What the no worse off principle means under the Support at Home program
The no worse off principle protects existing care arrangements and guarantees that no one will lose access or funding because of the transition to Support at Home.
Table of Contents
On 12 September 2024 the government released an update that the new Act would include a no worse off principle. This will assure participants already in aged care that they will not need to make a greater contribution to their care.
At Leora, we know how important it is to feel informed and reassured ahead of this shift. That’s why we’re here to help you understand one of the key protections being introduced: the no worse off principle.
See related story: Support at home: Aged care at home is changing in July 2025
What is the ‘no worse off’ principle?
The no worse off principle is designed to protect people moving from the Home Care Packages (HCP) program to Support at Home. This means anyone who previously received an HCP will not pay higher participant contributions under Support at Home than they did before.
If you’re an HCP recipient, on the National Priority System (NPS), or assessed as eligible on or before 12 September 2024, you’re considered a grandfathered participant under the new system.
Your financial contributions toward care will stay the same, or be lower, than what you were paying under the HCP program, even if you’re re-assessed into a higher Support at Home classification later on.
Here’s how it works:
If you were required to pay an income-tested care fee under your HCP, you’ll pay the same or less under Support at Home.
If you did not have to pay an income-tested care fee under your HCP, you won’t have to make any contributions under Support at Home. This includes all full-rate pensioners.
For more details, read the latest version of the Support at Home manual published 2025 October.
Why the no worse off principle matters
We understand that change can be unsettling especially when it affects something as important as your daily care and independence. But this shift to Support at Home is designed to improve flexibility and quality in aged care, based on recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The no worse off principle is only one of several measures in place to make sure your care continues smoothly. It’s about preserving your peace of mind during a time of change.
Support at Home with Leora Healthcare
As a provider committed to person-centred care, Leora is here to make this transition easier to understand, manage and plan for. If you have questions about how the upcoming changes may affect your care plan or funding, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.