This means if you receive approved personal care services through Support at Home, you will no longer pay a co-contribution for those services. For many older Australians, this will help make essential care at home more affordable and easier to access.
Key points to note:
From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services under the Australian Government's Support at Home program will become fully government-funded. This means eligible participants will no longer pay out-of-pocket contributions for these important services.
The change is part of the Australian Government's ongoing aged care reforms and recognises the important role personal care plays in supporting health, safety, dignity and independence.
From 1 October 2026, personal care services will move to the Clinical Supports category, which is fully funded by the Australian Government.
As a result, eligible participants will no longer need to contribute towards the cost of approved personal care services delivered from this date.
Key points to note:
- From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services under Support at Home will be fully government-funded, meaning there will be no out-of-pocket costs for eligible participants.
- If you are already approved for personal care services, you do not need a new assessment, reassessment or approval.
- Personal care services include support with essential daily activities such as getting in and out of bed, dressing, personal hygiene, toileting, eating and drinking, and continence support.
- Your services can continue as they do today, with no interruption to your care arrangements.
A welcome change for older Australians receiving Support at Home services
Many older Australians rely on personal care services to maintain their independence, wellbeing and quality of life at home.From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services under the Australian Government's Support at Home program will become fully government-funded. This means eligible participants will no longer pay out-of-pocket contributions for these important services.
The change is part of the Australian Government's ongoing aged care reforms and recognises the important role personal care plays in supporting health, safety, dignity and independence.
What's changing?
Currently, personal care services sit within the Independence category under Support at Home and may attract a participant contribution based on individual circumstances.From 1 October 2026, personal care services will move to the Clinical Supports category, which is fully funded by the Australian Government.
As a result, eligible participants will no longer need to contribute towards the cost of approved personal care services delivered from this date.
What is personal care?
Personal care includes support with everyday activities such as showering, dressing, personal hygiene, eating and drinking. These services will continue to be delivered in the same way they are today. The only change is how they are funded.What do you need to do?
If you are a Support at Home customer approved for personal care services and have available funding within your budget, there is nothing you need to do. You don't need a new assessment or any new applications. Your existing care arrangements can continue as normal.