From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government will fully fund certain personal care services delivered through the Support at Home program. Recipients will no longer need to make personal contributions towards these services.
The affected services include showering, dressing, support with self-administration of medication and non-clinical continence management. These services were previously classified in the Independence category, where some recipients may have been required to contribute towards their cost.
From 1 October 2026, these services will instead be classified as clinical support. The Government will cover their full cost, so recipients will not need to contribute.
What is not changing under Support at Home?
Participant contributions still apply to services delivered before 1 October 2026. Contributions already paid for those services will not be refunded.
Contributions will continue to apply to other Support at Home categories. These include Everyday Living services, such as cleaning and gardening, and remaining Independence services, such as transport.
Do Support at Home recipients need to do anything?
No action is required. Support at Home recipients will automatically be eligible for this change.
If you have any further questions or need more specific information, please contact our office on 8378 4000 for a chat.
