Support at Home: What You Need to Know
We’re officially counting down to one of the biggest changes in aged care, the introduction of the Support at Home (SAH) Program.
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will begin rolling out this new program to replace the current aged care systems. The goal is to make aged care simpler, fairer, and easier to access, giving older Australians more choice, flexibility, and control over the care and services they receive.
MMSS is here to support you, answer questions, and point you in the right direction.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
Support at Home will bring several existing programs together into one streamlined system.
Instead of navigating different funding types and eligibility criteria, the new program aims to provide a single, consistent framework for all home care needs.
It’s designed to make aged care easier to understand, reduce red tape, and ensure that everyone regardless of where they live, has fair access to support.
Understanding “Full Pensioner, Part Pensioner, or Self-Funded”
You may have heard these terms used when talking about how your financial contribution (co-payment) is assessed:
· Full Pensioner – You receive the full Age Pension from Services Australia.
· Part Pensioner – You receive a part Age Pension (based on income or assets).
· Self-Funded – You do not receive the Age Pension and fund your own retirement and care.
If you are a self-funded retiree, we recommend applying for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. This card can help reduce the percentage you may be asked to contribute towards your care under the new Support at Home system.
Who Decides the Co-Payment Percentage?
Your co-payment (the portion of your care costs you may need to contribute) is set by the Australian Government through Services Australia, not by MMSS, Trilogy Care, or any other provider.
This means:
· MMSS cannot tell you what your contribution will be.
· You will be contacted directly by Services Australia once your individual contribution has been assessed.
When Will the Changes Happen?
The Support at Home Program begins on 1 November 2025, but not everyone will transition at once.
· If you currently receive support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), nothing will change for you until after 1 July 2027.
· If you receive a Home Care Package (HCP), you will see changes from 1 November 2025, depending on your circumstances.
For now, your existing services and support hours will continue as usual, you don’t need to take any action unless you are contacted by Services Australia.
The “No Worse Off” Guarantee
If you already have, or were approved to receive, a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, the Government has guaranteed that you will not be worse off.
This means you won’t pay more than what you were already contributing under your current Home Care Package arrangements.
What to Expect Next
Over the coming months, you will receive letters from the Australian Government outlining your:
· Financial contribution,
· Assessment details, and
· How this applies to your services.
Your contribution will be calculated by Services Australia, based on your income and assets assessment, similar to how pensions and other government payments are worked out.
You can nominate a family member, carer, or advocate to assist you with any forms or correspondence if you prefer.
Understanding Service Categories
Under Support at Home, care and services will be grouped into key categories to make it easier to understand what you’re entitled to:
1. Independence Supports
Services that help you maintain mobility, wellbeing, and connection; such as personal care, transport, and social activities.
2. Everyday Living Supports
Help with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and home maintenance so you can stay comfortable and safe at home.
3. Clinical Supports
Professional services delivered by nurses or allied health specialists to support health needs such as wound care, medication management, or physiotherapy.
For the complete Support at Home Service List, visit:
health.gov.au/support-at-home-ongoing-services
Your Rights and Support
You have the right to ask questions and seek support to understand these changes.
If you feel unsure or would like independent help, you can contact OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) for free, confidential advice.
The MMSS team is also here to help guide you to the right information and provide reassurance throughout the transition.
Helpful Contacts
Mid Murray Support Service (MMSS)
(08) 8569 1832
iREACH
1800 875 255
OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network)
1800 700 600
My Aged Care (MAC)
1800 200 422
Services Australia (Pensions & Aged Care)
132 300
Support at Home Information
A Final Reassurance
Change can sometimes feel overwhelming but please remember:
· No one will know their contribution amount until Services Australia contacts them directly.
· CHSP clients won’t see any changes until at least July 2027.
· Your existing services will continue without disruption.
At MMSS, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way. If you’d like to learn more, please call us or visit the office, we also have brochures and information sheets available to help you stay informed.
Together, we’ll make the transition to Support at Home a smooth and positive one.
Useful Web Resources
Here are some trusted links to explore for further information and updates:
Support at Home Overview – Department of Health and Aged Care - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home
Support at Home Ongoing Services List - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/support-at-home-ongoing-services
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) - https://opan.org.au/
My Aged Care - https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Information - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/commonwealth-seniors-health-card
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as advice or instruction. The information provided in this article is true and correct to the best of Mid Murray Support Service's knowledge as at September 2025.