From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Under this revamped system, older Australians will access in-home services through a more streamlined and flexible funding model.
Here’s how it works.
Support at Home is designed to help you live safely, healthily, and independently in your own home for longer.
To determine what you are covered for, you will need to complete an aged care assessment and identify your needs, goals, and eligibility, then use your approved budget to select services.
The services fall into three categories:
All clinical care nursing, occupational therapy, continence care, etc
Assistance with activities like showering, dressing, transport as well as respite care.
Domestic assistance support including tasks such as cleaning, gardening, shopping, meal preparation.
Your aged care assessment will assign you a classification level (Level 1 to 8), which determines your quarterly budget.
As of current guidance, sample budget ranges are:
If some of your budget is unused, you’re allowed to carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) into the next period.
Is it important to note that approximately 10% of the budget is typically reserved for “care management” which includes coordination, planning & budget oversight by your provider.
While the government will fund a significant share, you’ll likely need to contribute depending on your income and assets.
Here’s how contributions generally work:
In most cases, there are no fees for eligible DVA clients.
At Harwell Home Care, we make the funding process simple:
Under the Support at Home program, eligible Australians can have much of their in-home care funded by the government.
The Harwell Home Care Pricing & Fees Schedule outlines our private rates for personal care, clinical care and domestic assistance — these are the standard rates your Support at Home budget will help cover.
Your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your approved funding level and any personal contribution based on your income and assets.
Rural location fee: Locations around Australia may also incur a 96c per KM fee if they are deemed rural. This will be discussed prior to commencement of services
Minimum service: A minimum of 1 hour each service is required
Out of home support: If appropriate, nurses may provide support to an appointment. However all transport must be done by a professional service such as a taxi service unless agree prior to appointment Billing – Services are billed 28 days in advance. Any cancellations or overpayments will be reimbursed at the end of the 28 day cycle
Nurse type: The type of nurse in attendance to the appointment will depend on care requirements and availability of staff
If you’d like to understand how funding applies to your situation, our team can guide you through the process and help you get started.
Under the Support at Home program, eligible Australians can have much of their in-home care funded by the government.
The table below shows Harwell Home’s private rates for personal care, clinical care, and domestic assistance – these are the standard rates your Support at Home budget will help cover.
Your actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on your approved funding level and any personal contribution based on your income and assets.
| Schedule | Personal care (per hour) | Clinical care (per hour) | Domestic assistance (per hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Weekdays (7am – 6pm) |
$90 |
$130 |
$80 |
|
Weeknights (7pm – 6am) |
$100 |
$150 |
$80 |
|
Saturday |
$135 |
$180 |
$80 |
|
Sunday |
$165 |
$215 |
$80 |
|
Public holiday |
$180 |
$230 |
$80 |
Rural location fee: Locations around Australia may also incur a 96c per KM fee if they are deemed rural. This will be discussed prior to commencement of services
Minimum service: A minimum of 1 hour each service is required
Out of home support: If appropriate, nurses may provide support to an appointment. However all transport must be done by a professional service such as a taxi service unless agree prior to appointment Billing – Services are billed 28 days in advance. Any cancellations or overpayments will be reimbursed at the end of the 28 day cycle
Nurse type: The type of nurse in attendance to the appointment will depend on care requirements and availability of staff
We match you with carers who stay — not a rotating roster. This means they know your routines, preferences, and history, so every visit feels familiar and personal. Continuity improves safety, comfort, and the emotional quality of your care.
Our nurses and carers coordinate closely with your GP, hospital team, or allied health providers. We follow best-practice clinical guidelines, share updates (with your consent), and make sure everyone involved in your care is on the same page — preventing gaps or duplication.
Yes. We design flexible care plans that can be adjusted at any time — whether that means adding hours, changing services, or providing more clinical support. We recognise that health and lifestyle needs can shift suddenly, and we adapt without disrupting your routine.
We see family and primary carers as part of the care team. We provide respite options, education on care techniques, emotional support, and regular updates so they feel confident, informed, and able to take breaks without guilt or worry.
As a veteran-founded provider, we understand the culture, values, and needs of service members and their families. We navigate DVA systems efficiently, provide culturally aware care, and deliver services with the respect and discretion that veterans deserve.
It’s not just the help — it’s the way they talk to you, treat you like a person, and make you feel cared for.
Joan S.
Harwell made everything easier — from explaining the Home Care Package to making sure I had someone I trusted each day.
Michael F.
Harwell explained everything clearly and made something that felt overwhelming to our family simple.
Amir T.
If you’d like to know more about how DVA fees and budgets work — or need help checking your eligibility — our team is here to guide you.
Call on 1300 064 430 or enquire below: