10. 'Support At Home' Your Questions, Answered (Part 2).

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Oct 16
4 min read

Question: Will I pay a co-contribution under Support at Home?

Answer:

Yes, participants generally pay a contribution (or “participant contribution”) for non-clinical services under the independence or everyday living categories.

Key points:

Clinical supports (delivered by qualified health professionals) are fully government-funded, with no participant contribution.
The contribution rate is determined by your income and assets, and a letter will be sent informing you of your rate before 1 November 2025.
A fee estimator tool will be available to preview your expected contribution.
If you experience financial hardship, you may apply for financial hardship assistance to reduce or remove your fees.

Question: How will I find out my contribution rate?

Answer:

The department will send you a letter outlining your contribution rate before the transition.
From 1 November 2025, Services Australia will confirm and issue a formal fee advice letter.
If there is insufficient information, you may be asked to provide financial details (income, assets).
A digital fee estimator (on the My Aged Care website) will let you check your estimated contribution in advance.

Question: What about people with dementia? Is there a dementia supplement under Support at Home?

Answer:

Yes, Support at Home continues to support people living with dementia.
For those with complex cognitive needs, higher funding is available based on assessment outcomes.
If you are receiving a Dementia and Cognition Supplement on 31 October 2025, you will continue to receive similar support under the new scheme.
The supplement is integrated into your overall care package funding and assessed needs.

Question: What happens to CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) services?

Answer:

CHSP services will transition into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
To keep receiving services from 1 November 2025, you must have undergone an aged care assessment before that date.
If you’ve already been assessed and are receiving CHSP, you can continue until the formal integration.
As your support needs increase, you may become eligible for full Support at Home earlier.

Question: Will there be a price cap on service charges?

Answer:

Under the current Home Care Package model, providers set their own fees.
From 1 July 2026, the government will introduce price caps for many Support at Home services.
Providers must adhere to those caps, and you must be informed of any changes before agreeing to services.

Question: Can Support at Home providers charge extra administration or “package management” fees?

Answer:

No, under Support at Home, administration and care management costs are built into the service price. You should not be charged a separate “package management fee” as under the HCP regime.

Question: If I self-manage, why will I still pay for care management?

Answer:

Even if you self-manage your services, 10% of your annual budget is allocated to care management. This portion covers oversight, compliance, quality assurance, governance and safety obligations that the government and providers must meet.

Question: Can I use AT-HM (Assistive Technology / Home Modifications) funding for occupational therapy?

Answer:

Yes, if your occupational therapy consultation is primarily to prescribe assistive technology, to provide education or training, or to support modifications, it is eligible.

OT is included under “allied health and therapeutic services” in the independence category.

Question: Why do I need to contribute toward personal care (e.g. hygiene, showering) when clinical care is free?

Answer:

Personal care, hygiene and showering fall under independence / everyday living supports, not clinical supports. Clinical supports are fully funded, but independence services enable you to remain in your own home and thus require a participant contribution.

Question: What if I can’t afford my contribution?

Answer:

You can apply for financial hardship assistance. Once approved, the government will pay some or all of your aged care fees directly to your provider. To apply, complete the Aged Care Claim for Financial Hardship Assistance (SA462) form. Services Australia aims to assess applications within 28 days.

Question: Will I need to be reassessed if my needs change?

Answer:

Not always. A Support Plan Review (SPR) may be triggered if:

Your health or care needs change
You need new or additional services
A time-limited, therapeutic or trial service ends

You or your care provider can request the review. Importantly, when you transition from HCP to Support at Home, you will not need a new full assessment just to access different services.

Question: How can I find support or advocacy?

Answer:

Call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600
Visit OPAN’s website for resources
Ask to speak with an Elder Care Support worker at your local health service
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care support, contact your National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) or local ACCHO

Question: Will I receive more correspondence from the government?

Answer:

Yes. Prior to and after 1 November 2025, you will get letters related to:

Your unspent funds balance
Your contribution rate
Details of your new service agreement
Updates about service providers, price caps, and relevant changes
You can also check updates via My Aged Care, talk with your provider, or liaise with OPAN or your local elder support service.

Question: How can RLOA (Rural Lifestyle Options Australia) help during my transition?

Answer:

At RLOA, our mission is to support you to live well and independently in your own home.

During the transition to Support at Home, we: