As more older Australians choose to live independently, government-funded aged care programs continue to evolve to meet their needs.
For those receiving a Home Care Package (HCP), extra help has been available through home care supplements, additional government payments that support people with particular medical conditions or life circumstances.
However, from 1 November 2025, the way this funding works will change. The Australian Government will introduce the Support at Home (SAH) program, replacing the current Home Care Packages Program and several other schemes.
This new approach will streamline funding and service delivery, but it also means that many existing supplements will change or merge into the new system.
Here we look at:
- What home care supplements are
- Which supplements were available under HCPs
- How the Support at Home reforms will affect them
- What older Australians and families should do to prepare
1. What Are Home Care Supplements?
Home care supplements are additional payments made by the Australian Government to help cover the costs of caring for people with specific health or care needs.
They are paid directly to your Support at Home Package provider, adding to your existing funding so that your provider can deliver extra services, equipment, or support that meet your needs.
Some supplements, such as the Continence Aids Payment Scheme, are paid directly to the individual, while others are built into your provider’s budget.
These supplements ensure that people with higher or more complex needs can continue living at home safely and comfortably.
2. Supplements Available Under Home Care Packages (Until October 2025)
The following supplements were available under the Home Care Packages system until the new Support at Home program began in November 2025.
- Dementia and Cognition Supplement
A support for older Australians with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, including dementia and related conditions.
To qualify, you must be assessed using the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale (PAS) and score 10 or higher.
This supplement helps providers deliver additional dementia-specific support such as behavioural management, care coordination, and specialised staff training.
- Veterans’ Supplement
This supplement provides additional funding for veterans who have accepted, service-related mental health conditions. It amounts to 10% of the basic value of your Home Care Package, paid directly to your provider.
You don’t need an additional assessment, but you must be recognised by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) as having an eligible condition.
- Oxygen Supplement
Available to care recipients with a long-term medical need for continuous oxygen therapy. It’s not available for short-term conditions, and the payment goes directly to your provider, who must supply or hire the oxygen equipment.
- Enteral Feeding Supplement
For people who require enteral (tube) feeding, where nutrients are provided through a tube into the nose, stomach, or small intestine. This supplement helps cover the cost of necessary medical equipment and nutritional products.
- Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
The CAPS program helps people with permanent and severe incontinence purchase continence products of their choice. Unlike other supplements, this funding is paid directly to you by Services Australia.
- Viability Supplement
Supports providers who deliver care in rural and remote areas, where costs are typically higher. It is automatically paid to providers based on their geographic classification.
- Financial Hardship Supplement
If you’re facing financial difficulties or are unable to pay your care fees, the government may assist by covering some or all of your basic daily fee or income-tested care fee.
3. How Each Current Supplement Will Be Affected
With the start of Support at Home, the provision of these supplements have changed as below.
Current Supplement | Support at Home Status (from Nov 2025) | What Changes |
Dementia & Cognition Supplement | ❌ Discontinued | Cognitive support will be included in the new assessment and funding model; no separate supplement needed. |
Veterans’ Supplement | ✅ Continues (revised) | Will remain available for eligible veterans, but integrated into overall care funding. |
Oxygen Supplement | 🔄 Replaced | Continuous oxygen needs will be covered as a clinical service in the SAH Service List. |
Enteral Feeding Supplement | 🔄 Replaced | Tube feeding support becomes a clinical service item rather than an add-on payment. |
Continence Aids (CAPS) | ⚠️ Changing | CAPS will be phased out for new participants. Continence support will be funded within SAH. |
Viability Supplement | 🔄 Replaced | Extra support for rural or remote areas is included automatically in your package. |
Financial Hardship Supplement | ✅ Continues | Similar support will remain, using updated contribution and hardship rules. |
In short, most supplements are being absorbed into the new funding model, which aims to simplify how supports are provided while maintaining fairness and flexibility.
4. New Support Pathways Under SAH
The Support at Home program will introduce several new specialised funding pathways designed to address specific circumstances that were previously handled through supplements:
- Restorative Care Pathway: Short-term, intensive allied health and reablement support for up to 16 weeks.
- End-of-Life Pathway: Funding (up to $25,000) for in-home palliative and nursing care for people nearing end of life.
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme: Dedicated funding for mobility aids, safety equipment, and home modifications.
These changes mean that rather than applying for separate supplements, people’s needs will be assessed holistically and funded accordingly.
What Current Care Recipients Should Do
If you already receive a Home Care Package with supplements, you don’t need to reapply or take immediate action.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has confirmed that:
- Current recipients will continue to receive their existing supports.
- Supplements will be automatically transitioned into the new funding model when you move to Support at Home.
- No one will lose access to essential services during the transition period.
However, it’s a good time to:
- Review your current care plan — make sure it reflects your current needs.
- Talk to your provider about how your supports will transition under the new system.
- Stay informed by checking updates from My Aged Care or the Department of Health and Aged Care.
More ways to maximise your Home Care Package
1. Reassess your package level
You can be reassessed to receive a higher-level package if you feel you’re no longer receiving the level of support you need.
Read more: Support At Home Classifications 1-8 Explained (2025 Guide)
2. Review the home care services you receive
It’s a great idea to periodically review the services you receive versus the services you really need.
Read more: Support at Home Package – What Does It Get You?
Support at Home vs Home Care Package (6 Key Differences)
3. Ensure you have a good provider
A good provider delivers quality service, offers value for money and is there for you when you need them. If your current provider isn’t measuring up, then switching to another provider is easy and costs you nothing.
Read more: Change home care providers at no cost – Aged Care Decisions
How Aged Care Decisions Can Help
Navigating aged care funding especially during major reforms, can be confusing.
That’s where Aged Care Decisions can help.
Our free service connects you or your loved one with trusted, government-approved Home Care Providers that meet your care needs, location, and budget.
We can also guide you through the upcoming Support at Home changes, ensuring you understand what’s available now and how the transition may affect your funding.
You’ll receive a personalised Options Report, making it easy to compare and choose the right provider with less stress and no cost to you.
