Home care packages (HCP)
What is a Home Care Package?
The Support at Home Program commenced on 1 November 2025, replacing the previous Home Care Packages system. This new model 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, please visit our Support at Home page.
Under the former Home Care Package program, government funding was provided across four levels to help older Australians access care and 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
While this program has now transitioned, Holdsworth continues to provide the same personalised and flexible support — helping you stay safe, comfortable, and connected at home.
Who is eligible and how to apply
To receive Support at Home, you need to meet the government’s eligibility criteria. Support at Home is designed for older adults who need help to live safely and independently at home
Step 1: Check your eligibility.
You can start by visiting My Aged Care or calling 1800 200 422. If you are 65 or older (50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and need support with daily tasks, you may qualify for Support at Home.
Step 2: Complete an assessment.
An assessor from My Aged Care will meet with you to understand your needs. They will look at the type of help you require and recommend the most suitable Support at Home classification from Classifications 1-8.
Step 3: Join the Support at Home Priority System
Once approved, you will be placed on the Support at Home Priority System. Wait times vary depending on the priority category (urgent, high, medium or standard) and availability.
Step 4: Choose your provider.
When funding becomes available, you can choose from different Support at Home providers. Holdsworth is a registered provider, and we work with you to make the most of your quarterly budget.
Step 5: Start your care with Holdsworth.
As soon as your funding is allocated, our team will meet with you to create a personalised care plan. From there, your services can begin, giving you the confidence to live independently with the right support in place.
Our aged care services
The services you access out of your government funding will be personalised to meet your health and lifestyle needs. Our services focus on community connection, in-home care and modifications.
Community connection
We connect people and put your community in reach through social groups, outings, transport and wellbeing classes.
In-home care
We support your health and lifestyle needs to keep you living in your home for longer, and offer a helping hand around the house.
- Domestic assistance
- Cleaning
- Cooking
- Personal care
- Grooming
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Wound Care
- Continence
- Mobility
- Falls Prevention
- Nursing
- Senior meal delivery
- Allied Health
Modifications
We connect you with the right people to ensure your home is set up for long-term, safe and independent living.
- Gardening
- Minor home modifications
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 affordable and fair while giving you access to the services you need.
Government funding
Most of the cost of a Support at Home is covered by government subsidies. The level of funding depends on your Support at Home classification (1-8).
Support at Home provides quarterly budgets ranging from approximately $2,683 (Classification 1) to $19,527 (Classification 8), with 10% set aside for care management.
Participant contributions
Your contributions are based on:
- The type of service you receive:
- Clinical supports (such as nursing and allied health) – no contribution (fully funded by government)
- Independence support (such as personal care and social support) – moderate contributions
- Everyday living support (such as domestic assistance and meals) – higher contributions
- Your income and assets assessment by Services Australia, which determines your contribution rate
Extra services
You may choose to purchase additional services on top of what your quarterly budget. Holdsworth will always explain these options clearly so you can decide with confidence.
With Holdsworth as your provider, you will know exactly how your quarterly budget funds are being used and what your contribution, if any, will be. Our focus is on transparency, affordability and making sure your care works for you.
How Holdsworth supports you
We can support you to understand more about Support at Home. Our dedicated Community Care Team is with you every step of the way.
Step 1: Contact Holdsworth
Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs and start planning your care. You can book a free consultation, and one of our local care partners will listen to your needs and suggest tailored support so you know what to expect.
Step 2: Visit My Aged Care for additional information
Explore our Navigating My Aged Care page to learn how the system works and what to expect from the process.
Step 3: Take the next step with us
Start your journey today.
We focus on
individual solutions
We’re here to support you in living an active and fulfilling life at home and in the community. We focus on individual solutions to maximise your funding and provide the support you need to continue living at home safely and independently. Our experienced team members work with you to create a tailored Support at Home program to achieve your unique health and lifestyle needs, whether that’s a little help around the house, personal care, shopping, cleaning, gardening or support from a qualified nurse.
Click here to book your free aged care at home consultation to learn what services you may be eligible for under Support at Home and how Holdsworth can assist you or your loved one.
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, which 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 remain independent, active and part of their community. Choosing Holdsworth means choosing a local partner who walks alongside you, with a team that genuinely cares and delivers support with commitment and heart.
Here to talk
For support with My Aged Care, you can visit our Navigating My Aged Care page.
When you are ready to take the next step, the best way is to contact us directly for a free consultation. Our Community Care Team is here to answer your questions, guide you through the process and help you make the most of your Support at Home funding.
Home Care Package (HCP) FAQs
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package was government-funded support that helped seniors 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.
What do I need to prepare to get started with a care plan?
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.
How long is the wait time for Support at Home?
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.
What can't my Support at Home funding be used for?
Support at Home funding cannot be used for day-to-day living costs like rent, mortgage payments, groceries or entertainment. Funding is designed to fund 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.
What are the differences between CHSP vs Support at Home?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provides entry-level subsidised services, while Support at Home offers higher-level care through government funding with 8 classification levels and quarterly budgets. To explore more, read our CHSP blog or contact us for guidance.