October 1, 2024
At-Home Aged Care
Individuals will be prioritised into different classifications using information gathered during their assessment.
Understanding the New Support at Home program
In summary:
- Home Care Packages will be replaced
- The new system will have eight classifications
- Individuals will be prioritised into different classifications using information gathered during their assessment.
Understanding the New Support at Home program
The Australian Government is introducing a new classification framework for home care, starting 1 November 2025, to better match services to participants' needs. This new system will allow reassessments over time, ensuring individuals receive the right level of support as their care needs change.
What’s changing?
The current Home Care Package (HCP) system, which includes four levels, will be replaced with:
- Eight ongoing Support at Home (SAH) funding classifications
- Two short-term care pathways
- Restorative Care Pathway (for temporary recovery support)
- End-of-Life Pathway (for palliative care needs)
Additionally, there will be three funding tiers for assistive technology and home modifications under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.
Want to discuss home care options?
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New classification levels and funding
The table below outlines the indicative budgets for SAH participants. These figures are subject to adjustments, including indexation, during the 2024-25 financial year.
Classification |
Quarterly budget |
Annual amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~ $2,750 | ~ $11,000 |
| 2 | ~ $4,000 | ~ $16,000 |
| 3 | ~ $5,500 | ~ $22,000 |
| 4 | ~ $7,500 | ~ $30,000 |
| 5 | ~ $10,000 | ~ $40,000 |
| 6 | ~ $12,000 | ~ $48,000 |
| 7 | ~ $14,500 | ~ $58,000 |
| 8 | ~ $19,500 | ~ $78,000 |
| Restorative Care Pathway (Maximum 2 units over a 12-month period) |
~ $6,000 (12 weeks) May be increased to ~ $12,000 when eligible | |
| End-of-Life Pathway (one-off) | ~ $25,000 (12 weeks) | |
| Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (High-tier capped at $15,000 per lifetime) | Low ($500), Medium ($2,000), and High ($15,000) funding tiers based on assessed need. |
A new prioritisation system
With SAH, a new prioritisation system will replace the current National Priority System for Home Care Packages. Individuals will be prioritised based on information collected during their assessment, ensuring those with the highest need receive timely support.
If you or a loved one needs home care and have been approved or assigned a Home Care Package, now is the time to talk to VMCH to secure support before these changes take effect.