Understanding home care package levels can be confusing for older Australians and their families, especially because Australia’s in-home aged care system has recently changed. Since 1 November 2025, the former Home Care Packages Program has been replaced by the Support at Home program. The previous system included Home Care Package Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, with each level designed around different levels of assessed care needs. Existing Home Care Package recipients were transitioned to equivalent Support at Home classifications while retaining their corresponding funding level. Today, Support at Home uses eight ongoing funding classifications based on assessed needs rather than the previous four HCP levels. The program is designed to help older people remain living at home for longer by providing coordinated aged care services based on their individual circumstances. For families searching online for “What are the home care package levels?”, it is therefore important to understand both the former HCP system and the current Support at Home structure.
Home Care Package Levels – From Level 1 to Level 4
Under the previous Home Care Packages system, Home Care Package Levels ranged from Level 1 for people with lower care needs through to Level 4 for people with higher or more complex support requirements. The four levels were used to determine the amount of government funding available for approved home care services. Under the transition to Support at Home, existing HCP recipients moved to transitioned classifications corresponding to their previous package level. For example, HCP Level 1 transitioned to a Transitioned HCP Level 1 classification, while Levels 2, 3, and 4 similarly retained equivalent classifications. This transition helps existing recipients continue receiving support without suddenly losing their established funding level. Support at Home now has eight ongoing classifications, allowing funding to be more closely aligned with assessed care needs. Services can include assistance with personal care, domestic activities, transport, respite, home maintenance, and other approved supports depending on an individual’s assessed needs and aged care funding support plan.
Understanding Support at Home – Services, Funding, and Eligibility
A common question is: “What replaced Home Care Package Levels in Australia?” The answer is the Support at Home program, which commenced on 1 November 2025. It provides eight ongoing funding classifications, along with separate short-term pathways for areas such as restorative care, assistive technology and home modifications, and end-of-life care. The level of support a person receives is based on their assessed aged care needs. Government funding is allocated to eligible participants through registered Support at Home providers, while participant contributions can apply to certain independence and everyday living services depending on individual circumstances. For older Australians and families, this means the most useful approach is no longer simply choosing between Home Care Package Levels 1–4. Instead, they should understand their current Support at Home classification, approved services, available budget, contribution requirements, and care goals. CareCircle can help families understand their home care needs and explore appropriate support options based on individual circumstances, while official eligibility and assessment decisions remain part of Australia’s aged care system.
Conclusion – Choosing the Right Home Care Support
Home care package levels were an important part of Australia’s previous Home Care Packages system, but the aged care landscape has changed since November 2025. The current Support at Home program uses eight ongoing classifications to better align government-funded in-home support with assessed care needs. For older people and their families, understanding the difference between the former HCP Levels 1–4 and the current Support at Home classifications can make the aged care process easier to navigate. CareCircle focuses on practical, respectful support that helps older Australians remain comfortable and supported at home. Families should use My Aged Care and the relevant assessment process to confirm eligibility, classification, services, and funding arrangements.For trusted care, personalised support, and quality services, visit CareCircle to explore care options designed to support individuals and their families.
FAQs
1. What were the four Home Care Package Levels?
The previous Home Care Packages system had Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, ranging from lower to higher levels of assessed care needs. Existing recipients were transitioned to equivalent Support at Home classifications.
2. Are Home Care Package Levels still used in Australia?
The Home Care Packages Program was replaced by Support at Home on 1 November 2025. Some existing recipients continue to be identified through transitioned HCP classifications.
3. What replaced Home Care Package Levels 1–4?
The Support at Home program replaced the previous HCP system and now provides eight ongoing funding classifications based on assessed needs.
4. What services can Support at Home provide?
Depending on an individual’s assessed needs and support plan, services can include personal care, respite, transport, domestic assistance, home maintenance, and clinical or other approved supports.