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New Start Date: 1 November 2025
The Australian Government has delayed the rollout of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program to 1 November 2025, allowing more time to finalise systems and ensure a smoother transition.
These reforms respond to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, which highlighted the need for better care, safety, and respect for older Australians. The government is implementing 126 recommendations over the coming years.
The new Aged Care Act will put your rights first including the right to safe, high-quality care, to be treated with respect and to make your own decisions.
Other improvements include updated quality standards, stronger protections for whistleblowers, better support for decision-making and a more transparent complaints process.
Replacing Home Care Packages from November 2025 and later Commonwealth Home Support Programme, the new Support at Home model aims to simplify in-home aged care and funding.
You’ll be assessed across eight care levels (instead of four), with funding of up to $77,000 per year, depending on your needs. If you're already receiving care before 12 September 2024, you'll be protected under a "no worse off" guarantee.
Budgets will be reviewed quarterly, with any savings capped at $1,000 or 10% per quarter.
Support may cover in-home personal care, assistive technology, mobility aids, home modifications, transport, and end-of-life care.
Income testing will apply for new clients - pensioners will pay less, while self-funded retirees may contribute more (from 5% to 80%).
You can also choose privately funded care for more flexibility, no waitlists, and no income testing.
Package management fees now included in provider pricing
Care management fees capped at 10% of your budget
Clearer guidelines on what’s included and excluded
FAQs
Already on a Home Care Package? You won’t need a new assessment.
If you are a current client, you will either be:
If you are a new client from 1 November 2025, you will enter the program under the new system with all the updated care levels, income testing and flexible options available.
What do I need to do?
There’s no action needed right now - your Care Coordinator will contact you to explain what these changes mean for your care and support.
Support at Home changes will not affect Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) until at least 1 July 2027. Other changes, such as the New Act and Strengthened Standards will be applied.
Read more
No, they’re not the same.
The Support at Home Program (replacing Home Care Packages) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme are all federally funded through My Aged Care.
In contrast, Home Assist Secure is a state-funded program and doesn’t require a My Aged Care referral. It’s designed for people who are still living independently but need help with home maintenance and safety.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has just released a series of new fact sheets to help you better understand what the upcoming Support at Home changes mean for you.
These fact sheets explain key parts of the program in simple terms, including what services will be available, how funding works, and what support options you can expect.
Whether you're a client, carer or just want to understand the changes, these fact sheets are a helpful place to start.
You can access them all at health.gov.au or get in touch with our team if you'd like help understanding what they mean for you.
If you have questions or concerns, you can contact:
Older Persons Advocacy Network: 1800 700 600
My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
Contact Burnie Brae or speak with your aged care provider.
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Burnie Brae Ltd. | ABN: 39 206 062 402 | ACN: 609 476 637
