Understanding the Support at Home ‘No Worse Off’ Principle 

As Australia’s aged care system transitions to Support at Home, the government has introduced important protections for existing Home Care Package recipients through the ‘no worse off’ principle. 

This safeguard applies to anyone who was receiving a Home Care Package or had been approved for one by 12 September 2024. It ensures these individuals will pay the same or lower contributions under Support at Home compared to what they paid under the Home Care Packages program. 

Key protections 

Participants who weren’t paying fees under their Home Care Package won’t pay any contributions under Support at Home – even if they’re reassessed into a higher classification later. Those who were contributing to their package costs will continue paying the same amount or less under the new program. 

Existing funding levels remain protected, with any unspent funds from Home Care Packages transferring across to Support at Home. Participants maintain access to the same level of support they’ve been receiving. 

Different lifetime caps 

An important distinction exists in lifetime contribution caps. Under the ‘no worse off’ principle, the lifetime cap remains at $84,571.66 (as at 20 September 2025), considerably lower than the standard Support at Home cap of $135,318.69. Once participants reach this cap, no further contributions are required for their services. 

This principle offers financial stability during a significant system change. Contributions won’t increase simply because the aged care framework is evolving. The government designed these protections to ensure the transition to Support at Home doesn’t create additional financial pressure for existing package recipients. 

For those approved for Home Care Packages after 12 September 2024, standard Support at Home contribution rates and rules will apply from the outset.