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Dear Support at Home recipients, families and carers,

We would like to share an important update about upcoming changes to personal care contributions under the Support at Home program.

From 1 October 2026, personal care services will move from the Independence contribution category to the Clinical Supports contribution category.

This means that, from this date, eligible Support at Home recipients will no longer be required to pay out-of-pocket contributions for approved personal care services, provided the service is included in their support plan and there is available Support at Home funding.

If you or your loved one is approved for personal care under Support at Home, the Australian Government will fully fund those approved personal care services from 1 October 2026.

Personal care may include support with:

• Showering
• Dressing
• Personal hygiene
• Eating
• Toileting and continence support
• Assistance with self-administration of medication
• 
  

This is a positive change for older Australians, as personal care is an essential support that helps people remain safe, well and dignified in their own homes.

It is important to understand that this change does not mean personal care services will automatically increase.

Personal care must still be:

• Approved in the person’s Support at Home support plan
• Within the person’s available Support at Home funding
• Delivered according to the agreed care plan and budget
• 
  

Your current provider and existing care arrangements can continue as usual.

Other Support at Home services may still have contributions depending on the type of service and the person’s circumstances.

Until the change takes effect, recipients may still need to pay any applicable personal care contributions.

There will be no refund for personal care contributions paid before 1 October 2026.

At Ashand Care and Services, we believe personal care is not a luxury. It is a vital part of maintaining safety, dignity, independence and wellbeing at home.

For many older people, support with showering, dressing, hygiene and continence care can make a meaningful difference to their daily life and confidence.

This change may help reduce financial pressure for some recipients and families from October 2026.

If personal care is important for you or your loved one, it may be helpful to:

• Review the current support plan
• Check whether personal care is included
• Ask how personal care is reflected in the budget
• Speak with your provider if needs have changed
• Request a review if current supports are no longer meeting daily care needs

Families should feel comfortable asking questions about what is funded, what may have a contribution, and how the Support at Home budget is being used.