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How much does personal care cost?

Until 30 September 2026, personal care under Support at Home carries a contribution based on your income and assets.


From 1 October 2026, it costs you nothing out of pocket - the Australian Government fully funds personal care for eligible participants, moving it from the 'independence' category into 'clinical supports'. The change was announced in April 2026 by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and is confirmed on My Aged Care.


What this means in practice:

--> No out-of-pocket cost for personal care if it's approved in your plan and you have available funding

--> No means testing on personal care from this date - the change applies whether you're a full pensioner or self-funded

--> From 1 October 2026 onward - the change isn't backdated.

--> Support at Home only - if you receive help through CHSP, this particular change doesn't apply to you.


If you're currently paying contributions toward personal care - or you've been putting off asking for more help because of the cost - this is the moment to review your care plan.


Pinq Care can help you update your plan and budget so your personal care hours reflect what you actually need.

What does personal care include?

What is a personal care support plan?

A personal care support plan sets out exactly what support you receive, when, and how you prefer it delivered - from water temperature and routines through to which tasks you want to keep doing yourself.

In aged care, your Support at Home support plan (developed after your My Aged Care assessment) approves the service types you can access; your provider then builds the day-to-day personalised care plan with you.

At Pinq Care, your plan is reviewed with you regularly and adjusts as your needs change - the goal is always to maintain your independence, not replace it.



How to access personal care at home

1: Apply for an assessment through My Aged Care (online or on 1800 200 422).

2: Your assessment determines your Support at Home classification and which service types - including personal care - are approved in your support plan.

3: Choose your provider. Pinq Care is an approved provider delivering personal care.

4: We build your personalised care plan together and match you with carers who fit - then care starts.

Already with another provider? You can switch to Pinq Care without losing your funding or starting your assessment again

ready to experience care that puts you first?

Why Choose Pinq Care for personal care?

  • Trained professionals who respect your privacy
  • Personalised care plans
  • Focus on maintaining your dignity and comfort
  • My Aged Care approved provider

Looking for personal care support?

Start your Care Journey Today

FAQs

Home Care Packages transitioned into the Support at Home program in November 2025. Personal care is now delivered through Support at Home - if you had a Home Care Package, your funding moved across, and your existing approvals carry over.

From 1 October 2026, yes - personal care is fully government-funded for Support at Home participants who have personal care approved in their support plan and available funding, with no out-of-pocket cost. Until that date, and under other programs like CHSP, means-tested contributions still apply.

A personal care assistant helps with daily tasks involving your body and hygiene: showering or bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, continence care, moving safely around your home, and medication prompts. They work to your personalised care plan and your preferences.

Personal care is hands-on support with your body - showering, dressing, hygiene. Domestic assistance covers your home - cleaning, laundry, meal preparation. Under Support at Home, from 1 October 2026 personal care is fully government-funded, while everyday living services like cleaning and gardening still involve a contribution.