The Federal Government has extended the claiming deadline for the first quarter of the new Support at Home program, following concerns raised by Catholic aged care providers during the transition.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has confirmed our members will now have 90 days instead of 60 days to submit claims for services delivered between 1 November and 31 December 2025, with the deadline extended to 31 March 2026.
The transitional measure follows concerns raised by providers about administrative pressures during implementation of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home reforms.
"This is a welcome and pragmatic decision by the Government during a period of significant reform," said Alex Lynch, Director of Aged Care at Catholic Health Australia.
"Catholic providers raised concerns about the original 60-day claiming window as they transition to the new Support at Home system. Extending the first quarter deadline to 90 days gives providers breathing room to focus on what matters most: delivering high-quality care to older Australians."
CHA had raised the issue directly with Government and the Department in recent weeks, advocating for flexibility during the transition phase.
"We appreciate the Department's cooperation and constructive response," Mr Lynch said.
"Providers will continue to monitor implementation of the Support at Home program and work collaboratively with the Government if further adjustments are needed. Our focus remains on making sure the new system works smoothly for older Australians and those who care for them."
Under the transitional arrangement, providers will have until 31 March 2026 to submit claims for services delivered between 1 November and 31 December 2025. The standard 60-day claiming period will apply to subsequent quarters.
