Skip to main content Skip to main navigation
Home Page

Support at Home Changes in 2026 and What Faster Access Means for You

Navigating the aged care system has historically been a challenge for many Australian families. One of the biggest hurdles has been the long wait to receive funding after being approved for support.
However, big changes are happening. The new Support at Home program is designed to be simpler, fairer, and much faster. If you are looking for in-home aged care for yourself or a loved one, 2026 brings significant updates that aim to get you the help you need sooner.

What Is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is the Australian Government’s new way of providing in-home aged care. Launched on 1 November 2025, it replaced the old Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.
This unified program is built on the idea that support should be tailored to your specific goals and household needs. It aims to help older Australians live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Unlike the old system, which only had four levels of care, Support at Home now offers eight different funding classifications. This allows for a much better match between the support a person actually needs and the funding they receive.

What Changes Were Announced in the 2026 Budget?

The 2026 Federal Budget confirmed several updates to make home care more affordable and responsive. A major highlight is the reclassification of personal care services.
From October 2026, personal care which includes help with showering, dressing, and mobility will be fully subsidised by the government. This means these essential services will be free for all participants, regardless of their financial situation.
The government also announced a delay in mandatory price caps to July 2026 to ensure the transition is stable for providers. This allows for greater transparency and ensures that, eventually, no provider can charge above a set government rate for services.

 

How the Government Plans to Reduce Wait Times

The most significant goal of these reforms is to slash home care wait times. Historically, families have waited over a year for high-level packages. The Department of Health now aims to reduce the wait for support to just three months by 2027.

For 2026, the government is using a priority system to allocate places more effectively. Based on your assessment, you are placed in one of four categories:

  • Urgent: Aiming for access within 1 month.
  • High: Aiming for 1.5 to 2.5 months.
  • Medium: Currently around 8 to 9 months.
  • Standard: Currently around 10 to 11 months.

To help while you wait for full activation, “interim funding” is now available. This provides 60% of your approved budget immediately so you can start critical services right away rather than waiting for the full amount to become available.

What Services Will Be Available Under Support at Home?

Services are now organised into three clear categories to make it easier to understand what is covered:

  1. Clinical Supports: This includes nursing, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. These are 100% government-funded.
  2. Independence Services: This covers personal care (free from Oct 2026), social support, and transport.
  3. Everyday Living: This includes domestic help like cleaning, laundry, gardening, and meal preparation.

Additionally, there are dedicated pathways for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM). This is separate funding for items like grab rails or mobility aids, ensuring these costs don’t eat into your regular service budget.

Explore our range of personalized support services designed to help you live your best life.

Social Support
Community Nursing Services
Domestic Assistance
Personal Care
Meals and grocery shopping
Allied Health
Meals & Grocery Shopping
In-Home Respite

Who Is Eligible for Support at Home?

Support at Home is generally available to older Australians who need help to stay safe at home. The basic eligibility requirements include:
  • Being 65 years or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
  • Living at home (not in permanent residential care).
  • Being an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Having an assessed need for support.
To get started, you must register with My Aged Care and undergo an assessment using the new Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). See our My Aged Care assessment guide for more information on My Aged Care.

What These Changes Mean for Families and Carers

For families, faster home care access means less stress and a reduced risk of carer burnout. Knowing that support can be accessed in weeks rather than years allows families to plan for the future with more confidence.
The reclassification of personal care as a free service in late 2026 is also a major win for the family budget. It ensures that fundamental dignity like help with bathing—is never restricted by a person’s ability to pay.
Furthermore, the “no worse off” principle protects those who were already in the system before September 2024, ensuring their contribution rates don’t increase because of these program changes.

How Kanda Helps Older Australians Stay Independent at Home

At Kanda, we believe that every Australian deserves to age with dignity in the comfort of their own home. We understand that these Support at Home changes can feel complex, but we are here to walk you through every step.
Our team focuses on relationship-based care, matching you with the right support workers to help you meet your personal goals. Whether you need nursing care, help around the house, or advice on home modifications, we provide the expert guidance needed to make the most of your funding.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

The program officially launched on 1 November 2025, replacing the old Home Care Packages

No. Existing package holders were automatically moved to the new program at an equivalent funding level

Wait times depend on your priority level. Urgent needs are addressed within a month, while standard priority can take 10-11 months, though the government aims to reduce all waits to 3 months by 2027

It is a government promise that people already receiving care (or in the queue) before 12 September 2024 will not pay more for their services under the new program.

Yes. From October 2026, personal care services like showering and dressing will be fully government-funded with no out-of-pocket costs for participants.

Yes, you can change providers at any time. There are no exit fees under the Support at Home program.

Small steps lead to big outcomes.

Here are some additional resources for you to explore to support you understanding the Support at Home Program.

Discover more about Support at Home

My Aged Care – Support at Home Overview (opens in new tab) Department of Health and Aged Care – Aged Care Reforms (opens in new tab)
Aged woman happy portrait

Ready to navigate your Support at Home journey with confidence?

Contact the friendly team at Kanda today for a free, no-obligation chat about your options, or visit our website to learn how we can support your independence and help you make the most of your funding under the 2026 changes.

Contact our friendly team today Call us (opens in new tab)