What does this mean for existing clients?
While this transition may sound significant, it is important to note that existing client services will not be affected.
Going forward, there will be three client groups with differing rules. If you are unsure which category applies to you, please contact your Care Partner for guidance. The key factor will be whether you were accessing, or eligible for, a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, as this will influence your client contributions.
The strengthened Aged Care Standards and the introduction of the Support at Home program are designed around the Wellness and Reablement approach, focusing on promoting independence, wellbeing, and choice for older Australians.
These changes come after years of consultation with clients, providers, and the broader community. The goal is to make aged care more client-focused, offering greater freedom of choice and flexibility in how services are delivered.
I’m not sure which client category I am
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Grandparented HCP Clients
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Transitioned Clients
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Support At Home Clients
This is you if had a Home Care Package (or at least assessed as eligible) as of 12 September 2024. You will have a no worse off principle (NWOP) under SAH. This means if you pay no client contributions now, you still won’t under SAH, regardless of the service. If you pay a Income Tested Fee (ITF) your contribution rates will be discounted as the NWOP participants contribution.
Contributions are decided by Services Australia and not Umbrella.
If you are unsure which category you are, please contact your Care Partner at 08 9275 4411.
This is you if only had a HCP between 13 September 2024 and 31 October 2025. When SAH starts on 1 November 2025, you will automatically become a SAH participant, with the same level of funding. Your care services will be governed under the new Support at Home rules.
If you are unsure which category you are, please contact your Care Partner at 08 9275 4411.
This is you if you are assessed or granted aged care support from 1 November 2025 onwards. Your care services will be governed under the new Support at Home rules.
If you are unsure which category you are, please contact your Care Partner at 08 9275 4411.
Funding changes
Nationally, there are currently around $4 billion in unspent funds sitting in clients’ accounts.
The new funding model will aim to free up these resources so that individuals who need more care can access it sooner.
By introducing client contributions and placing reasonable limits on savings, the system will allow more people to benefit from the care they need.
Existing clients will keep their current balances, but new clients will follow the updated funding structure.
Support at Home will introduce eight levels of funding, allowing clients to better tailor services to their needs.
| HCP LEVELS | SAH Packages (from November 1st 2025) |
| LEVEL 1: $ 10,833 | Classification 1: $ 10,697.72 |
| Classification 2: $ 15,981.68 | |
| LEVEL 2: $ 19,049 | Classification 3: $ 21,919.77 |
| Classification 4: $ 29,545.33 | |
| LEVEL 3: $ 41,460 | Classification 5: $ 39,535.04 |
| Classification 6: $ 47,957.41 | |
| LEVEL 4: $ 62,853 | Classification 7: $ 58,122.13 |
| Classification 8: $ 77,709.00 |
Choice and independence
The Support at Home program is built on a foundation called the Wellness and Reablement Approach. The goal of this approach is to give you greater freedom and control over your own life and the services you receive.
For your Wellness, we aim to:
- Do activities with you, rather than for you
- Acknowledge your strengths
- Build up your skills
To support your Reablement, we aim to:
- Achieve specific goals and outcomes with you
- Maintain or regain skills you desire
- Help you to resume everyday activities
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
Good news! There will be extra money available for equipment and home changes to keep you safe. This funding is separate from your quarterly care budget, meaning you won’t have to wait or sacrifice other services to access the equipment and changes you need.
Funding tiers include:
- SMALL ITEMS: Non-slip mats or shower stools (up to $500)
- MEDIUM ITEMS: Walkers or mobility aids (up to $2,000)
- BIG CHANGES: Bathroom upgrades or ramps (up to $15,000 or more)
More info
Your New Statement of Rights
The new Aged Care Act will include a new Statement of Rights which will replace the Charter of Aged Care Rights, outlining the rights that older people will have when accessing aged care services. The rights will help to ensure that older people and their needs are at the center of the new aged care system.
The statement of rights includes the right for every person to have:
- Independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice.
- Equitable access.
- Quality and safe funded aged care services.
- Respect for privacy and information.
- Person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal.
- Advocates, significant persons & social connections.
You have the right to make decisions about the things that affect your life including decisions about:
- Aged care services you want to use
- Who gives you aged care services
- How you get aged care services
Contact our
friendly team
If you are looking for more information for your loved one, trying to switch provider or looking for more information about our Home Services, contact us using this form or call (08) 9275 4411.
