How HCP clients will transition to Support at Home in November 2025

From 1 November 2025 (postponed from July), the Australian Government will introduce a new aged care program for home care and community services called Support at Home (SaH). The program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.

At Wesley Mission Queensland we welcome these reforms as a positive step toward a more person-centred, transparent, and flexible aged care system. While some details are still emerging, we want to reassure you that the high-quality care and support you currently receive from Wesley Mission Queensland will not change.

Support at Home transition

If you were approved for a Home Care Package BEFORE 12 September 2024, you will be transitioned into Support at Home under your existing conditions and will not pay more out of pocket than you do now under the Government’s no-worse-off guarantee. Any existing accumulated HCP funds will remain with clients. After 1 November 2025 (postponed from July), carryover funds will be capped at $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater. 

If you were approved AFTER 12 September 2024, your financial contribution will be assessed under the new funding model. Services Australia will notify new clients about any co-contributions, based on individual financial circumstances.

How much you might need to contribute 

My Aged Care have recently released an online calculator to see how much you might pay for Support at Home services. This can be found at My Aged Care website. 

The Age Pension means test will be used to calculate the means-tested percentage of the contribution. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will contribute less than other self-funded retirees.

In the new program, no contributions will be required for clinical services such as nursing and physiotherapy—these will be fully government funded. 

From 1 November 2025 (postponed from July), Support at Home budgets will be distributed quarterly.

Stay informed

For questions beyond what we can assist with, we recommend contacting My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 or visiting My Aged Care website. You can also stay up to date with the latest announcements by visiting the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website. 

Next steps for Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) customers

As part of the changes, WMQ will be contacting all customers in the coming weeks to setup a time to sign a new Service Agreement, discuss the price list and budget, and formulate a new care plan. We are committed to supporting you through these changes and making the transition to Support at Home as smooth as possible.

Click here to explore our range of aged care services.