If you or a loved one is receiving care through a government-subsidised Home Care Package (HCP), there are some important changes coming soon. From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will transition to a new program called Support at Home, designed to offer more flexibility, tailored support, and faster access to essential services.
At Harbourside Port Stephens, we’re here to help you understand what’s happening, and how we’ll continue supporting you every step of the way.
How Home Care Packages Work (Current System)
Under the current Home Care Package program, individuals are assigned one of four levels depending on their care needs. Each level provides a daily subsidy, paid directly to your provider, to fund a personalised care plan.
As of March 2025
| Level | Care Needs | Daily Subsidy | Annual Amount |
| Level 1 | Basic care | $29.68 | ~$10,833 |
| Level 2 | Low care | $52.19 | ~$19,049 |
| Level 3 | Intermediate care | $113.59 | ~$41,460 |
| Level 4 | High-level | $172.20 | ~$62,853 |
Subsidy rates are indexed annually and updated each 1 July.
What’s Changing: Support at Home (From 1 November 2025)
The new Support at Home program introduces a more flexible and personalised model, with eight funding levels (instead of four). This allows for more tailored support based on your exact needs, assessed through a new nationally consistent process.
You’ll receive a quarterly budget that covers services like domestic help, nursing, allied health, personal care, equipment, and even home modifications.
Support at Home: Indicative Funding Levels
| Classification | Quarterly Budget | Daily Equivalent | Annual Amount |
| Category 1 | ~$2,750 | ~$30.14 | ~$11,000 |
| Category 2 | ~$4,000 | ~$43.84 | ~$16,000 |
| Category 3 | ~$5,500 | ~$60.27 | ~$22,000 |
| Category 4 | ~$7,500 | ~$82.19 | ~$30,000 |
| Category 5 | ~$10,000 | ~$109.59 | ~$40,000 |
| Category 6 | ~$12,000 | ~$131.51 | ~$48,000 |
| Category 7 | ~$14,500 | ~$158.90 | ~$58,000 |
| Category 8 | ~$19,500 | ~$213.70 | ~$78,000 |
These figures are indicative only and may be revised before the program begins. Final amounts will be confirmed before November 1, 2025.
Extra Care Options Under Support at Home
Support at Home also introduces additional, targeted funding streams:
- Restorative Care Pathway: ~$6,000 (12 weeks), up to ~$12,000 for eligible clients
- End-of-Life Pathway: ~$25,000 over 12 weeks
- Assistive Technology & Home Modifications Scheme: Tiered access based on assessed need
These pathways allow for more flexible, short-term, or high-priority care, especially after hospital stays or during palliative periods.
Do I Need to Do Anything?
If you already have a Home Care Package, you do not need to reapply. Your funding will automatically transition to an equivalent Support at Home classification later this year. We’ll be here to help you through every step.
What you can do now:
- Keep using your current package
- Let us know if your needs change
- Stay informed and talk to our team any time
📍 Come See Us at Salamander Square
We’re holding an information stall to help you prepare and ask questions in person:
🗓️ Thursday, 12th June
Salamander Square, 9:00am – 3:00pm
Everyone is welcome, whether you’re receiving care now or exploring options for yourself or a loved one.
Harbourside Is Here for You
Change can bring uncertainty, but it also brings opportunity. The Support at Home program is designed to be more adaptable, more responsive, and more focused on what matters to you. And at Harbourside Port Stephens, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Call us on (02) 4984 1811
Visit: www.harboursideportstephens.com.au