Support at Home vs Home Care Package: What Actually Changed?
If you've heard both "Support at Home" and "Home Care Package" used seemingly interchangeably and aren't sure whether they're the same thing, you're not alone — the terminology changed in November 2025, and a lot of families (and honestly, some providers too) are still catching up. Here's what actually changed, whether your existing package is affected, and what to do next.
What changed in November 2025?
Support at Home is the Australian Government's current in-home aged care program. It replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025 as the main way older Australians access funded in-home support, and like its predecessor, it's accessed through My Aged Care. The biggest structural change is in how funding is worked out: instead of the old four package levels, Support at Home uses eight funding classifications, assessed against your specific care needs rather than a broader tier. Budgets are still paid quarterly and managed by your provider or coordinator, much like before.
Is my existing Home Care Package affected?
If you already held a Home Care Package before the change, you don't lose your funding or have to reapply from scratch. Existing package holders transition across to Support at Home gradually rather than all being switched over on the same day, and no one loses access to support during that process. The honest answer on timing is that it depends on your individual circumstances — your existing provider or My Aged Care can tell you exactly where your transition stands, and we'd rather point you to them for a real answer than guess at a date that isn't yours.
If you're still on a legacy Home Care Package right now, the level system (Level 2, 3 or 4, broadly reflecting lower to higher care needs) still applies to you until your transition completes — see our FAQ page for plain-English explanations of what each level generally covers.
What's actually different day to day?
For most people, the practical experience of receiving care doesn't change overnight. You still have a provider or care coordinator managing your budget, a care plan setting out what services you receive, and the ability to ask for that mix to be adjusted if your needs change. The main differences are in the assessment and classification process behind the scenes, and in some of the language used in your paperwork and approval letters. If a term in your letter doesn't match what you're used to, our glossary covers the most common ones in plain English. One change worth knowing about: from 1 October 2026, personal care is fully government-funded, with no co-contribution — see our guide to how contributions work for the full picture.
What should I do next?
If you haven't been assessed yet, the starting point is the same as it's always been: contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or through myagedcare.gov.au to arrange an assessment. If you already have a Home Care Package and are unsure about your transition timing, ask your current provider directly, or call My Aged Care for an update specific to your situation. Either way, there's no need to rush a decision about providers before you understand where your funding actually stands.
Once you do know your funding classification (or are still on a legacy package), it's worth comparing providers before committing — we've written a separate checklist on what's actually worth asking.
Where Elvana Care fits in
Elvana Care is an independent, family-run provider — we're not part of My Aged Care or the Australian Government, and we don't process assessments or classifications. What we can do is work with you under Support at Home funding, or alongside your existing provider if your Home Care Package is still transitioning across. If you'd like to talk through your specific situation, a short conversation is the easiest way to get a straight answer.
Not sure where your funding stands?
See how Support at Home funding works, or Get a free call-back