Aged Care Changes from 1 October 2026: Are Personal Care Services Free?
Australia's aged care system is changing again, with an important update coming into effect on 1 October 2026. Under the Support at Home program, approved personal care services will become fully funded by the Australian Government.
For older people and their families, this means there will no longer be an out-of-pocket contribution for approved personal care services delivered from 1 October 2026, provided the person has personal care included in their support plan and has available Support at Home funding. Learn more about the personal care contribution changes.
But what exactly is changing, and what does it mean for people receiving care at home?
What Is Changing on 1 October 2026?
From 1 October 2026, all personal care services under the Support at Home service list will move from the Independence contribution category to the Clinical Supports contribution category.
In simple terms, the Australian Government will fully fund approved personal care services. This means eligible Support at Home participants will not need to pay a contribution towards these services.
This change is designed to make essential personal care more accessible for older people who need help with everyday personal needs.
Importantly, the change applies to personal care services delivered from 1 October 2026 onwards. Services delivered before this date will continue to be subject to the contribution arrangements that applied at the time.
What Is Personal Care?
Personal care is support that helps a person manage essential daily activities while maintaining their dignity, comfort and independence.
Under the Support at Home service list, personal care can include assistance with:
Showering and bathing
Dressing and undressing
Personal hygiene
Eating
Non-clinical continence management
Assistance with self-administration of medication
For the full list of personal care services, visit the Australian Government's Support at Home service list. (Updated 24/Sep/2026)
The definition of personal care itself is not changing on 1 October 2026. The main change is how participants contribute towards the cost of these services.
For example, an older person who needs assistance getting ready in the morning may receive support with showering, dressing and personal hygiene. If these services are approved in their Support at Home plan, they can receive this personal care without an out-of-pocket contribution from 1 October.
Who Is Eligible for the Change?
The change applies to people receiving Support at Home who:
Have personal care approved in their support plan; and
Have available funding in their Support at Home budget.
If both conditions are met, the participant will not pay a contribution for approved personal care services delivered from 1 October 2026.
Not sure whether you or your loved one is eligible for Support at Home?
You can check your eligibility through My Aged Care and arrange an assessment with My Aged Care to understand what support may be available to you.
Or contact AB Health. Our team can help you understand your care options and guide you through the next steps.
What Does This Mean for Older People and Their Families?
For older people who rely on assistance with personal care, the change may make it easier to access the support they need without worrying about a personal-care contribution.
Personal care can be an important part of staying safe and comfortable at home. Some people may need occasional assistance, while others may require regular support with showering, dressing, hygiene or other daily activities.
Removing the contribution for approved personal care may also reduce some of the financial pressure associated with arranging regular support.
For families and carers, it can provide greater clarity when planning care for a parent, partner or another family member.
However, each person's situation is different. The services available to an individual will continue to depend on their assessment, support plan, available funding and care needs.
Will My Personal Care Services Change?
For people already receiving approved personal care, the service itself does not need to change because of this policy update.
The services themselves are not changing. The definition of personal care, service scope, and how personal care is delivered will remain the same. There are also no changes to workforce roles, qualifications or delivery models as part of this change.
If you are already receiving personal care through Support at Home, you should continue receiving your approved services as usual, provided you remain eligible and have available funding.
Your provider may contact you before the change to update documents such as your service agreement or care plan.
Do I Need to Do Anything Before 1 October?
For most participants, no action is required to receive the change. The new contribution arrangement will apply automatically to eligible approved personal care services delivered from 1 October 2026.
However, it can still be useful to review your current care arrangements.
You may want to:
Check which personal care services are included in your support plan.
Speak with your care provider if your care needs have changed.
Ask your provider about your available Support at Home funding.
Check which other services may still require a participant contribution.
Discuss your options if cost has previously made it difficult to access the personal care you need.
If you are unsure about how the changes apply to you, your aged care provider can help explain your current support arrangements.
How AB Health Can Help
Understanding aged care funding and changes to government programs can sometimes feel complicated. At AB Health, we help older people and families access practical support that fits their individual needs.
Our home care services can include personal care, assistance with daily activities, meal preparation, household support, companionship, and other forms of in-home assistance.
Whether you need occasional help or more regular support, our team can work with you to understand your needs and arrange care that helps you feel comfortable and supported at home.
Need help with care at home? Contact AB Health to discuss your needs and find out how we can support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is personal care free from 1 October 2026?
Approved personal care services under Support at Home will be fully funded by the Australian Government from 1 October 2026. Participants will not pay an out-of-pocket contribution for these services if personal care is approved in their support plan and they have available Support at Home funding.
What personal care services are included?
Personal care includes assistance with activities such as showering, dressing, eating, personal hygiene, non-clinical continence management and assistance with self-administration of medication.
Do I need to apply again for personal care?
No. If you have already been assessed and approved for personal care, you do not need to be reassessed specifically because of this change.
What if I am not sure whether my service is considered personal care?
If you are unsure whether a particular service is covered, speak with AB Health or check the official Support at Home service list.
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