The Australian Government has officially postponed the rollout of the new Aged Care Act, originally scheduled for 1 July 2025. The updated legislation, along with the new Support at Home program, will now begin on 1 November 2025.
This delay gives providers, clients and families more time to prepare for the changes ahead. Here’s what you need to know if you’re receiving a Home Care Package, considering residential aged care, or supporting a loved one through the process.
Why has the Aged Care Act been delayed?
There has been growing concern across the sector about whether the new system will be ready by July.
- Aged care providers, consumer advocates and care recipients voiced concerns about readiness.
- The government responded with a four-month delay to allow more time for systems development, rule finalisation and staff training.
“We support a system that puts the person at the centre of their care. But we also recognise that a rushed implementation could create more problems than it solves.”
— Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care
What does this mean for Home Care Packages?
If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package or are approved for one, your existing Home Care Package will continue as normal until 31 October 2025. There are no changes to your funding, services or fee arrangements.
- New clients will still enter under the current system.
- Packages will remain assigned by the same criteria.
- No action is needed at this stage. Services continue uninterrupted.
What about residential aged care?
Residential aged care fees and arrangements will also stay the same for anyone entering care before 1 November 2025.
The updated rules under the new Aged Care Act will now apply from 1 November 2025.
What happens from 1 November 2025?
Support at Home program
- Will replace Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care.
- Introduces eight funding classifications.
- Offers portable, quarterly budgets and a new approach to managing services.
Updated fee structure
A new three-part fee model will be introduced:
| Service area | What it covers | Who pays |
| Clinical Care | Nursing, allied health | Government-funded |
| Independence Support | Personal care, medication support | Client co-contribution |
| Everyday Living | Meals, cleaning, transport | Mostly client-funded |
- A lifetime cap of $130,000 will apply to out-of-pocket fees for non-clinical care.
- A “no-worse-off” guarantee will apply, meaning current clients won’t pay more than they do under the existing system.
What you should do now
You don’t need to take any immediate action. But here are some tips to stay prepared:
- Continue with your current Home Care Package as usual.
- Watch for updates from My Aged Care and your provider as the November date approaches.
- Reach out to your HPH adviser if you have any questions about your care arrangements or funding.
In summary
While the new Aged Care Act will bring some reforms, its delay means your current care and funding arrangements remain unchanged until 1 November 2025.
At HPH Solutions, we’ll continue to stay across all aged care developments and provide clear, timely guidance for you and your loved ones.
If you’d like to chat about how these changes may affect your financial planning,
get in touch with your HPH adviser. We’re here to help.