Home Care Packages
Home Care Packages are now Support at Home
Home Care Packages have been replaced by Support at Home, the Australian Government’s aged care program for older people who want to keep living at home. Holdsworth is a registered Support at Home provider in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. We can help you understand your options, prepare for your assessment and set up care that fits your life.
What is a Home Care Package?
The Support at Home program started on 1 November 2025 and replaced the Home Care Packages system. It is designed to simplify aged care and give you more flexibility in choosing the services that best support your wellbeing and independence.
If you were receiving a Home Care Package, your care and funding have continued under the new program. To learn more about the updated model and how Holdsworth can support you, visit our Support at Home page.
The four Home Care Package levels
Under the former Home Care Package program, government funding was provided across four levels to help older people access care and support at home. Each level now has its own page, which explains what it was and how it compares with Support at Home:
- Level 1: Basic care needs
- Level 2: Low-level care needs
- Level 3: Intermediate care needs
- Level 4: High-level care needs
People who already had a Home Care Package moved to a Transitioned Home Care Package and kept their funding. New approvals are for Support at Home, which has eight classifications instead of four levels.
While the old program has ended, Holdsworth continues to provide the same personalised and flexible support. We help you stay safe, comfortable and connected at home.
Who is eligible for Support at Home, and how do I apply?
Support at Home is designed for older people who need help to live safely and independently at home. To receive it, you need to meet the Government's eligibility criteria.
Understanding costs and funding
Support at Home is funded by the Australian Government, with participant contributions based on your income and assets assessment. The aim is to keep care fair and give you access to the services you need.
The Government covers most of the cost of Support at Home. The level of funding depends on your classification (1 to 8). From 1 July 2026, quarterly budgets range from about $2,750 for Classification 1 to about $20,000 for Classification 8. Each quarter, 10% of your budget is set aside for care management. The Government indexes these amounts each July.
Participant contributions
Your contribution depends on the type of service you receive and on your income and assets assessment by Services Australia.
- Clinical supports, such as nursing and allied health: no contribution, because they are fully funded by the Government
- Independence supports, such as personal care and social support: moderate contributions
- Everyday living supports, such as domestic assistance and meals: higher contributions
Why choose Holdsworth?
At Holdsworth, you are supported by people who know your community, because we are part of it. Unlike larger providers, we are based locally in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and expanding into surrounding council areas. That means we understand the services and networks that matter most to you.
Families and loved ones tell us that what they value most is the personal connection. Our clients often share how our team has helped them stay independent, active and part of their community. Choosing Holdsworth means choosing a local aged care at home provider in Sydney that walks alongside you, with a team that cares and delivers support with commitment and heart.
Home Care Package (HCP) Frequently Asked Questions
A Home Care Package was government-funded support that helped older people live independently at home. It provided funding for services such as personal care, transport, social activities, meals and home help. Home Care Packages were replaced by the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025.
You will need your My Aged Care approval letter or Notice of Decision, details of your health and daily living needs and any goals you want included in your plan.
Support at Home wait times vary depending on your priority category (urgent, high, medium or standard). My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 can provide a client-specific timeframe, so you know what to expect for your situation.
Support at Home funding cannot be used for day-to-day living costs such as rent, mortgage payments, groceries or entertainment. Funding is designed to pay for care and support services only. For more details, read our blog on what Support at Home can cover and what it cannot, or contact us to talk with our team.
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provides entry-level subsidised services. Support at Home offers higher-level care through Government funding, with eight classifications and quarterly budgets. To find out more, read our CHSP blog or contact us and we can guide you.