Support at Home & Aged Care Reforms

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.

Why the Changes?

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.

What’s Changing?

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.

Support at Home Program

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.

What’s Included?

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

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.