Support at Home Program Available.
Support at Home Program Available.
Elka Home Care will continue to guide you through these changes, ensuring you receive high-quality, personalised care every step of the way.
The new program has been designed to simplify, streamline, and improve care for older Australians. It’s focused on flexibility, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
The Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.
Current system: 4 care levels, up to $61,440 per year.
8 funding levels, up to $78,000 per year, plus 3 new short-term care pathways:
Replaces STRC. Provides allied health services to maintain and improve independence through multidisciplinary care.
Offers personalised care and guidance for people choosing to spend their last three months at home, supporting both them and their loved ones through this important stage of life.
Gives access to assistive technology and home modifications based on assessed needs.
1
$2,674.18
$10,697.72
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
Classification
1
Qtr Budget
$2,674.18
Annual Amt
$10,697.72
Overview
Classification
2
Qtr Budget
$3,995.42
Annual Amt
$15,981.68
Overview
Classification
3
Qtr Budget
$5,479.94
Annual Amt
$21,919.77
Overview
Classification
4
Qtr Budget
$7,386.33
Annual Amt
$29,545.33
Overview
Classification
5
Qtr Budget
$9,883.76
Annual Amt
$39,535.04
Overview
Classification
6
Qtr Budget
$11,989.35
Annual Amt
$47,957.41
Overview
Classification
7
Qtr Budget
$14,530.53
Annual Amt
$58,122.13
Overview
Classification
8
Qtr Budget
$19,427.25
Annual Amt
$77,709.00
Overview
Enhanced Specialised Support
– Low: under $500
– Medium: up to $2,000
– High: up to $15,000 (nominal amount)
Support will now be delivered and funded under three defined service categories to better match each person’s needs:
Fully government-funded – no out-of-pocket costs for participants.
Participants contribute to costs based on financial circumstances.
Greater participant contribution required – self-funded retirees may pay up to 80%. Focus is on health and independence rather than general household help.
Under the new Support at Home program, a single Assessment Workforce will manage all assessments. This replaces the current system of assessments being handled by multiple organisations (RAS, ACAT, AN-ACC).
If you’re not already receiving services through My Aged Care, you’ll need to check your eligibility for an assessment. You can do this online at the My Aged Care website or by calling 1800 200 422.
If your application is successful, you’ll be referred for an in-person home assessment. This helps determine the type and level of care you may need.
Once you’re approved for the Support at Home program, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision along with a personalised support plan. This plan can then be shared with your preferred care provider.
Under the new Support at Home program, how much you pay will depend on your income, your assets (as assessed under the Age Pension means test), and the type of services you receive. The program ensures a fairer structure by tailoring contributions across three categories:
Clinical care is fully covered, independence supports may require up to a 5% contribution, and everyday living services may cost up to 17.5%.
Clinical care remains fully covered. Independence supports may range from 5% to 50%, and everyday living services may cost between 17.5% and 80%.
Clinical care is fully covered. Independence supports may cost up to 50%, and everyday living services may cost up to 80%.
If you haven’t paid HCP fees before, you won’t need to start now, even if your care level changes. The lifetime HCP cap of $82,018 (indexed) still applies.
Your contribution amount may adjust over time, depending on changes to your care needs, financial situation, or scheduled indexation updates in March and September.
Your contribution is based on your income, your assets (assessed through the Age Pension means test), and the type of services you receive: Clinical Care, Independence, or Everyday Living.
Not if you were approved for or receiving a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024. You’ll continue paying the same or less than you currently do.
Yes, self-funded retirees may contribute more towards everyday living and independence services, but clinical care remains fully covered for everyone.
Yes. The Home Care Package lifetime cap of $82,018 (indexed) remains in place and still protects those who were subject to contributions under HCP.
Yes. Your fees may be adjusted if your care needs or financial circumstances change, or when indexation updates occur each March and September.