From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services under Support at Home will have no out-of-pocket costs.
If you’re currently paying towards help with showering, getting dressed or other personal care routines, those contributions will stop for services delivered from that date.
You’ll still need personal care approved in your support plan, and you’ll still need available Support at Home funding to pay for it.
But if the personal contribution has made you hesitant to accept help, this change could make that decision easier.
Personal care may also cover more than you expect. Alongside showering, it can include support with grooming, eating, getting ready for the day and other essential routines.
Support at Home participants with personal care approved in their support plan and funding available can receive it without paying a contribution from 1 October. This includes eligible self-funded retirees as well as pensioners.
Personal care moves to the Clinical Supports category for contributions, but it's still paid from your Support at Home budget.
The Australian Government’s explanation sets out both requirements.
You don't need to be reassessed just because the contribution rules are changing. Your existing care can continue, subject to your approval and available funding, and your provider may contact you to update paperwork.
If the contribution has been limiting how much help you accept, it's worth raising that with your care partner. They can discuss whether a different service schedule would suit your needs and budget.
The change itself doesn't increase your funding or add visits automatically. Any adjustments should be worked through with you as part of your care plan.
Ask your provider to check your support plan. Personal care might already be approved even if you haven't been using it, in which case you can discuss how to arrange suitable help.
That support can extend beyond showering. Depending on your assessed needs, it might include dressing, grooming, toileting, hands-on help eating or medication prompts and reminders.
If personal care isn't approved, ask whether a Support Plan Review is needed.
If you're new to aged care, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss an assessment.
The contribution change doesn't automatically make funding available sooner. If your needs have changed while you've been waiting, contact My Aged Care and explain the additional support you now need.
Try to describe the tasks involved. For example, tell them if getting dressed, managing a shower or getting out of bed has become harder since your assessment.
If you're unsure where to start, the Harbour at Home team can help explain the process - get in touch today.
No. Personal care needs to be approved in your support plan, and you'll need available funding to receive it through Support at Home. If you're unsure what's included in your approval, ask your care partner to go through it with you before making arrangements for new services.
This announcement applies to Support at Home, rather than the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
If you're receiving CHSP services, check the arrangements with your provider.
Yes. You can discuss dressing assistance even if you manage other tasks independently. Explain which parts are difficult and what help you'd welcome.
Your assessment or support plan will determine what you're approved for, and your provider can then discuss services that fit your needs and funding.
No. The contribution change isn't tied to a particular provider.
If you're already receiving approved personal care through Support at Home, your existing provider can explain the updated arrangements.
You can consider changing providers if you want to, but it isn't a requirement for this change to apply.