Grandfathered participants under Support at Home

As part of the ongoing aged care reforms in Australia, the government will launch the new Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. This new model will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs, aiming to simplify and improve in-home care for older Australians. For Support at Home grandfathered clients, these changes are designed to ensure continuity of care, with existing funding levels and services transitioning smoothly into the new system.

At Home Care Assistance, we’re committed to helping you understand what these changes mean – and most importantly, what will stay the same. 

What Does It Mean to Be a “Grandfathered Client”? 

If you are receiving a Home Care Package – or are already in the system as of 12 September 2024 – you will be considered a grandfathered client when the new Support at Home program begins. 

This includes people who: 

• Are currently receiving a Home Care Package, 

• Are on the National Priority System waiting for their Home Care Package to be assigned, or 

• Have been approved for a Home Care Package but haven’t started services yet. 

As a support at grandfathered client, you’re covered by the government’s No Worse Off Principle. This means: 

• You’ll keep your current level of funding under the new system, 

• Any unspent funds from your Home Care Package will transfer to your Support at Home account, 

• Your existing financial contribution arrangements (such as income-tested fees) will stay the same. 

This principle is in place to ensure that your care remains consistent, stable, and affordable—even as the aged care system evolves. 

What Will Stay the Same

You don’t need to be reassessed 
If you’re currently receiving services through a Home Care Package your existing level of care will automatically transition to the Support at Home program. No new ACAT assessment is needed. 

Your care team and services can continue 
You can stay with your trusted provider (like us!) and continue with your existing care arrangements. There’s no need to change your carers or routines unless you want to. 

Your unspent funds won’t disappear 
Any unspent funds from your current Home Care Package will carry over into the new system. These can be used for future care needs, services, or eligible items like equipment or home modifications. 

What Will Change 

Quarterly budgets  

Under Support at Home, your care budget will be allocated every three months.  At the end of each quarter, you’ll be able to roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of unused funds (whichever is greater) into the next quarter. 

However, there’s an important note for grandfathered clients who have an existing bucket of unspent funds carried over from their Home Care Package when the transition occurs on 1 November 2025: 

• If your rolled-over HCP funds exceed $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, you won’t be able to roll over additional unspent funds at the end of that quarter. 

• Once your unspent funds reduce below the $1,000 or 10% threshold, you’ll once again be eligible to roll over new funds from the following quarter onwards. 

This approach is designed to ensure that government funds are used to support timely care and support, while still giving clients flexibility when they need it. 

Simplified Pricing and No Hidden Fees 
Under Support at Home, there will no longer be separate package management fees. Instead, these costs will be built into your service pricing—making it easier to see exactly how your budget is being used. 
In addition, case management fees will be capped at 10% across all providers, helping to create a more consistent, fair, and transparent fee structure for everyone. 

Care management built in 
Up to 10% of your quarterly funds will be allocated to care management. This covers support from your Care Manager to plan, review and coordinate your services. 

Separate funding pool for equipment and home changes 
Things like assistive technology and home modifications will now be funded separately and assessed independently of your day-to-day care needs. This ensures you can still access the supports that keep you safe and independent at home. 

What About Access to Services? 

Under the new program, services will be grouped into three categories: 

• Clinical Support (e.g. nursing, medication management) 

• Everyday Living (e.g. personal care, cleaning, meals) 

• Independent Living (e.g. transport, home modifications, assistive technology) 

New clients will be assessed and approved for each of these categories individually based on their needs. However, if you’re a grandfathered client: 

• You will not be restricted by these new service categories. 
  Your eligibility will continue to be based on your existing care needs and service usage—not a separate category-by-category approval process. 

• You can continue to access a broad range of services under Support at Home.
  As a grandfathered client, you won’t go through a new assessment. You’ll be able to access any services that are allowable under the Support at Home program. 
  Please note that while the overall range of services remains comprehensive, the inclusion and exclusion criteria may differ slightly from the current Home Care Package rules. 

• Some higher-cost or complex items may still require separate approval. 
  For example, items funded through additional support streams—like assistive technology or home modifications—may need a separate assessment. 
  And importantly, if you have unspent Home Care Package funds rolled over on 1 November, those funds will need to be used first before accessing additional funding pools under Support at Home. 

Special Notes for Grandfathered Clients 

• If you’re paying an income-tested care fee, rest assured—your current financial contributions will remain the same or less under Support at Home. 

• While Support at Home will introduce eight funding levels (instead of the current four), grandfathered clients will retain their existing Home Care Package level and corresponding funding. You will not be reassessed or reclassified under the new system. 

• New targeted programs, such as Restorative Care and End-of-Life support, will also be available to grandfathered clients under the new model, providing additional options tailored to specific life stages and changing care needs. 

We’re Here to Support You Every Step of the Way 

At Home Care Assistance Sydney East, we know navigating changes to aged care can feel overwhelming – but you’re not alone. We’re here to make the transition to Support at Home as smooth as possible for you and your family. 

If you have any questions or would like to talk through your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Care Team by calling (02) 9158 3880. 

These upcoming reforms are designed to deliver more coordinated, personalised, and flexible care—helping older Australians stay healthy and independent at home.

Read the official statement:
New Aged Care Act to start from 1 November – Media Release

Find out more:
About the Support at Home program | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Together, we’ll make sure you continue to receive the care and support you deserve – now and into the future. 

Visit our office: 405/152 Bunnerong Rd, Eastgardens NSW 2036

Call us on: (02) 9158 3880

Visit our website: www.homecareassistancesydneyeast.com.au