Support at Home
Support at Home program
On the 1st November 2025, the Australian Government changed the way aged care services are delivered at home.
The Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
This change is designed to make it easier for you to access the care you need, when you need it, and to ensure that funding is more flexible, transparent, and matched to your personal needs.
ECH is here to guide you with trusted advice, continuity of care, and support that’s tailored to you.
What services are available?
The Support at Home program services are grouped into three key categories, making it easy to see how your support package is built. Your services will always be tailored to match your unique needs and goals, with the flexibility to adjust as your situation changes.:
| Category | What it includes | Examples |
| 1. Clinical Care | Services focused on your health, recovery, and case coordination. | Nursing, allied health services (e.g., physiotherapy), and care management. |
| 2. Independence Support | Help with essential personal tasks and accessing the community. | Personal care (showering, dressing), medication assistance, transport, and respite support. |
| 3. Everyday Living | Practical assistance to maintain your home and lifestyle. | Domestic cleaning, shopping, gardening, and meal preparation. |
Funding and Budgets
The Support at Home program is designed to simplify how you plan and pay for your care, providing you with a clear, reliable budget.
- Tailored Funding: The program uses 8 distinct funding levels. This allows us to more precisely match the funding you receive to your unique needs.
- Assessment Determines Funding: The specific funding level and amount you receive are determined by the independent assessment conducted by My Aged Care (MAC).
- Easy Planning: The Support at Home program operates on a quarterly budget system, making it straightforward to plan and manage your care expenses throughout the year.
Extra support if you need it
In addition to your regular Support at Home program budget, extra funding is available to support your changing needs. ECH will work with you to access these vital supports:
| Additional Support | Purpose | Maximum Funding Available |
| Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) | For safety equipment, aids, or modifications to your home. | Up to $15,000 |
| Restorative Care | To help you regain independence or recover after illness/injury (e.g., short-term intensive allied health). | Up to $6,000 for 16 weeks |
| End-of-Life Care | For comprehensive palliative support, so you can be cared for at home. | Up to $25,000 for 12–16 weeks |
Client Contributions Explained
Under the Support at Home program, you only pay for contributions for the services you receive, rather than a set fee.
Your contribution level depends on the type of service you receive, your income and financial situation (as determined by Services Australia).
| Service Type | Client Contribution |
| Clinical Care | No contribution (fully government-funded) |
| Independence Support | Ranges from 5% to 50% |
| Everyday Living | Ranges from 17.5% to 80% |
Grandfathered Clients: If your Home Care Package (HCP) was approved before 12 September 2024, you are a grandfathered client. If you are a client transitioning from a previous HCP, your contributions will not increase. You will continue to pay the same or less than you did under your previous HCP.
Need help understanding the Support at Home program?
Just ask ECH.
Our experienced and friendly team is ready to provide you with simple, straightforward advice and a holistic approach tailored to your unique needs, goals and lifestyle.
We can even come out and visit you at your home.
Call 1300 275 324 or complete the form located at the bottom of this page and we will call you back.