Good news for older Australians receiving home care: From 1 October 2026, eligible personal care services under the Australian Government’s Support at Home program no longer require an out-of-pocket participant contribution.

For families arranging care for Mum, Dad or another loved one, this is an important change that could make essential daily support more affordable.

But does it mean all home care is now free? Not quite.

Here’s what has changed, who qualifies and what families should check.

What’s changed from 1 October 2026?

Under the Support at Home program, personal care services have moved from the Independence contribution category to the Clinical Supports contribution category.

This means the Australian Government now covers the full cost of eligible personal care services, without requiring the participant to make a contribution.

To qualify, the person must:

Have personal care services approved in their Support at Home support plan.

Have sufficient available Support at Home funding to cover those services.

The change applies to eligible personal care delivered from 1 October 2026. Services delivered before that date may still attract contributions, even if invoiced afterwards.

What personal care services are included?

Personal care refers to assistance with essential daily activities that help older Australians maintain their independence, dignity and wellbeing.

Examples include:

• Showering and bathing: Help with personal washing and hygiene.
• Dressing: Assistance getting dressed and ready for the day.
• Eating: Support with everyday eating activities.
• Continence support: Eligible non-clinical continence management assistance.
• Personal hygiene: Help with grooming and daily hygiene routines.
• Medication assistance: Eligible assistance with self-administration of medication.

The precise services available depend on the person’s assessed needs and approved support plan.spected there. A good provider will ensure consistency, listen to your preferences, and act swiftly if issues arise.

Does this mean all Home Care services are free?

No. The change applies to eligible approved personal care services, not every type of home support.

Under Support at Home, services fall into different contribution categories.

For services that attract contributions, the amount depends on the service category and the person’s assessed financial circumstances.

This makes it important to understand the difference between the provider’s service price, the amount funded by government and any contribution payable by the participant.

What if Mum or Dad already receives personal care?

If your loved one is already approved for personal care under Support at Home, they generally do not need a new assessment solely because of this contribution change.

However, it’s worth reviewing their care arrangements.

Ask their provider:

1. Has the personal care contribution change been applied from 1 October 2026?
2. Will the change appear on our next invoice or monthly statement?
3. Which services in the care plan still require contributions?
4. Could the existing care budget support additional personal care if needed?

Remember that personal care still uses available Support at Home funding, even though the participant no longer contributes towards eligible services.

What if you’re arranging Home Care for the first time?

If you’re beginning the aged care journey for a parent or loved one, the first step is understanding their care needs and eligibility for government-funded support.

You can start through My Aged Care, the Australian Government’s aged care information and assessment service.

Following an assessment, an eligible person may receive approval for services under Support at Home.

Once you understand the approved services and funding arrangements, you can begin comparing providers.

Why comparing Home Care providers still matters

Even with the new contribution arrangements, different providers may offer different service prices, availability, staff experience and approaches to care.

Before choosing a provider, consider:

• Location: Does the provider support your suburb?
• Services: Can they deliver the personal care and other assistance required?
• Pricing: Are service prices and any applicable contributions clearly explained?
• Availability: How soon can services begin?
• Experience: Do staff have experience with your loved one’s needs?
• Language and culture: Can the provider accommodate personal preferences?
• Flexibility: Can the care arrangement change as needs evolve?

Taking time to compare options can help your family choose a provider that fits both your loved one’s needs and their circumstances.

How My Care Options can help

Finding suitable home care should not feel overwhelming.

At My Care Options, we help families explore and compare Home Care providers based on their location, care requirements and personal preferences.

Whether you’re arranging support for the first time or considering a change of provider, understanding your options is an important first step.

Understand your care needs and compare suitable providers.

Find My Care Options

Visit www.mycareoptions.com.au to explore your home care options.

Official government information:

For further information about the October 2026 changes, visit:

• My Aged Care — Support at Home personal care contribution changes: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/news-and-updates/support-home-personal-care-contribution-changes
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Personal care contribution change: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/charging-for-support-at-home-services/personal-care-contribution-change

Disclaimer: This article provides general information current as at 12 October 2026. Eligibility, approved services and contribution arrangements depend on individual circumstances. For personalised advice about government funding and contributions, contact My Aged Care or Services Australia.