Last reviewed: 31 October 2026.
Some good news for families using Support at Home: from 1 October 2026, personal care has no out-of-pocket cost for eligible people. Here’s what changed, who it applies to, how it fits with Support at Home contributions for other services, and what to check on the next statement.
What changed for Support at Home personal care
Personal care has moved from the “independence” category of Support at Home into the “clinical supports” category. Eligible participants who have personal care approved in their support plan, and who have Support at Home funding available, can now receive it at no out-of-pocket cost.
What counts as personal care
My Aged Care gives examples such as help with showering, dressing, and non-clinical continence management.
Who it applies to
- People in Support at Home who have personal care approved in their support plan
- Who have Support at Home funding available
- For services delivered from 1 October 2026. It doesn’t apply to services delivered before that date.
Support at Home contributions for other services
This change is about personal care. Your parent may still contribute towards some other services. An income and assets assessment works out what they’ll contribute:
- On the Age Pension or another means-tested Centrelink or DVA payment, usually no form is needed: just keep details up to date through myGov or on 132 300.
- Otherwise, complete the Support at Home calculation of your cost of care form (SA456).
Ask the provider how contributions work for any other services your parent receives, and check their prices for each service and for care management.
What to check
- Is personal care in the support plan? It’s listed in the support plan that comes with the Notice of Decision. If your parent needs help with things like showering or dressing and it isn’t there, talk to the assessment organisation or ask for a review within 28 days of receiving the letter.
- Look at the next monthly statement. Personal care delivered from 1 October 2026 should show no out-of-pocket cost for your parent, if they’re eligible. If it doesn’t, ask the provider.
- Check the rest of the statement. The services should match what was received, the dates and hours should look right, and there should be no charges you didn’t agree to.
Not in Support at Home yet?
The path starts with a My Aged Care assessment (many people still call it an ACAT assessment). The step-by-step guide shows how to apply, and our free plan shows each step from the first call to care starting. Start your free plan.
Questions families ask
Is personal care free under Support at Home?
From 1 October 2026, personal care has no out-of-pocket cost for eligible people who have it approved in their support plan and have Support at Home funding available.
What counts as personal care?
My Aged Care gives examples such as help with showering, dressing, and non-clinical continence management.
Does it apply to services before 1 October 2026?
No. It applies to services delivered from 1 October 2026.
Do we still pay contributions for other services?
Possibly. An income and assets assessment works out what your parent will contribute towards some services. Ask the provider how contributions work for other services.
Related: Support at Home funding and key dates · My Aged Care phone number and what to say · Staying in your home
General information only, not financial advice. LaunchUP is not paid by aged care providers and isn’t affiliated with My Aged Care or the Australian Government. Source checked 31 October 2026: My Aged Care: Personal care to be fully funded under Support at Home from October
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