Government Announces Early Release of 20,000 Home Care Packages With 40,000 Released in Total by End of 2025
The federal government has confirmed the early release of 20,000 Home Care Packages this year by 31st October, 2025.
Another 20,000 are slated for release by end of the year. The decision aims to ease wait times and give older Australians more opportunity to remain living independently in their own homes with the right support in place.
The decision, announced by Health Minister Mark Butler, follows weeks of political pressure from the Coalition, Greens, and crossbench senators, who demanded urgent action on the long waiting list of older Australians requiring support.
This announcement is especially important for families who have been waiting for services, as the demand for aged care continues to grow across the country.
More Support Coming Sooner
Under the new timeline, Home Care Packages will be released in stages to ensure support reaches those who need it most:
- 20,000 packages available before by October 31
- Another 20,000 packages available between 1 November and 31 December 2025 by December 31
- The remaining 43,000 packages will be released progressively in the first half of 2026
This approach means tens of thousands of people will gain access to services this earlier, instead of waiting until reforms begin in November.
Get ahead of the curve by kickstarting your conversation with suitable providers, so when your package is assigned your funds are ready to access right away.
What to Expect if You’re on the Waitlist
If you are currently waiting for a Home Care Package, you will receive a letter in the post or a notification in your MyGov inbox once your package has been assigned.
The Home Care Package Assignment Letter is your official confirmation from My Aged Care that:
- Your assessment (via the Single Assessment System) has been completed
- You have reached your place on the national priority queue
- You have been allocated a package, including your referral code and funding level
Your referral code is provided to your chosen home care provider, who will then work with you to design a care plan and start delivering services, usually within 56 days.
**Received correspondence and uncertain about your next steps? Get in touch with us so we can help you understand how to navigate the way forward.
Step-by-Step: What Happens After You're Assigned a Package
Once you’ve received your Home Care Package Assignment Letter, here’s what happens next:
1. Choose a Provider
This is the most important step. Your chosen provider will manage your funding and deliver your services, so it’s worth taking time to compare your options.
Things to consider when comparing providers:
- Services offered – do they cover all your needs (personal care, transport, nursing, home modifications)?
- Availability – how quickly can they start your services?
- Costs & fees – what percentage of your package do they charge in admin and case management?
- Staff & support – do they have qualified workers you feel comfortable with?
How we can help: At Aged Care Decisions, we make this easier. Our team matches you with providers in your area, explains their costs and services, and helps you compare them side-by-side. This service is 100% free and independent, saving you time and stress.
2. Check Your Package Level
Home Care Packages are available in four levels (Level 1 = basic care needs, Level 4 = high care needs). If you feel the level you’ve been allocated doesn’t meet your needs:
- You can still accept the package and begin services.
- At the same time, you can apply for a higher-level package if your care needs increase.
We can find the right providers to help guide you through the reassessment process.
**Home Care Package funding levels will change from 1 November 2025, with Support at Home.
3. Activate Within 56 Days
You’ll have 56 days from the date of your assignment letter to choose a provider and start using your funds. If you don’t, your package may be withdrawn and reallocated to someone else on the waitlist.
If you’re finding the process overwhelming, we can step in immediately to help you activate your package on time, without the risk of losing your funding.
The Growing Demand for Care
The announcement comes against the backdrop of a steep rise in demand for aged care services. According to the latest Department of Health figures:
- More than 121,000 people are currently waiting for assessment for aged care support
- An additional 87,000 Australians have already been approved for a Home Care Package, but are still waiting for services to begin
- As of July 31, over 108,000 people were registered on the national priority system
These numbers show just how important the additional packages will be in reducing wait times and getting care to those who need it.
Why This Matters
Home Care Packages are designed to help older Australians stay in their homes for longer, rather than entering residential aged care prematurely. The services can be tailored to individual needs and may include:
- Assistance with household tasks
- Personal care such as bathing and dressing
- Transport and shopping support
- Nursing and allied health services
- Social activities and companionship
For many people, these supports mean greater independence, dignity, and peace of mind for both older Australians and their families.
Looking Ahead
Health Minister Mark Butler noted that Australia is entering a period of significant demand for aged care, as the first wave of baby boomers approaches the average age for requiring support.
“The oldest baby boomers were born about 79 years ago, which is about the average age of entry to a home care package,” he explained. “The average age of entry to residential care is about 83 at the moment, so in three or four or five years, that very big step up in demand is going to hit the residential care sector as well.”
This means that while the additional packages will help in the short-term, further investment and planning will be needed to meet the needs of an ageing population in the years ahead. With Australia’s ageing population, further increases in demand and spending are considered inevitable.
Impact on Older Australians and Families
For families currently on the waiting list, the announcement brings hope of quicker access to support. Home Care Packages can provide a wide range of services, including help with household tasks, personal care, allied health, transport, and social support.
These packages are particularly valued because they enable older Australians to remain independent in their own homes, rather than moving prematurely into residential aged care facilities.
With more than 200,000 Australians either waiting for assessment or for approved services, the early release of 40,000 extra Home Care Packages by the end of 2025 represents one of the most significant aged care announcements of the year. It is a recognition of the urgent realities facing older Australians.
At Aged Care Decisions, we aim to help you navigate any and all changes that may affect your aged care journey. Our friendly, knowledgeable and highly experienced team is here to guide you, 100% FREE and independent. Additionally, our purpose-built software paired with our specialists ensures that you get options tailored to your unique needs.
Here’s how our FREE service works:
