How to Get the Most from Your Support at Home Program
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will roll out the new Support at Home Program, which will replace the current Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support programs.
The goal is to make the system simpler, more flexible, and fairer for older Australians — giving you greater choice in how you use your funding. But like any new system, it pays to understand how it works so you can make every dollar count.
At Sistability, we believe your support should work for you — helping you live safely, comfortably, and independently at home. Here’s how to make sure it does.
1. Know Where Your Money Goes
The Support at Home Program is designed to be simpler and more transparent than the current Home Care Package system — but it still pays to understand how your budget is used.
Some providers charge high management or coordination fees, leaving less for the services that actually make a difference to your daily life. Sistability keeps things clear, fair, and flexible so you know exactly where every dollar goes.
Before signing with any provider, ask for a clear breakdown of:
How much funding is being used for service delivery versus admin fees
How many hours of actual care and support you’ll receive
How you can track your budget over time
💡 Tip: You should always feel confident reading your statements. If it’s confusing, ask your provider to explain it in plain language. Transparency is your right.
2. Avoid Common Budget Drains
Even under the new system, there are still areas where clients can lose value without realising it. Here are a few:
High overheads: Some providers take a large portion of your budget for coordination or admin.
Unused hours: If services aren’t scheduled regularly, that support — and funding — can go unused.
Duplicated services: Overlapping supports, like cleaning and home maintenance from different providers, can drain funds.
At Sistability, we regularly review client plans to make sure funding is being used where it counts — often redirecting unspent or mismanaged funds toward extra cleaning, gardening, or wellbeing support.
3. Prioritise the Services That Keep You Safe and Well
When you’re planning how to use your Support at Home budget, focus first on the essentials that keep you safe and independent.
A clean, organised home isn’t just nice to have — it’s critical for reducing falls, maintaining hygiene, and supporting your overall wellbeing.
That’s why Sistability’s domestic care specialists aren’t just cleaners. They’re trained in aged care awareness and understand how to support clients with dignity and respect. They’re often the eyes and ears on the ground, noticing small changes that can make a big difference to health and safety.
4. Ask the Right Questions About Value for Money
The Support at Home Program gives you more flexibility and choice — but it’s still up to you to make sure you’re getting value. Here are a few key questions to ask your provider:
What percentage of my funding goes directly to services?
Can I see a simple breakdown of how my budget is spent each month?
How do you make sure my funding is being used efficiently?
Can I adjust my services easily if my needs change?
If your provider struggles to answer these, or avoids the question, it might be time to explore other options.
5. Real Stories, Real Savings
At Sistability, we’ve helped countless clients make their funding go further — and the same will apply under the new Support at Home system.
One client recently discovered that by reviewing her budget and switching providers, she could afford three extra hours of support per week. That’s extra help with cleaning, laundry, and meal prep — all without increasing her costs.
Another client used unspent funds to schedule a deep clean before winter, keeping her home comfortable and safe.
When every dollar works for your wellbeing, those small changes add up to a big impact.
6. Make Every Hour Count
The Support at Home Program is designed to put you in charge — but having the right provider makes all the difference.
At Sistability, we’ll help you:
Review your support plan
Identify hidden savings
Prioritise services that have the greatest impact on your comfort and wellbeing
Because your funding should do more than cover hours — it should help you live better.
💬 Ready to Review Your Plan?
Our friendly team can help you understand your Support at Home Program budget and find ways to make it go further.
CONTACT US today — because every dollar should work for your wellbeing.
