Are you on the home care package waiting list?

In November 2024, the government announced it would release an additional 83,000 home care packages to address the unacceptably high waiting list. At that time, approximately 76,000 people were on the waiting list, many of whom were receiving lower-level Home Care Packages (HCP) while they awaited upgrades.

The 83,000 packages are in addition to the 24,000 packages that were expected to be released over the past year to help manage the waiting list.

Unfortunately, the Government confirmed the delay in the commencement of the Aged Care Act means the release of these 83,000 new home care packages will also not occur until the Aged Care Act is implemented on 1 November 2025.

If your care needs have increased and you are awaiting a new assessment by the Single Assessment Service (SAS), the period from assessment to assignment of a higher-level package is likely to extend, except for people in the most urgent situations. The delay may also impact those already waiting for an upgrade to their existing packages.

If you are currently waiting for an assessment or re-assignment of a higher level package, we will continue to work with you to ensure that your unmet care needs are prioritised with the funding you currently have. We can also help you explore alternative programs and informal support options to address your care needs and goals.

Please let us know if you have any questions about how the delayed release of more packages may affect you, particularly if you are experiencing a decline in your health and/or feel that your care needs are increasing.

We can arrange for a care plan review with our team to help address your changing needs, including referring you for a comprehensive review from the Single Assessment Service (SAS).