With the introduction of Support at Home on 1 November 2025, it’s important to understand the main differences between this new initiative and the existing Home Care Packages. We’ve provided a brief overview below to help you navigate the changes.
Levels of care
Home Care Packages: Four levels of care offered, with Level 4 providing up to $61,440 annually.
Support at Home: Eight levels of support will be offered, with Level 8 providing up to $78,000 annually.
Service categories
Home Care Packages: Specific types of care are offered to you. This includes bathing, nursing, hygiene, physiotherapy, podiatry, meals and food prep and cleaning and chores.
Support at Home: Services will be organised into three main categories; Clinical Care (nursing), Independence (personal care) and Everyday Living (cleaning and gardening).
Clinical services funding
Home Care Packages: You are often required to contribute out-of-pocket funds to cover costs.
Support at Home: All clinical service costs will be fully covered by the Government.
Participant contributions
Home Care Packages: Your contributions can include a basic daily fee and an income-tested fee.
Support at Home: Your contributions will be based on the types of services provided and your financial circumstances.
Assessments
Home Care Packages: Assessments are conducted by multiple organisations, including Regional Assessment Service, Aged Care Assessment Teams, and the Australian National Aged Care Classification.
Support at Home: A Single Assessment System will replace the Regional Assessment Service, Aged Care Assessment Teams and the Australian National Aged Care Classification. This will streamline the assessment process.
Budget allocations
Home Care Packages: An annual budget is provided to you.
Support at Home: Your funds will be allocated quarterly. If you don’t spend your quarterly budget, you can carry over a maximum of $1,000 or 10 per cent (whichever is greater) to the next quarter.
Assistive technology and home modifications funding
Home Care Packages: Your funds are accumulated to afford equipment and modifications.
Support at Home: Immediate and separate funding will be provided to you for assistive technology and home modifications. You do not need to accumulate funds to afford this support.
Waiting times
Home Care Packages: Depending on the level, wait times vary from three to fifteen months.
Support at Home: Wait times will be drastically reduced over the next two years. Interim allocation (60%) of your Support at Home budget will be allocated if wait times exceed your expectations.
How can UnitingSA help?
We’re here to answer any questions you have about Support at Home.
Get in touch today by calling (08) 8448 6280 or emailing homecare@unitingsa.com.au
Find out more about UnitingSA’s Support at Home services.
Details correct at the time of publishing. Please refer to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s website for the most up to date information.