from July 2026

The Types of Support We Provide

At CCSSC, care is about more than just services – it’s about living life your way. Support at Home is divided into three main categories, making it easier to access the right services at the right time.

Service CategoryService Type
Clinical Supports Clinical Supports
  • Nursing Care
  • Allied health and other therapeutic services
  • Nutrition
  • Care management
  • Restorative care management
Independence Independence
  • Personal care
  • Social support and community engagement
  • Therapeutic services for independent living
  • Respite
  • Transport
  • Assistive technology and home modifications
Everyday Living Everyday Living
  • Domestic assistance
  • Home maintenance and repairs
  • Meals

Smarter Funding, More Flexibility

New classifications

Instead of the old 4 Home Care Packages levels, you’ll now be matched to one of 8 new classifications. Your budget is refreshed every quarter, giving you the flexibility to plan your care with ease.

ClassificationsQuarterly budgetAnnual amount
1 $2,674.18 $10,696.72
2 $3,995.42 $15,981.68
3 $5,479.94 $21,919.77
4 $7,386.33 $29,545.33
5 $9,883.76 $39,535.04
6 $11,989.35 $47,957.41
7 $14,530.53 $58,122.13
8 $19,427.25 $77,709.00

If you are already on a Home Care Packages? No reassessment is needed – you will smoothly transition into the right Support at Home level with CCSSC by your side.

Contributions That Work for You

Your contribution depends on your circumstances. With the government’s no worse off guarantee, you won’t pay more than you do now if you are already receiving a Home Care Package.

  Clinical Supports Independence Everyday living
Full Pensioner 0% 5% 17.5%
Part Pensioner and self-funded Commonwealth
Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holder		 0% Between 5% and 50% Between 17.5% and 80%
Self-funded non-CSHC holder and
means not disclosed		 0% 50% 80%
Quarterly budgets and unspent funds

You’ll receive a quarterly budget to spend on the care and support that best suits your lifestyle and wellbeing. Any unused funds can be carried over up to 10% or $1,000, whichever is greater each quarter. This gives you the freedom to plan ahead, the confidence that your care won’t be interrupted, and the reassurance of staying independent and connected in your community.

Capped care management

A care management fee, capped at 10% of your quarterly budget, supports CCSSC in delivering reliable and personalised care. This includes planning and coordinating your care, regular check-ins, expert advice as your needs change, and guidance tailored to you, helping you living well and stay connected.

Additional Short-term service classifications

Short-term service classifications include 3 care pathways: the Restorative Care Pathway, the End-of-Life Pathway, and the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme.

Restorative Care Pathway End-of-life Pathway AT-HM scheme
Dedicated to helping you rebuild strength and independence with allied health support, this program offers up to 16 weeks of care, with funding of up to $6,000 for services Offers specialised in-home support for people with a life expectancy of three months or less, helping you stay in the comfort of your own home for as long as possible. Eligible participants can access a one-off budget of $25,000 for a 12-week service period. If funds remain after 12 weeks, the service period may be extended to a maximum of 16 weeks Supports older people to live at home and within their community with increased independence, safety, accessibility and wellbeing. It includes two separate funding streams—AT and HM—each offering 3 tiers of funding. Additional funding is also available

Transitioning with Confidence

Previous Home Care Package (HCP) recipients will not be disadvantaged under Support at Home and will not pay higher contributions than they did under the HCP program. This applies to grandfathered HCP recipients who, as of 12 September 2024, were

  • receiving a Home Care Package
  • listed on the National Priority System (NPS), or
  • assessed as eligible for a package

Frequently asked questions

Why is in-home care changing?
The new Support at Home program is part of the government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It aims to make it easier for older Australians to access the care and services they need while staying at home.
What are the main differences of the Support at Home program?
Key differences from HCP includes:
  • 8 ongoing support levels and 3 short-term programs
  • Quarterly funding for easier budget management
  • Capped Care Management: capped at 10%
  • Service-based contributions: pay only for the services you use
Contribution rate depends on:
  • Service type (independence or/and everyday living)
  • Your income and assets
When do the changes take effect?
Support at Home begins on 1 November 2025, providing enhanced support options and more flexibility for care at home.

For more info:
The fees involved?
Fees under Support at Home differ from the previous Home Care Packages. The program is designed to help you remain at home and avoid unnecessary hospital stays. Services are grouped into three categories:

  • Clinical care (e.g., nursing and physiotherapy) – fully funded by the government.
  • Independence services (e.g., personal care) – partly funded.
  • Everyday living services (e.g., cleaning and gardening) – higher participant contributions

Your fees depend on the type of service, your funding level, and personal circumstances. Eligible HCP recipients as of 12 September 2024 are protected by a “no worse off” guarantee.
What are the classifications of Support at Home program? Any reassessment required?
Support at Home includes:
  • 8 ongoing service classifications
  • 3 short-term service classifications: Restorative Care Pathway; End-of-Life Pathway and AT-HM Scheme.
If your current HCP meets your needs, a reassessment is not required. Should your needs change, contact us for a plan review and potential reclassification.
Why apply for the Support at Home program?

The program supports personal care, independent and overall wellbeing.

At CCSSC, we’ll guide you through every step – from assessment to planning and ongoing coordination – ensuring you get care matches your needs.

What is the process of applying the Support at Home program?
Accessing the program requires an assessment. The process includes:
  1. Initial Referral: Contact My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.
  2. Care Assessment: An assessor reviews your daily care needs.
  3. Determine Support Level:you’ll be matched to one of 8 levels or short-term programs
  4. Service Planning: A Care Partner works with you to create your personalised care plan.