Policy explainer
The no worse off guarantee under Support at Home
When Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, the government introduced a no worse off guarantee. Participants who held a Home Care Package on 31 October 2025 cannot be moved to a lower funding tier or asked to pay a higher contribution than they did under the package.
What this page covers
- Applies to participants who held a Home Care Package on 31 October 2025
- Funding level cannot be reduced because of the transition
- Contribution percentages cannot increase under the transition
- Holds even if circumstances would otherwise put the person at a higher contribution rate
Who the guarantee covers
The guarantee covers any participant who was an active Home Care Package recipient on 31 October 2025. The participant's classification under Support at Home cannot reduce the package level they held. The participant's contribution percentage cannot be higher than it was under the previous package arrangement.
What the guarantee protects
- The package level on the day of transition (a Level 4 package holder becomes a Support at Home Level 4 participant at minimum)
- The contribution percentage on the day of transition
- Any unspent funding rolls into the Support at Home budget under existing rules
When the guarantee does not apply
- Participants who started after 1 November 2025 (the new rules apply directly)
- If the participant's circumstances change in a way that would naturally increase their entitlement, the no worse off guarantee floor remains, but the participant may also benefit from any higher entitlement
Frequently asked questions
How do I check the guarantee applies to me?
Log in to My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422. They can confirm your package level on 31 October 2025 and your current contribution percentage.
Has anyone been moved to a worse position by mistake?
A small number of households reported this in the first weeks of the new program. If your contribution suddenly increased, raise it with your case manager and call OPAN on 1800 700 600 for advocacy support.