Transitioning from Home Care Packages
People already receiving funding under the previous Home Care Package program won’t need to reapply when the Support at Home program begins. Their care will roll over automatically, with full approval to keep accessing services under the new system.
At the start of Support at Home, each person will move into a transitional classification, keeping the same level of funding they currently receive. Nothing is lost, and services continue without interruption.
Any unspent Home Care Package funds will carry across to Support at Home. Those amounts will appear in the new quarterly budget, ready to use for ongoing care and support.
HCP Classification |
Support at Home Classification |
Quarterly Budget |
Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCP Level 1 | Transitioned HCP Level 1 | $2,746.63 | $10,986.50 |
| HCP Level 1 | Transitioned HCP Level 2 | $4,829.86 | $19,319.45 |
| HCP Level 3 | Transitioned HCP Level 3 | $10,513.83 | $42,055.30 |
| HCP Level 4 | Transitioned HCP Level 4 | $15,939.55 | $63,758.20 |
More Info on Fees and Pricing
Comparing Home Care Packages and Support at Home
Category |
Home Care Packages (HCP) |
Support at Home (SaH) |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Structure | An annual lump sum budget is provided. | Quarterly budgets are allocated, with rollovers of up to $1,000 or 10% allowed. |
| Transitioning to the New System | Packages approved or assessed on or before 12/09/2024 will be grandfathered. And Packages after that date will be transitioned. | Existing HCP recipients will be under a “no worse off” policy. Maintain the same contribution rates or lower than they were assessed for under HCP |
| Number of Tiers | Consists of 4 distinct levels of funding. | Features 8 classifications plus 2 short-term pathways. |
| Care for Lower Level Needs | Lower or episodic needs must utilise the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) | Merges home care options into one system to cover a larger range of needs. |
| Client Contribution | Income fees can be up to $35.95 per day. | No income test is applied; a means-based contribution may be required. |
| Assessment Method | Utilises a Single Assessment System (previously ACAT). | Employs the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) for evaluations. |
| Service Categories | Personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, allied health, transport, and more. | Consists of Clinical Care (100% government-funded), Independence Support & Everyday Living. |
| Communication with Clients | Providers are responsible for managing care and informing clients. | Providers update care plans; the Department of Health facilitates the transition. |
| Maximum Financial Support | Up to $63,440 for 4 levels of packages. | Up to $78,106 for 8 levels of funding. |
| Provider Administration Fees | Can be up to 35% for management services. | Care management fees are capped at 10%. |
| Assistive Technology & Home Modifications | Deducted from the annual Home Care budget. | Separate funding is available immediately via the Assistive Tech & Home Mods scheme. |
| Short-Term & End-of-Life Care | Offers short-term restorative care (STRC) for up to 8 weeks. | Provides restorative care for up to 12 weeks ($6,000) and end-of-life support up to $25,000 over 16 weeks. |