It's your life. We're here to help you live it.
The new Support at Home program begins 1 November 2025
Suncare is ready to support you through every step.
At Suncare, we believe older age should be enriching, meaningful and full of possibility. The new Support at Home program makes it simpler to receive care at home, with clearer pricing, greater flexibility and our friendly team supporting you.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is a new way for older Australians to access care at home, safely, comfortably and with independence. The program is designed to:
- Make care easier to access
- Ensure pricing is fair and transparent
- Offer more flexibility in how your care is delivered
Whether you’re currently receiving services or just starting to explore aged care, Support at Home will apply, and Suncare can help guide you through.
How this affects you
Your story depends on where you’re at. Choose the option that describes you best:
If you're already receiving a Home Care Package (HCP)?
If you were approved for a HCP on or before 12 September 2024, you’re covered by “grandfathering” protections. That means:
- You will not be worse off under Support at Home
- Your current fees and services continue
- You’ll pay the same or less than you do now
- You’ll continue receiving monthly statements showing what’s been delivered and what you’ve paid
What’s changing: From 1 November 2025 your contribution will depend on the type of service you use, your financial situation and you’ll pay for the services you use rather than a set package allocation.
You don’t need to do anything now, Suncare will contact you to review your agreement when the time comes.
If you're receiving Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)
If you're receiving Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services
Your current services (domestic assistance, transport, social support) will eventually transition into Support at Home. There’s no immediate disruption, Suncare will update you as the government finalises details.
If you were approved for care after 12 September 2024
You’ll receive care under the new Support at Home system from 1 November 2025, including a new assessment tool, choice, flexibility and transparent pricing. Don’t worry, Suncare will guide you through the process.
If you're new to aged care and exploring your options
Welcome - you’re in the right place.
If you’re just starting to explore aged care, Support at Home is the new program that will help you stay independent at home for longer.
Here’s what to expect:
- Your journey will begin with a free aged care assessment
- You’ll be matched to a care classification based on your needs
- Suncare will help you create a personalised care plan and explain any costs
- You’ll always have choice, flexibility, and strong consumer protections
Ready to get started? Contact us here
Key dates and what's happening
| Date | What’s happening |
| Now | Suncare is keeping you informed and guiding you through the changes |
| From 1 November 2025 |
Support at Home officially begins You don't need to act now, we'll contact you shortly with next steps |
There’s nothing you need to do right now. we’ll be in touch when it’s time.
We're here for you
Support at Home may be new, but your Suncare team isn’t. We’ll:
- Help you understand what the changes mean
- Work with you to review your agreement (when the time comes)
- Ensure you continue receiving the right care for your needs
If you have questions, please call us on 1800 786 227, email contact@suncare.org.au, or speak with your Care Coordinator.
You can also find information on the My Aged Care website or by calling 1800 200 422.
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? You’re not alone - here are some of the things we get asked the most.
General
Why is the government changing aged care?
Support at Home is being introduced to improve the quality, fairness, and flexibility of aged care services. The government wants to make it easier for older Australians to get the right help to stay at home longer, with more transparency and choice.
When is it changing?
What protections are in place?
You’re not alone in this change — and the government has introduced strong consumer protections to support you, including:
- Grandfathering rules to protect your fees if you were approved before 12 Sept 2024
- A lifetime cap on your co-contributions ($130,000)
- No entry or exit fees
- The “no worse off” promise — you won’t pay more for the same care
- Clear monthly statements to help you see exactly what you’re paying for
Why has the new Aged Care Act been delayed?
The government is taking extra time to consult and refine the Act to make sure it works well for everyone - especially older people.
It’s about getting the changes right, not rushing them.
Will this delay affect my care services?
No, nothing changes for you right now. You’ll continue to receive the same support, your Care Partner will work through the changes as we get closer to November.
Is there something wrong with the new act?
Not at all. With big reforms, it’s common for timelines to shift a little so everything is properly reviewed. It means the government is listening to feedback and being thorough.
Eligibility and who is affected
Will these changes affect me?
That depends on when you were approved for aged care services:
- If you were approved before 12 September 2024, you may be protected under the “grandfathering” rules
- If you were approved after 12 September 2024, you’ll begin services under the new Support at Home system
- If you are receiving Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC), this will transition into Support at Home
If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll explain how it applies to your personal situation.
What does 'granfathered' mean?
“Grandfathered” means you’re protected from changes that might otherwise affect your fees or care arrangements. If you were receiving or approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you are likely grandfathered - which means:
- You will not pay more than you currently do
- You will not be worse off under the new system
What happens if I was approved after 12 September 2024?
You’ll start care under the new Support at Home system, which includes a new assessment process and different funding structure. Don’t worry - we’ll guide you through it every step of the way.
Fees and payments
Will I have to pay more under Support at Home?
If you are grandfathered, your fees will stay the same or reduce.
If you are new to aged care, your contribution will depend on your income. The government will conduct an income assessment and determine if you pay:
- No fee
- A partial contribution
- A full income-tested fee (capped annually and for life)
I don't pay anything now. Will that change?
If you’re a full pensioner and currently don’t pay a fee, it’s likely nothing will change. Grandfathered clients will not be asked to pay more.
How much will I pay?
Try the Support at Home fee estimator on the My Aged Care website.
It’s a simple tool that shows what your contributions might look like based on the services you use.
How the process works
Will I need a new assesment?
If you’re new to aged care, yes - you’ll be assessed using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), which helps tailor your services to your personal needs. If you’re an existing client, we’ll let you know if an updated assessment is required.
Will I lose my current services
No. If you’re already receiving services through Suncare, you will continue to receive care. There may be some changes in how things are named or funded, but you won’t lose support.
What you need to do
Do I need to do anything right now?
No, not yet. We will contact you in the coming months to explain exactly what’s changing for you, and what actions (if any) are needed. Suncare will make sure you’re supported through every step.
Who can I speak to about my situation
Our friendly team is here to help!
Call us on 1800 786 227
Email contact@suncare.org.au
Helpful tools and resources
Not sure what the changes mean for you? These tools can help you understand your options, estimate your costs, and feel more confident about what’s ahead.
Fee estimator
Estimate what you may be asked to contribute for different types of care.
Support at Home booklet
Download a copy of the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Support at Home program booklet.
Your Aged Care rights
This video explains how the new Aged Care Act puts you at the centre of your aged care. It will make aged care safer, fairer and more respectful.