Support at Home Program for Grandfathered Clients | Central Coast Aged Care Help
The Australian Government will launch the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025, replacing the current Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care systems.
At Home Care Assistance Central Coast, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and informed—especially if you’re an existing client who will move into the new model.
Who Qualifies as a Grandfathered Client?
If you are part of the Home Care Package system before 12 September 2024, you’ll be recognised as a grandfathered client. Specifically, this includes those who:
- Already have a Home Care Package
- Are currently on the waiting list for funding
- Have been assessed and approved, but have not yet started services
As a result, you’re protected under the No Worse Off Principle, which guarantees:
- You’ll continue on your current funding level
- Any unused HCP funds will carry over
- Your contribution arrangements, including income-tested fees, will not increase
Overall, this safeguard helps provide peace of mind during the transition.
What You Can Expect to Stay the Same
Here is your revised content with transition words and phrases added for improved flow and readability:
No reassessment needed
First and foremost, there’s no need to worry about new paperwork or assessments—your current care level will carry across as-is.
Continuity of care
In addition, you can stick with the provider and care workers you know and trust. There’s no need to change unless you wish to.
Your funds will move with you
Moreover, unspent funds from your Home Care Package will roll into your Support at Home budget.
What Will Be Different
Budgets issued quarterly
Rather than receiving one yearly amount, your funding will be provided every three months. If needed, you can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% into the next quarter.
However, please note: if you carry over a larger amount from your HCP in November, you must use this first before any new rollover applies.
No more separate management fees
Starting from 1 November, package management costs will be included within your service prices—ultimately giving you a clearer view of where your budget is going.
Additionally, case management costs will be capped at 10%, creating a more uniform fee system across the sector.
Built-in support coordination
As part of the changes, a portion of your budget will be allocated to regular planning, coordination, and support from your Care Manager—ensuring your services remain aligned with your needs.
Technology and home changes handled separately
Finally, things like ramps, shower rails, or mobility devices will fall under a new funding pool and may require a different type of approval. Rest assured, these supports are still available to you—just through a separate process.
Will I Still Receive the Same Services?
Yes—with a few key changes.
Support at Home introduces three service categories:
As a grandfathered client:
- You’ll retain access to any service that falls under these new categories
- You won’t need to be re-approved to receive them
- But the items covered may differ slightly, so some services or equipment might look different under the new rules
If you are seeking high-cost supports (like home modifications or tech), a separate assessment may be required.
You’ll also need to use any unspent HCP funds first before accessing new funds from these additional categories.
Summary for Central Coast Clients
- Your financial contribution won’t change
- You will remain on your current package level
- You can access new services introduced under Support at Home, including short-term and palliative pathways
We’re Here to Help on the Central Coast
We know these changes can feel complex—but our team is here to help make sense of it all. Please reach out to our local Care Team on (02) 4314 7111 if you’d like to talk through your plan or ask questions about how Support at Home will work for you.
Together, we’ll ensure your care continues—just the way you like it.
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
Visit our office: Suite 4/5 160 The Entrance Rd, Erina NSW 2250
Call us on: (02) 4314 7111
Visit our website: www.homecareassistancecentralcoast.com.au