Personal care to be fully funded under Support at Home from 1 October 2026
The Australian Government has announced an important update to the Support at Home (SaH) program, affecting how personal care services are funded.
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The Australian Government has announced an important update to the Support at Home (SaH) program, affecting how personal care services are funded.
From 1 October 2026, personal care will be:
- Fully funded for eligible participants
- Reclassified from the “independence” category to “clinical supports”
What is included under personal care?
Previously, personal care was classified under independence support and may have included participant contributions. From October 2026, it will be funded under clinical supports, which are fully government-funded.
Personal care refers to support with everyday activities such as:
- Showering
- Dressing
- Hygiene
- Non-clinical continence management
These services are an essential part of daily support for many older Australians receiving care at home.
Who is eligible for fully funded personal care?
To access personal care at no out-of-pocket cost, participants must:
- Have approval for personal care in their Support at Home plan
- Have available Support at Home funding
It’s important to note that:
- This change applies from 1 October 2026 onwards
- It does not apply to services delivered before this date
What does this mean for Support at Home clients?
This update changes how personal care is funded and categorised within the Support at Home program.
While further guidance for providers is expected, participants may wish to:
- Review their current support plan
- Confirm whether personal care is included and approved
- Speak with their provider to understand how this change may apply to them
Stay informed
As the Support at Home program continues to roll out, updates like this are part of ongoing changes to how services are structured and funded.
Keeping in touch with your provider will help ensure your support continues to reflect your needs.
If you’re looking for a Support at Home provider for yourself or a loved one—or thinking of switching providers—our team is here to help!
Explore our services and speak with one of our Care Partners today.