Government to Release 20,000 New Home Care Packages — What It Means for Older Australians
The Australian Government has announced one of the biggest expansions to aged care funding in recent years. From September 3 until October 31, 2025, 20,000 new Home Care Packages (HCPs) are being released. By the end of the year, another 20,000 packages will follow, opening the door for thousands of older Australians to receive the support they need to live safely and comfortably at home.
This announcement comes alongside the rollout of 83,000 Support at Home (SAH) packages beginning on November 1, 2025, as part of the Labor Government’s new Aged Care Act. For seniors and their families, this represents a major opportunity to access more timely support, reduce waiting times, and secure services that make daily life easier.
At Sistability, we see firsthand how important these packages are. They don’t just fund services — they give people the freedom to stay in the place they love most: their own home.
Understanding Home Care Packages
A Home Care Package (HCP) is government funding that helps older Australians pay for a mix of services tailored to their needs. Depending on the level of package, this can include:
Cleaning and domestic assistance
Gardening and outdoor care
Transport and shopping support
Personal care and companionship
Home maintenance and safety improvements
These services are designed to keep older Australians living independently, reduce risks around the home, and support their overall wellbeing. However, until now, one of the biggest challenges has been waiting times. Many seniors have had to wait months — or even years — before a package became available.
The release of 40,000 new packages before the end of 2025 is intended to reduce this backlog and get help to people sooner.
What’s Changing with Support at Home Packages?
The upcoming Support at Home (SAH) program is set to replace the current system of Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages over time. Beginning November 1, 83,000 SAH packages will be rolled out under the new Aged Care Act.
The SAH model is designed to simplify the system, reduce red tape, and give older Australians more flexibility in choosing the right support. It also creates stronger safeguards for quality and accountability — something both seniors and their families have been asking for.
Why This Matters for You and Your Family
For many Australians, the biggest worry isn’t whether help exists — it’s how to actually access it. Navigating My Aged Care, understanding eligibility, and knowing what to apply for can feel confusing.
This is where organisations like Sistability play a vital role. We don’t just provide services; we also guide people through the process of applying for and making the most of their Home Care Package. From explaining the steps to supporting with paperwork and assessments, we ensure residents aren’t left feeling overwhelmed.
How Sistability Supports Seniors
Sistability is a certified social enterprise working with more than 100 NDIS clients and aged care recipients across the Northern Rivers. Our team delivers a wide range of support, including:
Cleaning & Domestic Care – From everyday tidying to deep cleans that keep homes safe and healthy.
Gardening & Outdoor Care – Maintaining outdoor spaces so residents can enjoy their surroundings without worry.
Compassionate Support Services – Friendly, familiar faces who provide practical help and companionship.
Home Care Package Coordination – Helping seniors manage their package effectively so every dollar goes further.
Care Compass Program – Providing step-by-step guidance from the very beginning of the aged care journey, including navigating My Aged Care, assessments, and package assignment.
Because our work is centred on dignity, respect, and community impact, we are often described as the “eyes and ears on the ground.” Our domestic care specialists are not only keeping homes clean, but also noticing changes in wellbeing, flagging safety concerns, and helping residents feel connected.
Importantly, our commercial clients also contribute to this mission — every business contract helps us continue offering flexible, meaningful employment and vital services to vulnerable community members.
Taking Advantage of the New Packages
With so many new packages being released between now and the end of the year, it’s important to act quickly. Here are some steps you can take:
Check eligibility through My Aged Care – Start by contacting My Aged Care to find out if you qualify for a Home Care Package or Support at Home program.
Book an assessment – An assessor will visit to understand your needs and determine what level of support you’re entitled to.
Get help with the process – If this feels daunting, Sistability can walk you through each step, including through our Care Compass program.
Coordinate your funding – Once approved, our Home Care Package coordination service ensures your funding is used wisely and matches your priorities.
Choose your provider – When you’re ready, you can choose Sistability as your service provider and begin receiving tailored support.
The sooner you begin, the sooner you can benefit from the new packages.
A Chance to Strengthen Community Care
The expansion of Home Care and Support at Home packages isn’t just about numbers — it’s about ensuring older Australians can age with dignity, independence, and choice. For communities like ours, it means more people will have access to the care they deserve, and more families will feel confident their loved ones are supported.
At Sistability, we’re proud to be part of this change. Whether it’s helping with an application, coordinating a package, delivering daily support, or simply being a trusted presence, we’re here to make the aged care system easier to navigate.
Ready to Get Started?
If you or someone you know could benefit from the new Home Care or Support at Home packages, don’t wait until the end of the year. Start the conversation today.
📞 Contact us to learn more about how these government changes could benefit you and how our team can help you access and manage your package effectively.
