Government gives update on extra 20K HCP rollout

The Australian Government has provided an update on its rollout of an extra 20,000 Home Care Packages ahead of the 1 November commencement of aged care reforms.

As of 6 October, the government advised that 6665 packages have been allocated — with releases later in the week expected to take that number to half of the additional 20,000 packages.

“The remaining packages are on track for allocation before the Home Care Packages program transitions to the new Support at Home program on 1 November,” the government said.

“Demand for in-home care has more than doubled in the last five years, with an anticipated 320,000 people to have a Home Care Package allocation by 31 October 2025, compared to around 155,000 in 2020,” the government added.

“Packages continue to be released on a weekly basis in line with the National Priority System, which allocates care on an individual needs basis,” the government also said.

“Every single person identified as high priority and requiring urgent support will continue to receive their package within one month.”

An additional 63,000 Support at Home places will be rolled out by 30 June 2026, after the reforms commence on 1 November.

More information about the Support at Home and Home Care Packages programs is available via the My Aged Care website.

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