Grandfathered Participants: What Does the New Support at Home Program Mean for Current Home Care Package Recipients?

As an aged care provider, we understand that changes to government programs can be confusing. Here is a concise explanation of what the new Support at Home program (scheduled to commence in July 2025) means for existing Home Care Package (HCP) recipients - often referred to as "grandfathered participants".

1. Who Are Grandfathered Participants?

   To be “grandfathered” under the Support at Home (SAH) program commencing 1 July 2025, you need to have been receiving a Home Care Package, been on the National Priority System, or been approved a package before 12 September 2024.

   The Government has committed that ‘grandfathered recipients’ will not be worse off when transitioning to the new SAH program.

How Will the Government Ensure This?

(a)    Grandfathering Protections

• Existing HCP recipients will keep their current entitlements and services when they are moved to SAH.

• The government will match or exceed existing funding levels under the new system.

• Grandfathered participants will not be required to make contributions to their care. 

(b)    Continuity of Care Guarantee

• Your care plan, services, and budget will remain in place (unless you choose to adjust them).

• If SAH provides additional flexibility or benefits, you can opt into them, but you will not be forced to change.

2. Key Differences Between HCP and Support at Home

Feature	Home Care Package (HCP) - current system	Support at Home (SAH) - new system
Funding Structure	Four fixed levels (1-4)	More flexible, needs-based funding with eight (1-8) levels of care. Plus separate funding for Home Modifications & Assistive technology, Restorative Care and End of Life Care
Budgets & Rollover of Unspent Funds	Flexible budget throughout the calendar year with rollover of all unspent funds	Strict Quarterly Budget. Up to $1000 (or 10% of quarterly budget, whichever is greater) can be rolled over.
Services Covered	Set services (e.g., nursing, personal care)	Broader services allocated to 3 categories: 1.       Clinical Supports 2.       Independence 3.       Everyday Living
Assessment	ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team)	Single Assessment System and Tool for all Aged Care programs
Provider Choice	Can change providers	Continued flexibility in choosing providers

3. What Stays the Same?

   • Your existing services will continue through the transition.

   • Your current funding level will be honoured under grandfathering arrangements.

   • Choice and control – You will still decide how your care is delivered.

4. What Should You Do Now?

   • Stay informed - We will update you as more details are released. There are still some aspects of the SAH program that are yet to be set by the government, but we will keep you informed as they come to hand.

   • No urgent action needed - Continue with your current care plan.

   • Speak to your provider - If you have concerns, we can help clarify how the changes may affect you.

5. For Carers & Health Professionals

   • Rest assured that continuity of care is a priority.

   • The new system aims to simplify access and improve care coordination.

   • We will work with you to ensure a smooth transition for your loved ones/patients.

Final Message

The transition to Support at Home is designed to improve aged care services, and grandfathered participants will not lose their entitlements. We are here to guide you through any changes - feel free to ask us questions anytime.

Would you like more details on how this might specifically affect your care plan? Let us know how we can help!

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Disclaimer: This information is based on current government announcements and may be subject to further updates.