From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will introduce the new Support at Home program, replacing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC).
On July 1, 2025 3Bridges transitioned our services to align with the new model:
- Lower administration fees – just 10%, so more of your funding goes directly into your care.
- Simpler, clearer pricing – no hidden extras, no surprises, see price list.
- Continuity and consistency – the same team you know, already working under the new framework.
By preparing early, we’ve taken the stress out of the upcoming reforms. For our clients, nothing changes on 1 November, because we’re already there.
A Refresher: Support at Home Changes
Here are the major changes and protections built into the reform and what they mean for you as a client:
| Feature | What Changes / Is New | What It Means for You |
| More classification levels | The new system expands from 4 to 8 ongoing care levels, plus short-term pathways, including an end-of-life care pathway. | Your care will more closely match your actual needs. You won’t be forced into “boxes” that don’t suit. |
| Quarterly budgets & rollover limits | Budgets will be allocated quarterly. Some unused funds (within limits) can be carried over. | You’ll have more flexibility in how you use your allocated support, but there will be rules around how much you can carry forward. |
| Government-set price caps | From mid-2026, providers will be restricted by government caps on service fees. | You will get more consistency and protection and you won’t pay arbitrary or wide-variant fares across providers. |
| No contributions for clinical care | Nursing, allied health, and other clinical services will be fully government-funded. | You won’t pay extra (“out of pocket”) for your clinical care under the new model. |
| Mandatory contribution for non-clinical supports | For services like personal care, domestic help, and gardening, you’ll contribute depending on your assessed income and assets. | This ensures fairness: those who can pay more, do so; those less able pay less. |
| “No worse off” guarantee | If you were approved for an HCP before 12 September 2024, reforms won’t make you financially worse off. | Your current contribution arrangements will be protected under this rule. |
| Streamlined assessments & single assessment system | A new Single Assessment System will replace older assessment structures to speed up and standardise decision-making. | Getting assessed (or reassessed) should become easier, more consistent, and fairer. |
| Transition of unused funds | Any funds remaining under your current HCP will carry over to your Support at Home account. | You retain the value of what you’ve already earned or received, and nothing is lost during the switch. |
Who’s Affected & How the Transition Works
Not every client will transition the same way. The path depends on when your current package was approved and where you are in your care journey.
| Client Type | When You Were Approved | What It Means for You |
|---|
| Established Client | Approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024 | You’re protected under the “no worse off” rule — your current contribution arrangements will not increase. |
| Transition Client | Approved for a Home Care Package between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025 | From 1 November 2025, you’ll move into the new Contribution Framework. Your fees may change, but your access to services continues. |
| New Client | First approved for care on or after 1 November 2025 | You’ll start under the new rules immediately, with contributions set by Services Australia and based on your financial situation. |
Support at Home – Frequently Asked Questions
What 3Bridges Offers
With so many providers, it helps to know the right questions to ask so you can feel confident you are making the best choice.
1. What makes your services different?
At 3Bridges, we don’t outsource. Our care workers are trained and employed directly by us, which means you can count on consistent quality and the confidence that every carer meets our standards.
2. Do I get a say in the services I receive?
Yes. Your care plan is built with you, not for you. We work with you to prioritise the supports that matter most to your independence and wellbeing.
3. How do you listen to feedback?
We believe in open, ongoing communication. You can share feedback through your Client Relationship Coordinator, by phone, or through our formal feedback process, and we use that input to improve our services.
4. Will I see the same carers each week?
Where possible, yes. Because our workforce is insourced, we can prioritise continuity so you’re not meeting a new face at every visit. Having familiar carers helps build trust and ensures someone who knows your needs well can notice changes quickly.
5. How do you make sure my care needs are met?
You’ll have a dedicated Client Relationship Coordinator who will review your goals, budget, and services regularly. Together, we will adjust your plan to ensure it fits your life as your needs evolve.
6. How do you check carers are qualified and safe?
All 3Bridges staff undergo police checks, reference checks, and must maintain the right qualifications and training. Our compliance, alongside a dedicated learning & development team ensures our workforce meets industry and regulatory standards.
7. How many hours of care will I get?
We are committed to maximising the hours of support you receive. Because we keep administration at 10%, more of your package goes directly into services that make a difference in your day-to-day life.
8. What fees do you charge?
Our pricing is transparent: a flat 10% care management and administration fee. No hidden costs, no exit fees. You always know what you’re paying for.
9. Can you support me where I live?
We provide care across many areas across Sydney. Our locally based teams mean you get care from people who know your community.
10. Do you offer flexibility if my needs change?
Absolutely. Whether it’s increasing your hours, adding new supports, or adjusting your plan after hospital discharge, we adapt with you. 3Bridges 360 model of care is designed to evolve with your situation. If you are interested in learning more about the 3Bridges 360 model of care, please reach out to our team at 1300 327 434 or contact us via the contact form.
👉 Tip: When comparing providers, look beyond just the fees. Ask how they recruit and train staff, how they communicate, and whether they deliver care with consistency and respect.
