Support at Home: What Sunshine Coast Grandfathered Clients Need to Know

What Sunshine Coast Grandfathered Clients Need to Know About the Upcoming Support at Home Program

As part of Australia’s ongoing aged care reforms, the federal government will officially roll out the new Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. This new system will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. At Home Care Assistance, we’re here to help you and your family make sense of these changes. Most importantly, we want you to feel reassured about what aspects of your care will continue—unchanged and uninterrupted.

Who is Considered a Grandfathered Client?

If you are part of the Home Care Package system on or before 12 September 2024, you’ll be classified as a grandfathered client under the new Support at Home framework. This includes individuals who:

• Are currently receiving services under a Home Care Package
• Are on the National Priority System awaiting funding
• Have already been approved for a package but haven’t started services

As a grandfathered client, you’re protected by the No Worse Off Principle. In other words:

• You’ll retain the same level of government-funded care
• Any unused Home Care Package funds will be carried over
• Your current fee contributions, including income-tested care fees, will stay the same

This ensures a stable and familiar experience as you transition into the new model of care.

What Will Stay Consistent?

No reassessment required You won’t need to go through another ACAT or assessment. Your current care level will automatically carry over to Support at Home. Keep your preferred provider You can continue receiving care from the trusted team at Home Care Assistance —no changes to your support team unless you request it. Unused funds follow you Any unspent funds in your existing Home Care Package will transfer to your Support at Home account and can be used for future needs, services, or approved items like equipment or home modifications.

What Will Change in the New System?

Quarterly budgeting Instead of an annual budget, you’ll receive your care funds every three months. You’ll be able to carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of unused funds (whichever is higher) to the next quarter. However, if you enter the new system with a large carryover of unspent funds from your Home Care Package, you’ll need to use those before any new rollover applies.

Transparent pricing Starting 1 November, there will no longer be separate line items for package management. All costs will be embedded into your service pricing, making your statements clearer and easier to understand. Capped care management fees Case management will be capped at 10%, helping to keep pricing fair and consistent across providers.

Separate funding for equipment and modifications Items like shower rails, ramps, and mobility aids will be funded through a separate pool and may require different approval processes. However, these supports remain available and important for your independence.

Access to Services Under Support at Home

Services will now be grouped into three key categories:

• Clinical Care (e.g., wound care, nursing support)
• Daily Living (e.g., personal care, help with meals or cleaning)
• Independent Living (e.g., transport, assistive tech, home changes)

But here’s the good news for grandfathered clients: You won’t be subject to these category-based approvals. You’ll continue to access services based on your current needs, without any reassessment. Do note that while the overall service list remains comprehensive, some specific item rules may change slightly. Higher-cost services like home modifications may still require additional approval.

Other Key Points for Grandfathered Clients

• If you currently pay an income-tested fee, that amount will stay the same (or possibly reduce) under the new system.
• The Support at Home program will introduce eight funding levels, but you will remain on your existing HCP level and funding amount.
• You’ll also gain access to new targeted programs like Restorative Care and End-of-Life Support, without the need for reassessment.

Here to Support You on the Sunshine Coast

We know change can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. At Home Care Assistance, our friendly Care Team is here to walk with you every step of the way. If you have questions about how Support at Home will affect your services or would like a personalised chat, please give us a call on (07) 5491 6888. Together, we’ll ensure you continue receiving high-quality care, tailored to your needs—today and into the future.

Read the official statement: New Aged Care Act to start from 1 November – Media Release

Find out more: About the Support at Home program | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Together, we’ll make sure you continue to receive the care and support you deserve – now and into the future. 

Visit our office: 42 Bulcock Street, Caloundra

Call us on: 07 5491 6888

Visit our website: www.homecareassistancesunshinecoast.com.au