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Summary

From 1 October 2026, personal care under Support at Home will move into the Clinical Supports category, which is fully government-funded. This means there will be no co-contribution for services such as showering, dressing, and continence care. If you already receive Support at Home, speak with your provider now to see how this affects your care plan and budget.

What is changing on 1 October 2026?

Right now, personal care sits in the Independence category, where some participants pay part of the cost themselves. From 1 October 2026, personal care moves into the clinical support category. This matters because Clinical supports are fully funded by the government. Once personal care sits in this category, you will not pay a co-contribution for it. Two people with the same care plan may have paid different amounts before this change, depending on their income and assets. From 1 October, that difference disappears for Personal care.
 
The change applies to personal care delivered from 1 October 2026 onward. It does not apply to care you received before that date, so any past invoices are not affected.
 

What counts as personal care?

Personal care covers the everyday help many older people need to stay safe and comfortable at home. Under Support at Home, this generally includes help with showering, dressing and personal hygiene. It can also cover continence care and support with moving around the home safely.
 
Many older people manage well with a little help each day, rather than needing to move into residential care. Personal care is often the support that makes this possible. It can also ease pressure on family members who might otherwise take on these tasks themselves.
 
The exact tasks included depend on your individual care plan. Your provider works with you to set this out clearly. 
Support at Home also funds other types of support that work alongside personal care.
 

What does this mean for your current care plan?

If you already receive personal care under Support at Home, this change is good news. It is still worth checking your care plan before 1 October. Contact your provider now and ask them to explain how the change affects your fees, and what it means for the rest of your quarterly budget. 
 
For more resources read:
 

What if you are not yet receiving Support at Home?

If you are not yet receiving Support at Home, you can start the process today. The first step is to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or visit myagedcare.gov.au.
 
My Aged Care will arrange an assessment to work out your needs and the type of support that suits you. This assessment looks at things like your mobility, your daily tasks, and any health conditions that affect how you manage at home. Once you are approved, you choose a registered provider, such as Holdsworth, to deliver your services.
 
Choosing a provider is a personal decision. Look for one that knows your local area, offers the services you need, and communicates in a way that suits you and your family. It is fine to ask providers questions before you commit, and to compare more than one before you decide.
 
Waiting times vary depending on how urgent your needs are. Some people are prioritised sooner than others, based on their circumstances. If your ongoing funding takes time to arrive, interim funding may be available so you can access essential support sooner.
 
 

What about other services? Will costs change for those too?

The 1 October 2026 change applies specifically to personal care. Other Support at Home services, such as domestic assistance and social support, stay in their current categories. This means co-contributions for these other services continue as before. Your provider can explain which of your services sit in each category, and what you pay for each one.
 
For the full picture, see the Support at Home service list: inclusions and exclusions. If cost is a concern, financial hardship assistance for Support at Home may also be available to you.
 

What about unspent funds?

Support at Home works on a quarterly budget. If you do not spend your full budget in a quarter, part of it can carry over to the next one. The amount that carries over is 10% or $1,000, whichever is higher, into the next quarter.
 
For example, if your quarterly budget is $3,000 and you spend $2,500, your $500 unspent amount carries over in full, because it is below the $1,000 floor. If you left a much larger amount unspent, only the higher of $1,000 or 10% of your budget would carry forward. 
 
Speak with your provider regularly about your budget. They can help you plan ahead, so your funding matches the support you actually need.
 
 

Frequently asked questions

 What is the difference between clinical supports and independence supports?

Clinical supports are fully funded by the government, with no co-contribution required. Independence supports, such as domestic assistance and some social support services, may still involve a co-contribution depending on your circumstances. Ask your provider about the details of your own plan.
 

I am on CHSP, not Support at Home. Does this change affect me?

No. This change applies to the Support at Home program, not the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). If you receive CHSP, your services and fees continue as usual.
 
This article was reviewed by the Holdsworth Aged Care team.
 

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