Support at Home changes in 2026: a guide for Queensland families

What is the Support at Home program?

Support at Home is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program. It funds services, equipment and home modifications that help eligible older people stay safe and independent in their own home. It is managed nationally, so the rules are the same in Queensland as everywhere else.

Eligibility is set through an aged care assessment arranged by My Aged Care (opens in new tab). The assessment can approve ongoing support, or a short-term pathway such as restorative care after an illness or fall.

The 1 October 2026 personal care change

From 1 October 2026, personal care moved from the 'independence' contribution category into 'clinical supports'. That means approved personal care — help with showering, dressing, eating, hygiene and continence — is fully government-funded, as long as it is in your support plan and you have funds available.

• You do not need a new assessment if personal care was already approved.
• You do not need to apply for the change; it happens automatically.
• Contributions paid for personal care delivered before 1 October 2026 are not refunded.
• Contributions can still apply to other services such as cleaning, gardening, meals and some transport.

How Support at Home budgets work

People on ongoing Support at Home are placed in one of eight funding classifications based on their assessed needs. Funding is released as a quarterly budget, starting in July, October, January and April.

Ten per cent of each quarterly budget is set aside for care management, which covers your provider coordinating and reviewing your care. Unspent funds can generally be carried forward to the next quarter, up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, whichever is greater. The current classification amounts are published by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (opens in new tab).

What will I pay?

Under Support at Home you only contribute toward services you actually receive — not toward funds that sit unused. The amount depends on the type of service and your income and assets, which Services Australia may ask you to confirm.

How to apply in Queensland

1. Apply for an aged care assessment online at My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.
2. Complete the assessment at home with an assessor, who decides your eligibility and classification.
3. Review your support plan and choose an approved provider in your area.
4. Agree on services, prices and contributions with your provider before care starts.

While you wait for funding, many families arrange short-term private help. You can see our published rates on the aged care home care pricing page.

Next steps for Gold Coast and Brisbane families

If personal care was already in your plan, check your next monthly statement to confirm the contribution has stopped. If you held back on showering or dressing help because of the cost, it may be worth talking to your provider about adding it now.

Loving Hands Care delivers aged care services across the Gold Coast, including personal care supports and domestic supports. Talk to us about how your budget can be used.