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Funding Options for In-Home Care Services in Australia

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Navigating the costs of aged care and support can be overwhelming, but fortunately, there are various funding options available to help Australians access In-Home Care Services. Whether you require short-term assistance or ongoing support, understanding these financial options ensures that you or your loved one can receive the best possible care while maintaining independence at home.
With the upcoming introduction of the Support at Home program—set to commence from 1 July 2025—the aged care funding landscape is evolving. These changes aim to streamline and simplify access to government-funded home support by replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) with a single, more flexible model.

Government-Funded Home Care Packages (HCP)
Currently, one of the most significant funding options in Australia is the Home Care Package (HCP) program, designed to support older Australians who wish to remain in their own homes while receiving essential care services.


How Home Care Packages Work
The HCP program provides different levels of funding depending on an individual’s care needs, including:

  • Level 1: Basic support (e.g., assistance with cleaning, meal preparation)
  • Level 2: Low-level care needs (e.g., personal care, transport assistance)
  • Level 3: Intermediate support (e.g., specialised nursing, allied health services)
  • Level 4: High-level care needs (e.g., dementia care, palliative support)

To access a Home Care Package, an assessment is conducted through My Aged Care, the government’s central access point for aged care services. Once approved, recipients can choose a registered provider, such as Home Care Assistance, to manage their care plan.


Looking Ahead: The HCP program will be phased into the new Support at Home model in 2025. This new model will simplify the funding structure and provide greater flexibility for individuals to choose the support that best meets their needs.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)


For those requiring lower levels of assistance, the CHSP provides entry-level support services on a subsidised basis. Unlike HCPs, CHSP operates on a short-term or as-needed basis, allowing individuals to access help with daily tasks such as:

  • Household cleaning
  • Meal preparation
  • Transport services
  • Social support

CHSP is an excellent option for older people who need occasional assistance rather than a complete care package.


Note: CHSP will also transition into the Support at Home program. From July 2025, older Australians will access one streamlined program—offering a more consistent experience, regardless of the level of support required.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)


For individuals under 65 with a disability, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers funding for a wide range of services, including In-Home Care Services. The NDIS is tailored to an individual’s unique needs, covering essential support such as:

  • Personal care
  • Therapy services
  • Mobility aids and home modifications

To access NDIS funding, individuals must meet eligibility criteria and complete an assessment process. Once approved, they can select a provider like Home Care Assistance to deliver their required services.

Private Funding and Self-Funded Care


Not everyone qualifies for government assistance, and some prefer more control over their care arrangements. Private funding allows clients to access home care services immediately without waiting for government approvals.


Advantages of self-funded care include:

  • Greater flexibility in choosing the type and frequency of care
  • No eligibility restrictions or waiting periods
  • Access to a range of personalised services

At Home Care Assistance, we offer tailored private care plans to suit varying needs—from occasional support to 24/7 live-in care.

Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
For family members providing care to a loved one, financial assistance is available through the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance schemes:

  • Carer Payment: A fortnightly income support payment for those who provide full-time care.
  • Carer Allowance: A supplementary payment to assist with additional care-related costs.

These options help support family caregivers who dedicate their time to caring for an elderly or disabled loved one at home.

Preparing for the Support at Home Program


As the aged care system transitions into the new Support at Home program, it’s important for families to stay informed about how these changes may impact their current care arrangements or future funding pathways. This reform aims to:

  • Simplify access to home support
  • Streamline assessment processes
  • Allow for greater individual choice and provider flexibility

At Home Care Assistance, we are staying up to date with the latest reforms and are ready to support you during this transition.

Finding the Right Funding Option for Your Needs


With various funding options available—and new changes on the horizon—choosing the right one can feel complex. However, at Home Care Assistance, we make the process easier by offering guidance and personalised care solutions tailored to your circumstances.


If you need assistance understanding funding options for In-Home Care Services or how the upcoming Support at Home program may affect you, we’re here to help. Visit our homepage to explore our services or contact us to speak with our friendly team about your care needs.

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    As a leading age care provider, Home Care Assistance offers tailored in-home care services for older Australians, enabling them to live happier and healthier lives in the comfort of their own homes. 

    We offer private and government subsidised Care Packages and have office locations that are a registered NDIS provider. Our Care Workers undergo extensive training in order to deliver unmatched in-home aged care services where people can continue ageing in place. We are proud ambassadors of the My Aged Care government funded aged care program, enabling Australians to successfully navigate the process and gain approval for in-home care support packages. Home Care Assistance offers hourly care, specialised care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, hospital to home care, and 24 hour in home care.

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    excellent staff and great service!
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    Very happy with this Company looking after my Home Care Package. Very friendly staff and always available to arrange things. Also the home care and help in garden is excellent and I couldn't do... without them.read more
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