Gov launches new grant opportunities for aged care

The Australian Government has launched two significant grant opportunities to enhance the aged care sector’s capacity and compliance with new legislative requirements.

Meanwhile, a third grant opportunity will help employers adjust to the increased leave entitlements that have resulted from the January 1 award increases.

Providers are encouraged to apply promptly to secure these opportunities for support and development.

Support at Home and Aged Care Act Transition Support Grant

The Department of Health and Aged Care has opened applications for the Support at Home and new Aged Care Act Transition Support 2024-25 Grant Opportunity (GO7421). 

This initiative offers one-off funding of $10,000 (excluding GST) to assist Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers in upgrading their IT systems. 

The funding will help these providers meet new obligations set to come into effect from July 1, 2025, under the Support at Home program and the new Aged Care Act.

Applications for this grant must be submitted online via GrantConnect by 2:00 pm (AEDT) on February 25, 2025. 

Successful applicants are expected to receive their Letter of Agreement by June 30, 2025.

For additional information or questions, providers can email [email protected], quoting the grant opportunity number GO7421.

CHSP 2025-27 Funding Extension

In parallel, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) 2025-27 Funding Extension Grant Opportunity has been made available to continue delivering entry-level aged care services. 

Eligible CHSP providers have been directly invited to apply with all relevant information provided by the department. 

Providers must apply via email to [email protected] before 2:00 pm (AEDT) on April 30, 2025. 

More information can be found on the GrantConnect website, including guidelines, FAQs, and additional resources on the CHSP reforms and extension resources.

Stage 3 Historical Leave Liabilities Grant

Acknowledging recent changes in the aged care sector’s workforce conditions, a new grant has been introduced to support the increased leave entitlements for aged care workers. 

The grant addresses the Fair Work Commission’s Stage 3 decision, effective from January 1, 2025. Eligible workers will have received an award wage increase of between 3% and 7% with an additional increase for some workers to come in October 1, 2025. 

The grant will provide the following supplement: 

• 25% for residential aged care providers
• 50% for Home Care Package, Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Transition Care Programme, Short-Term Restorative Care Programme and National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care providers

This funding covers accrued leave liabilities up to December 31, 2024, including long service leave, recreation leave, and personal leave. 

Applications for this grant must be made through GrantConnect before 2:00 pm (AEDT) on March 6, 2025, with a second funding round planned for October 1, 2025, to address further wage increases. 

Queries should be directed to [email protected], referencing GO7428.