News
24 April, 2025
Support at home change
A MAJOR change to Australia’s aged care system is on the horizon, with the Support at Home program set to replace the current Home Care Packages Program from 1 July 2025.
The shift aims to simplify and streamline in-home care, but it may affect how much older Australians pay for services.
In the first year of the new program, providers will continue to set their own prices, just as they do under the current system.
However, from 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will introduce price caps to standardise costs and protect consumers.
Under Support at Home, pricing will reflect the total cost of delivering each service, including administration, transport, and staffing.
This is a change from the Home Care Packages model, where administrative costs — known as package management fees — are charged separately.
As a result, some prices may change when recipients transition to the new program.
Before July 2025, your provider will contact you to discuss any pricing changes and provide a new service agreement for you to sign.
To help consumers assess value for money, the government has compiled indicative pricing from in-home aged care providers.
This information can help you compare your provider’s fees to the broader market and decide whether to stay or switch.
To ensure transparency, providers will also be required to publish their standard prices online, including on the My Aged Care ‘Find a Provider’ tool.
For more information, visit myagedcare.gov.au.
