If you’re on a full pension and already receiving a Home Care Package, the recent switch to the Support at Home program might have you wondering about your costs and care.
The good news is that existing clients, classified as grandfathered participants, are fully protected.
This status ensures that the support you rely on today stays consistent and affordable under the new Support at Home program.
Here is exactly what this protection means for you, and why this transition is actually the perfect time to review your care needs.
What does "grandfathered" status mean for you?
If you were approved or assessed for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, you are classified as a protected, grandfathered participant.
This status guarantees you are covered by the “no worse off” principle. In simple terms, the system is designed to ensure you don’t pay more or receive less funding just because the program name has changed.
What stays the same?
1. Your contributions remain $0
As a full pensioner, you probably didn’t pay an income-tested care fee under your old Home Care Package. Under the new Support at Home rules, this stays the same.
- You will continue to pay $0 in participant contributions for your services.
- Even if you move to a higher level of care in the future, this $0 contribution status stays with you because you are a grandfathered participant.
(Note: Some providers charge a small basic daily fee, but this is separate from government contribution rules. If you don’t pay it now, you typically won’t have to pay it under Support at Home).
2. Your budget is protected
Your current Home Care Package level will automatically convert to a Transitioned HCP Level (1–4).
- You will receive the same annual funding amount you do now.
- The only difference is that your budget will now be allocated on a quarterly basis (every three months) rather than all at once.
3. Your unspent funds are safe
Any unspent funds you have sitting in your Home Care Package account will carry over to your new Support at Home account. You do not lose this money.
What extra benefits come with the new program?
Even though your budget is protected, the new system brings some helpful improvements that you can take advantage of.
1. Separate funding for equipment (AT-HM Scheme)
Under the old system, if you needed a walker, shower rail or ramp, you had to save up from your daily budget. Support at Home introduces the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which provides separate funding for these items.
- You don’t need to use your regular care budget for safety equipment.
- Funding is available in tiers: Low (under $500), Medium (up to $2,000), and High (up to $15,000) depending on your needs.
- This frees up your regular budget for more hours of personal care or cleaning.
2. Short-term Restorative Care
If you have a setback, like a fall or illness, you can access a short-term Restorative Care Pathway for up to 12 weeks.
- This provides extra help (like physiotherapy, nursing, or occupational therapy) to get you back on your feet.
- It is designed to help you regain your independence so you don’t need to rely on higher levels of ongoing care permanently.
Why this is the perfect time to review your care
While your funding is safe, the transition to Support at Home is a great opportunity to pause and ask: Is my current care still right for me?
Many people set and forget their home care, but your needs may have changed since your last assessment.
Ask yourself these 3 questions:
- Do I need more help than I’m getting?
Are you struggling with tasks that used to be easy? If your health has changed, you might be eligible for a higher level of funding. Under your protected status, moving to a higher level won’t trigger higher fees—you stay on your $0 arrangement. - Am I happy with my provider?
Are you getting value for money? Do your support workers arrive on time? If not, you are free to switch providers at any time without losing your grandfathered status or your unspent funds. - Are my unspent funds working for me?
It’s important to understand the new use it or lose it rule. While any existing unspent funds from your old Home Care Package transfer over in full (with no cap), your new quarterly budget works differently. Under Support at Home, you can only carry over $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is the higher) into the next quarter. This means you should aim to use your budget for the care you need now rather than saving it up.
What do you need to do next?
As a grandfathered participant, your transition to Support at Home is automatic. However, there are a few simple checks you can do to make sure everything is running smoothly.
- Check your statements to make sure your unspent funds have transferred correctly.
- Ask about the AT-HM Scheme if you’ve been putting off getting things like grab rails or bathroom aids because of the cost.
- Consider a provider swap if you aren’t 100% happy. A new provider can often offer fresh eyes on your care plan and help you use your budget better.
Want to check your options?
If your needs have changed significantly or if you simply want to understand what other support is available in your area, Aged Care Decisions can help.
Our home care specialists can find available providers in your local area and help you compare them—and our service is completely free for you. We can even organise meetings and assist you to onboard a home care provider you’ll love.
Here’s how our FREE service works:
Contact Aged Care Decisions now to receive a FREE, no-obligation, personalised aged care Options Report.
