This category is for any individual who enters the aged care system under the full
regulations of the new program.
- Definition: A client who is approved to receive services under the Support at Home program from November 1, 2025, onwards.
- Key Implication: These clients will fall entirely under the new contribution and funding rules established for the Support at Home program from the moment they begin receiving services.
This category covers individuals who entered the system during the transition period after the initial announcement but before the new system fully begins.
- Definition: A client who was approved for a Home Care Package between September 13, 2024, and October 31, 2025 (inclusive).
- Key Implication: These clients are treated as being on a path to the new system. They will move to the standard client contribution framework of the Support at Home program.
- Transition: They will officially transition to the new client contribution framework and funding model on November 1, 2025.
This category is for those who were already engaged with the existing system prior
to the major legislative changes being announced.
- Definition: A client who, as of September 12, 2024, was in one of the following situations:
* Currently receiving a Home Care Package (HCP).
* On the National Priority System (NPS) waiting list for an HCP.
* Assessed as eligible for an HCP.
- Key Implication: The “no worse off” principle applies to this group. This is a critical protection ensuring that Grandfathered Clients will not pay more in client contributions than they would have under the previous Home Care Package fee structure.
- Transition: Their current fee arrangements will remain in place until the Support at Home program commences on November 1, 2025, and the “no worse off” principle will continue to protect them beyond that date.
