Personal Care is Becoming Fully Funded Under Support at Home: What It Means for You
If you receive home care services, or you’re preparing to start, there’s an important change coming to the Support at Home program that could help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government will change the way some home care services are categorised and funded under Support at Home.
In simple terms:
Some personal care services that previously required a client contribution will now become fully government funded.
This is a positive change for older Australians because it makes essential care more affordable, accessible and easier to receive when needed.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Actually Changing?
Under the Support at Home program, services are grouped into three categories:
Clinical Supports
These are health-related services and are fully funded by the Government.
Examples include:
• Nursing care
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Wound care
Client contribution: $0
Independence Supports
These services help you remain safe, independent and supported at home.
Examples include:
• Personal care
• Transport
• Social support
• Respite
Client contribution may apply (for Support at Home participants only, excludes grandfathered Home Care Package clients).
Everyday Living Supports
These services support your comfort, wellbeing and home environment.
Examples include:
• Cleaning
• Gardening
• Meal preparation
Client contribution may apply (for Support at Home participants only, excludes grandfathered Home Care Package clients).
Which Services Are Changing?
The main services affected include support with:
• Showering and bathing
• Dressing
• Toileting
• Continence support
• Personal hygiene and grooming
These are everyday tasks that many older people rely on to stay safe, healthy and comfortable at home.
Under the new rules, these supports will no longer attract a client co-contribution, helping make essential care more affordable for those who need it.
Why Has the Government Made This Change?
The aged care sector raised concerns that charging older people for essential personal care created a barrier to getting help.
For some people, the cost meant delaying support or going without it altogether.
The Government has recognised that services like showering, dressing and continence support are not optional extras.
They are essential care needs that play an important role in a person’s health, dignity and independence.
By moving these services into the fully funded category, the system becomes more practical, supportive and fair.
What Does This Mean for Clients?
1. Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs
If you currently pay a contribution toward personal care services, those costs may reduce or disappear by October 2026.
For example:
If you receive help with showering five days a week, that support may now be fully funded instead of partly funded by you.
That could make a noticeable difference to your weekly care costs and overall package budget.
Speak with our team to see how these changes might affect you or your loved one!
2. More of Your Budget Available for Other Supports
If less of your package funding is going toward personal care, it may free up funds for other services such as:
• Domestic assistance
• Transport
• Allied health
• Social support
• Assistive technology
This can help your overall package stretch further and give you more flexibility in the support you receive.
3. Easier Access to Care Earlier
Cost can sometimes stop people from accepting help when they need it.
Removing contributions for essential personal care may encourage people to start support sooner, which can help prevent falls, illness, hospital admissions and carer stress.
Earlier support can often make a significant difference to long-term wellbeing and independence.
Will My Care Change?
For most clients, your day-to-day care will stay the same.
The support you receive, the people who provide it, and your care plan won’t suddenly change.
What may change is how some of those services are classified and funded.
If your care plan is affected, our team will explain exactly what this means for you and answer any questions you may have.
Do I Need to Do Anything?
No. Providers like Home Care Assistance will manage the service and funding updates behind the scenes.
This includes:
• reviewing service codes
• updating budgets
• adjusting care plans if needed
• explaining any changes to clients and families
Our role is to make sure your care continues smoothly and that you feel informed and supported throughout the process.
A Positive Change for Older Australians
This update is a positive step toward making essential home care more accessible and affordable.
Personal care is one of the most important supports people receive at home. It helps maintain dignity, health and independence while supporting people to continue living safely and comfortably in familiar surroundings.
By implementing these changes for the future, and by fully funding these services, the Government is recognising just how important they are.
If you have questions about how these changes may affect your Support at Home services, our team is here to help.
Contact Home Care Assistance to speak with our team and better understand your options.