If you've been putting off personal care because of the cost, this change matters.
From 1 October 2026, approved personal care under Support at Home will no longer require an out-of-pocket contribution when funding is available.
If you currently pay towards help with showering, dressing or eating, those personal contributions will end for services delivered from that date.
That could make a real difference to what you pay each month. It also raises an important question: what will this mean for your care budget, and for the other support you receive?
Our updated Quick Guide explains the personal care changes and how they fit into the broader Support at Home reforms.
Why are personal care contributions ending?
The government is moving personal care into the Clinical Supports contribution category from 1 October.
That means approved personal care is fully covered through your available Support at Home funds, without a personal contribution.
The service itself still has a price. The difference is that you won't be asked to pay part of that price out of your own pocket when the personal care approval and funding requirements are met.
You can read the government’s explanation of the contribution change for the official details.
What changes in your costs, and what stays the same?
Your personal care contribution becomes zero, but you may still contribute towards other services. How much difference you'll see overall depends on your current contribution arrangements and the care you receive.
For example, you might receive help getting dressed and have someone clean your home each week.
The help with changing clothes is personal care, while cleaning is a different service. Your contribution for one can end while the other continues.
Could the change make more personal care affordable?
It may make a difference if paying the contribution has stopped you from accepting support. You can ask your care partner to revisit those services and show you what your available funding could cover.
That might include help with grooming, toileting, eating or medication reminders, as well as showering. Explain which tasks you'd like help with so the conversation starts with your needs.
Any extra visits still need to fit your budget.
Ask to see the proposed schedule and what it would leave for other support before agreeing to a change. My Aged Care’s costs and contributions guide explains how provider prices and funding work together.
What should you ask your provider?
Ask them to explain which of your personal payments will change and how that will appear on your statements.
If you'd like to increase your personal care, raise that at the same time. Your care partner can check your approval and talk through the options.
And if you need help understanding the program or you're comparing providers, our team can talk you through what this means for you - get in touch today.
Have other questions about personal care?
Will self-funded retirees stop paying personal care contributions?
Yes. From 1 October 2026, self-funded retirees won't pay contributions for approved personal care when Support at Home funding is available.
Contributions for other services still depend on the arrangements that apply to you, so check those with your provider.
Can I get earlier contributions back?
The new arrangements aren't backdated. Contributions for personal care delivered before 1 October 2026 won't be refunded under this change.
If you receive an invoice afterwards, check the service dates so you can see whether the charges relate to care delivered before or after the change began.
What if I can't afford contributions for other services?
Let your provider know which costs you're finding difficult to manage. Financial hardship assistance may be available through Services Australia, depending on your circumstances. Your provider can explain how to find out more and help you understand the services, funding and contributions in your current care plan.
Want a clearer picture of your Support at Home costs?
Age Up's Quick Guide to Support at Home explains personal care, the service categories and how funding works. Keep it handy when you review your care plan, or share it with someone who helps you manage your arrangements.
