New Support at Home Program: 2026 Aged Care Guide

For the most up-to-date information, see our complete Support at Home guide. That guide covers the full program structure, funding levels, co-contributions, and practical steps for accessing care under the new system.

The Australian aged care system is going through its biggest reform in a decade. The new Support at Home program launched on 1 November 2025, replacing the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) program. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will follow, merging into Support at Home from 1 July 2027.

This guide covers everything you need to know: the 8 classification levels, how co-contributions work, what has changed from the old system, and what to expect from the assessment process.

If you need personalised guidance, call Carevo on 1800 953 253 to connect with aged care specialists who understand the new system inside and out.

What Is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program combines multiple in-home aged care programs into a single, streamlined system. Instead of navigating separate programs with different rules, eligibility criteria, and funding structures, older Australians now access one program with a single assessment pathway.

The program replaces:

• Home Care Packages (HCP) — replaced from 1 November 2025
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) — transitioning from 1 July 2027
• Short-Term Restorative Care Programme — integrated into the new framework

The stated goal, as outlined by the Department of Health and Aged Care, is to reduce complexity, improve service coordination, and give older Australians more control over their care. For a deeper look at the full program structure, see our Support at Home Program Complete Guide.

Key Changes From Home Care Packages and CHSP

The shift from HCP and CHSP to Support at Home introduces several structural changes that affect how care is funded, delivered, and managed.

More Classification Levels

The old system had 4 Home Care Package levels. The new system has 8 classification levels, providing a more graduated scale of support. This means your funding allocation more closely matches your actual care needs rather than forcing you into broad categories.

Three Service Categories

Services under Support at Home are divided into three categories, each with different funding rules and co-contribution rates:

1. Clinical care — nursing, allied health, and clinical services
2. Independence services — support that helps maintain or improve your ability to live at home
3. Everyday living services — practical help with daily tasks like cleaning and meal preparation

Quarterly Funding Budgets

Instead of an annual package amount, funding is now allocated in quarterly budgets. This structure gives you and your care manager more flexibility to adjust services as your needs change throughout the year.

Dedicated Care Management

Care management is embedded as a core component of the program. Your care manager works with you to develop your support plan, coordinate services, and conduct regular reviews. This replaces the more administrative support coordination role from the old HCP system.

New Co-Contribution Framework

The means-tested fee structure has been redesigned. Instead of a flat income-tested care fee, co-contributions vary depending on which service category you use. Clinical care has no consumer co-contribution, while everyday living services carry a higher co-contribution rate.

The 8 Classification Levels Explained

One of the most significant changes is the move from 4 HCP levels to 8 classification levels. Each level corresponds to a quarterly funding amount based on your assessed care needs.

Low Care Needs: Levels 1 to 3

These levels suit people who need minimal to moderate support to continue living independently at home. Services might include:

• Light domestic assistance
• Social support and transport
• Basic personal care
• Minor home maintenance

Level 1 provides the lowest funding amount, while Level 3 provides enough for regular weekly services. For detailed funding amounts and service inclusions, read our guide to Support at Home Classification Levels 1 to 3.

Medium Care Needs: Levels 4 to 6

These levels are designed for people with more complex needs who require a broader range of services. Support at these levels typically includes:

• Regular personal care assistance
• Allied health services such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• Nursing care for chronic conditions
• Assistive technology and equipment
• Home modifications to improve safety

Level 4 is roughly equivalent to the old HCP Level 2, while Level 6 provides substantial weekly support across multiple service types.

High Care Needs: Levels 7 to 8

These levels provide significant funding for people with complex, high-level care needs who want to remain living at home rather than entering residential care. Services can include:

• Daily personal care and nursing
• Complex clinical care
• Overnight or extended-hours support
• Palliative care at home
• Comprehensive allied health programs

Level 8 provides the highest funding allocation in the program and is designed for people whose needs might otherwise require residential aged care.

How the Old HCP Levels Map to New Classification Levels

Understanding where you sit in the new system is important if you are transitioning from an existing Home Care Package.

Old HCP Level	Approximate New Classification
HCP Level 1	Classification Level 1 or 2
HCP Level 2	Classification Level 3 or 4
HCP Level 3	Classification Level 5 or 6
HCP Level 4	Classification Level 7 or 8

Your exact classification depends on your individual assessment. The mapping above is a general guide only. Some people may be assessed at a higher or lower classification than their old HCP level would suggest, depending on their current needs.

How Assessment Works Under Support at Home

The assessment process determines your classification level and the services you can access. It has changed substantially from the old ACAT/RAS system.

The Single Assessment Framework

A single assessment framework replaces the separate ACAT (for HCP) and RAS (for CHSP) assessments. This means one assessment pathway regardless of your care needs, reducing duplication and confusion.

The Independent Assessment Tool (IAT)

Assessments use the Independent Assessment Tool (IAT), a standardised instrument designed to consistently measure care needs across all applicants. The IAT scores your functional ability, cognitive function, and support requirements to determine your classification level.

Concerns About the IAT

The IAT has been a point of significant controversy since its introduction. In February 2026, The Guardian Australia reported that calls for help to advocacy services surged by 50% after the IAT was introduced, jumping from approximately 5,000 requests in the quarter before its launch to 7,500 requests afterward.

Aged care workers and clinicians have described the tool as producing assessments that do not always match the reality of what clients need. The automated scoring system can downgrade support recommendations even when experienced assessors observe clear care needs. Senator Anne Ruston has publicly questioned the accuracy of the tool, and Services Australia received 414 formal review requests in the months following launch.

Your Rights During Assessment

If you believe your assessment does not reflect your actual care needs, you have the right to:

• Request a review through Services Australia
• Provide supporting documentation from your GP, specialists, or allied health professionals
• Have a family member or carer present during the assessment to provide context
• Document specific examples of tasks you find difficult and why

Preparing for your assessment with concrete examples of your daily challenges can help ensure the IAT captures your needs accurately.

Co-Contributions: What You Will Pay

The co-contribution framework is one of the most complex parts of the new system. How much you pay depends on the type of service you receive and your financial circumstances.

Co-Contribution Rates by Service Category

Service Category	Maximum Co-Contribution	Examples
Clinical care	No co-contribution	Nursing, allied health, wound care
Independence services	Up to 5%	Assistive technology, home modifications, reablement
Everyday living services	Up to 17.5%	Cleaning, meal prep, transport

How Co-Contributions Are Calculated

Your co-contribution is based on a means assessment that considers your income and assets. Not everyone pays the maximum rate. People with lower incomes and fewer assets pay reduced co-contributions or none at all.

Key points about co-contributions:

• Clinical care is always free at the point of service, regardless of your financial situation
• Independence services carry a small co-contribution because they are seen as investments in your long-term ability to stay at home
• Everyday living services have the highest co-contribution because they cover practical daily tasks
• Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming, eating, and similar help) moves into clinical supports from 1 October 2026 and becomes fully government funded, with no participant contribution. Until 1 October 2026 contributions applied
• Annual and lifetime caps apply to protect you from excessive costs
• Hardship provisions exist for people who cannot afford their co-contribution

The Department of Health and Aged Care provides a fee estimator tool to help you understand what you might pay under the new system.

Funding Streams and How Money Flows

Understanding how funding works in the new system helps you make informed decisions about your care.

Individual Budgets

Each classification level comes with a quarterly funding budget. This budget is managed by your provider on your behalf, with transparency about how funds are spent. You receive regular statements showing:

• Services delivered and their cost
• Your co-contribution amounts
• Remaining budget for the quarter

Unspent Funds

Under the old HCP system, unspent funds accumulated in your package and could be carried forward. The new system handles unspent funds differently. Quarterly budgets that are not fully used do not automatically roll over in the same way. This is an important change for people who previously saved up HCP funds for larger expenses like home modifications.

If you are transitioning from an existing Home Care Package, read our guide on switching from Home Care Packages to Support at Home for specific information about what happens to your accumulated funds.

Goods, Equipment, and Home Modifications

A separate funding stream exists for assistive technology, equipment, and home modifications. This funding operates outside your regular quarterly budget, meaning you do not have to choose between daily care services and a necessary home modification like grab rails or ramp installation.

Provider Requirements Under the New System

The new program introduces updated requirements for aged care providers. Understanding these requirements helps you evaluate whether your current or prospective provider meets the standard.

Registration and Quality Standards

All providers delivering Support at Home services must be registered with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Registration requirements include:

• Meeting the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
• Demonstrating workforce capability and training
• Maintaining appropriate insurance and governance structures
• Complying with the new Aged Care Act provisions

Care Management Obligations

Providers must deliver care management as part of the program. This includes:

• Assigning a dedicated care manager to each participant
• Developing and regularly reviewing individualised support plans
• Coordinating services across multiple providers where needed
• Conducting regular check-ins (at minimum quarterly, more frequently for higher classification levels)

Pricing and Transparency

The new system includes a price cap framework. Price caps were scheduled to begin on 1 July 2026 but were deferred in May 2026, and no new start date has been confirmed. Even so, the bans on separate entry and exit fees still apply, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can order refunds for overcharging. Providers must also provide clear, itemised statements showing how your funding is being spent. This is a significant improvement over the old system, where pricing transparency varied between providers.

What to Look for in a Provider

When choosing or evaluating a provider under the new system, consider:

• Experience with the new program — providers who have actively prepared for the transition will deliver a smoother experience
• Quality of care management — ask how often your care manager will check in and how they handle plan reviews
• Service range — some providers deliver all services in-house, while others subcontract. Both models can work well, but you should understand the approach
• Financial transparency — request sample statements so you know what reporting to expect

February 2026 Update: Implementation Challenges

The rollout has not been without challenges. Health Services Daily reported on February 27, 2026 that the government has granted extensions for the Support at Home program as implementation difficulties persist. Issues include assessment process delays, provider readiness gaps, and system integration problems.

Federal Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae’s spokesperson stated the government is “actively monitoring the operation of both the assessment and pricing processes and intends to refine them as the system matures.”

A February 2026 Senate committee examination of the program’s readiness revealed further concerns:

• The Inspector General of Aged Care told the committee that the transition from CHSP to Support at Home “lacks clarity”
• The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) supported the merger in principle but emphasised that royal commission recommendations about funding models need proper attention
• The Inspector General recommended improvements to My Aged Care, the primary access point for aged care services

These findings confirm that oversight bodies are actively monitoring the transition. While the program’s goals are sound, the practical rollout requires ongoing refinement. Staying informed and working with experienced advisors remains important.

What Is Care Management and How Does It Affect You?

Care management is one of the most significant changes in the new system. Under the old HCP model, support coordination was often administrative, focused primarily on rostering services and managing paperwork. Care management takes a more active, holistic approach.

Aspect	Old System (HCP)	New System (Support at Home)
Role	Support Coordination / Case Management	Care Management
Focus	Administrative; rostering services	Holistic; creating support plans, regular check-ins, coordinating with health professionals
Reviews	Often annual or on request	At minimum quarterly, more often for complex needs
Scope	Single provider focus	Cross-provider coordination where needed

Your care manager is your key partner in the system. They are responsible for:

• Working with you to create your individualised support plan
• Coordinating all your services, including services from different providers
• Conducting regular reviews to ensure your plan still meets your needs
• Advocating on your behalf if issues arise with services or assessments
• Helping you understand your funding, co-contributions, and budget

If your relationship with your care manager is not working, you have the right to request a change. A good provider will have a clear process for this, because the partnership between you and your care manager is central to the program working well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new assessment?

Not automatically. Existing participants in HCP or CHSP are being transitioned into the new program. According to the official government updates, you will only need a new assessment if your care needs change significantly or you want to request a higher classification level.

Will my current services be stopped or reduced?

The government’s stated aim is to ensure continuity of care. Your current services should continue under the new framework of your Support at Home plan. The goal is to match or improve the level of support you currently receive, not reduce it.

Will the new program cost more?

It depends on the types of services you use. Clinical care has no co-contribution, which is an improvement for people with significant nursing or allied health needs. Everyday living services carry a co-contribution of up to 17.5%, though the actual amount you pay depends on your financial circumstances. Annual and lifetime caps protect you from excessive costs.

What if I do not like my care manager?

You have the right to change your care manager if the relationship is not working. Speak with your provider about their process for reassigning care managers. The partnership with your care manager is crucial, and you need to feel comfortable and respected.

I live in a rural area. Will it be harder to get services?

The government has acknowledged the challenges in rural and remote areas. The new funding model aims to give providers more flexibility to deliver services outside metropolitan areas. However, workforce shortages in regional areas remain a real challenge, and access may vary depending on your location.

What happens to my accumulated Home Care Package funds?

Unspent HCP funds are handled through a transitional arrangement. The specifics depend on when you transitioned to the new program and how much you had accumulated. For detailed information, read our guide on switching from Home Care Packages to Support at Home.

Can I use my funding for home modifications?

Yes. A separate funding stream covers assistive technology, equipment, and home modifications. This funding sits outside your regular quarterly budget, so accessing a home modification does not reduce the funding available for your daily care services.

How do I access the Support at Home program?

The entry point is My Aged Care (phone: 1800 200 422). You will go through a screening process, then be referred for a comprehensive assessment using the IAT. Based on your assessment, you will be assigned a classification level and can choose a registered provider to deliver your services.

Next Steps

The Support at Home program represents a fundamental shift in how aged care is delivered in Australia. While the 8 classification levels, co-contribution framework, and new assessment process create a more nuanced system, they also mean there is more to understand and navigate.

Staying informed is the best thing you can do during this transition. Start with these resources:

• Support at Home Program Complete Guide for a full breakdown of the program
• Switching From Home Care Packages to Support at Home if you are transitioning from an existing package
• Aged Care Services for an overview of aged care options available through Carevo

If you have questions about how the new Support at Home program affects your situation, Carevo can connect you with aged care specialists who understand the new system. Call 1800 953 253 for clear, no-obligation guidance, or visit our contact page to get started.