Australia Aged Care Support system is undergoing significant transformation with the Support at Home Program that began in November 2025 continuing to evolve through 2026. For seniors navigating these changes, understanding the funding structure and eligibility requirements has become essential for accessing appropriate care.
The Support at Home Program replaced the previous Home Care Packages system, bringing a more comprehensive approach to in-home care. The program aims to help older Australians remain independent in their homes longer while addressing recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Enhanced Funding Classifications for 2026
The 2026 aged care support package maintains the eight classification levels introduced in 2025, with annual funding ranging from approximately $11,000 for Classification 1 to $78,000 for Classification 8. These classifications are determined through comprehensive assessments that evaluate your specific care needs and circumstances.
What’s new for 2026 is the introduction of government-mandated price caps that came into effect from July 2026. These caps ensure service providers cannot charge excessive fees, creating greater transparency and consistency across the sector.
Specialized Care Pathways
Beyond the standard classifications, two specialized pathways continue to provide targeted support for specific needs:
The Restorative Care Pathway provides $6,000 for up to 12 weeks of services focused on regaining function and independence. This amount can be accessed twice within a 12-month period, giving seniors multiple opportunities for rehabilitation support.
For those requiring end-of-life care, the End-of-Life Pathway offers $25,000 for up to 12 weeks of comprehensive support, working alongside specialist palliative care services to enable dignified care at home.
Understanding Your Contribution
The participant contribution system that replaced the previous basic daily fee and income-tested care fee remains in place for 2026. Your contribution percentage depends on your pension status and the type of service received.
For clinical supports, there is no contribution required regardless of your financial situation. For independence services, contributions range from 5% for full pensioners to 50% for self-funded retirees without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Everyday living services require contributions between 17.5% and 80%, based on financial circumstances.
Importantly, the lifetime cap ensures no individual pays more than $130,000 in non-clinical care costs throughout their life, providing financial protection for long-term care needs.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
The AT-HM Scheme continues to be a vital component of the Support at Home Program in 2026. This scheme provides funding across three tiers for both assistive technology and home modifications, with specific time periods to utilize the funding.
For those requiring specialized equipment, high-tier funding for assistive technology may exceed $15,000 with appropriate health professional prescription, ensuring complex needs can be properly addressed.
Navigating the System
With reduced wait times becoming a reality in 2026 as the program matures, accessing appropriate care has become more streamlined. The automatic prioritization system places applicants into High, Medium, or Standard tiers, with interim allocations of 60% of the budget available while waiting for full funding.
The next time you review your aged care options, remember that these reforms represent Australia’s commitment to providing dignified, personalized care that respects the wishes of seniors to remain in their homes whenever possible.
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