Aged Care
Support at Home: services that are free for you
Some aged care services are free. You do not pay anything for them. This guide explains which services are free, which services you pay for, and which services aged care does not pay for.
The short version
- Support at Home puts health care services into a group called "clinical supports". All clinical supports are free.
- Free services include nurses, health workers like physiotherapists, help with food and nutrition, and help to organise your care.
- On 1 October 2026, personal care became part of the clinical supports group. This means it is now free, if it is in your care plan.
- It does not matter how much money you earn or own. These services are still free.
Two words to know
My Aged Care is the government's contact point for aged care. You can call them or visit their website.
Support at Home is the government program that pays for aged care services in your home.
Services that are free for you
All the services in this section are part of the "clinical supports" group. You do not pay for them.
Nursing
A nurse can visit you at home. A nurse can:
- check your health
- care for wounds and look after your skin
- give you your medicine
- teach you how to do these things yourself between visits.
This includes registered nurses, enrolled nurses and nursing assistants.
Health workers (allied health)
"Allied health" means health workers who are not doctors or nurses. There are 11 types of allied health workers. They can help you:
- move and walk better
- eat well
- feel better in your mind and mood
- talk and swallow
- stay safe at home.
They can also teach you how to look after a health problem yourself.
- allied health assistants
- counsellors or psychotherapists (they help with your feelings and mood)
- dietitians or nutritionists (they help with food and eating)
- exercise physiologists (they help with safe exercise)
- music therapists (they use music to help your health)
- occupational therapists (they help you do daily tasks)
- physiotherapists (they help you move and reduce pain)
- podiatrists (they care for your feet)
- psychologists (they help with your mental health)
- social workers (they help with personal and family problems)
- speech pathologists (they help with talking and swallowing)
Food and nutrition
If your doctor or health worker says you need special food or drinks, Support at Home pays for them. This includes liquid food given through a feeding tube.
Organising your care
A care manager organises your services. They talk to your care workers, make phone calls for you, and check that you get the right care. This is free.
Getting stronger after an illness
Some people get a short program to help them get stronger after an illness or a fall. This is called "restorative care". If it is in your care plan, it is free.
Personal care (free since 1 October 2026)
On 1 October 2026, personal care became part of the clinical supports group. This means it is now free if it is in your care plan. This is a new change. If you paid for personal care before, check your care plan. Personal care includes help with:
- showering
- getting dressed
- eating meals
- taking your own medicine
- using the toilet, and using pads or other products for bladder or bowel control.
Services you pay for
For some services, you pay part of the cost. The government pays the rest.
How much you pay depends on your pension and how much money you have. People with a full pension pay the least. People who do not get a pension pay the most.
| Type of service | Examples | How much you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Health care (clinical supports) | Nurses, health workers, care manager, personal care | Nothing. It is free. |
| Help to stay independent | Help to go out and meet people, therapy, short-term care to give your carer a break (respite), transport, changes to your home to make it safer | 5% to 50% of the price |
| Help with everyday tasks | Cleaning, washing clothes, gardening, shopping | 17.5% to 80% of the price |
Example: A service may cost $100. If you pay 5%, you will pay $5. If you pay 50%, you will pay $50.
Services aged care does not pay for
Support at Home helps older people stay living in their own home. It does not pay for:
- ambulances
- hospital care
- doctors finding out what is wrong with you, or treating you
- medicine from the pharmacy (chemist)
- psychiatrists (medical doctors for mental health)
- dentists.
These services are part of the health system. Medicare or private health insurance may pay for some of them.
Not sure what is free for you? My Aged Care has a full list of services. You can also call My Aged Care to ask.
The practical bitWhat to do this week
- Read your care plan. Your care plan is the document that lists the services you get.
- Look at the list of free services in this guide. Are you doing any of these things yourself? Write them down.
- Call your care provider. Ask for the services on your list. Use the names in this guide.
- You can get help in your language. You can talk to My Aged Care in your language. The interpreter is free. You only pay for a local call. Call TIS National on 131 450. Tell them the language you speak. Ask them to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. A family member or friend can also call for you.