My Aged Care update

My Aged Care news: Support at Home package changes explained

Published 22 September 2026. This report explains recent My Aged Care and Support at Home updates in plain English for older people, families and carers in Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast.

Australia's in-home aged care system has changed significantly. Support at Home is now the main government-funded program for older people who need coordinated support to remain living safely and independently at home. The program sits alongside My Aged Care, which remains the main entry point for assessments, provider searching and aged care information.

Support at Home has replaced Home Care Packages

Support at Home started on 1 November 2025. It replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The program was introduced to make in-home aged care more consistent, improve access to assistive technology and home modifications, and help older people stay active, healthy and connected to their community.

Older people can still use My Aged Care to apply for an assessment online, search for providers or call 1800 200 422 for information. Assessments help work out what support a person may need and whether services should be arranged through Support at Home or another aged care pathway.

CHSP is continuing for now

The Commonwealth Home Support Program, often called CHSP, provides entry-level support such as domestic assistance, transport, meals and social support. CHSP has not fully moved into Support at Home yet.

The Australian Government has extended CHSP grant funding to 30 June 2029. This means many older people can continue to access entry-level CHSP services while future arrangements are considered. The government has said consultation will continue on the future of CHSP, entry-level services and in-home support.

Personal care will be fully funded from 1 October 2026

From 1 October 2026, personal care under Support at Home will be fully government-funded for eligible participants who have personal care approved in their support plan and have available Support at Home funding.

Personal care includes help with tasks such as showering, dressing and non-clinical continence support. The change means personal care will move from the independence category to the clinical supports category, reducing out-of-pocket costs for eligible participants from that date.

Support at Home funding and subsidies are changing

Support at Home uses funding classifications based on assessed needs. The government allocates funding on behalf of eligible participants to registered Support at Home providers. Care management is funded separately from direct services, and some supplements may apply where specialised care is needed.

From 1 October 2026, Support at Home subsidy rates and some supplements will increase to help providers meet aged care nurses' award wage increases. The government says this is intended to help older people continue receiving nursing care where it is needed.

What services can Support at Home include?

Support at Home can include a wide range of services depending on the person's assessment and support plan. Examples include personal care, nursing and clinical support, domestic assistance, home maintenance, transport, social support, assistive technology and home modifications.

There are different contribution rules for different types of services. The government pays the full cost of clinical support, while participants may contribute to everyday living and independence services depending on their circumstances.

What local families can do now

For older people and families in Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast, the most useful steps are:

• Keep My Aged Care letters, support plans and assessment details in one place.
• Check whether your services are through Support at Home, CHSP or another pathway.
• Ask your provider to explain any fees, contributions or service changes before agreeing.
• Review whether personal care, transport, social support or domestic assistance is still meeting current needs.
• Use My Aged Care or official government pages for current information.

Official sources

This article is a general summary only and is not legal, financial or aged care assessment advice. For the latest official information, visit:

• Australian Government: About the Support at Home program
• Australian Government: My Aged Care
• Australian Government: CHSP extended to 30 June 2029
• Australian Government: Personal care fully funded from October
• Australian Government: Funding for Support at Home