1 July 2026: classification budgets rise 2.6%
Last updated 20 August 2026
Figures current as at the 1 July 2026 indexation
On 1 July 2026, all eight Support at Home classification budgets were indexed up by 2.6% for the 2026-27 year. Budgets are indexed each 1 July, and the new amounts apply automatically from the July quarter - no forms, no reassessment.
The new figures
| Classification | Quarterly budget | Annual budget |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,752.50 | $11,010.01 |
| 2 | $4,112.84 | $16,451.35 |
| 3 | $5,634.20 | $22,536.81 |
| 4 | $7,617.13 | $30,468.51 |
| 5 | $10,182.38 | $40,729.53 |
| 6 | $12,341.32 | $49,365.27 |
| 7 | $14,915.00 | $59,660.00 |
| 8 | $20,034.28 | $80,137.12 |
Annual figures are the four quarters combined. What each classification means is covered in our guide to the eight classifications.
Who it affects
Everyone with a Support at Home budget, including people who transitioned from a Home Care Package. The rise flows through to the amounts that scale off your budget too: the care management cap stays at 10% of the (now larger) quarterly budget, and the quarterly rollover allowance stays at the greater of $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget. Indexation doesn’t change your classification or your contribution percentages - it just gives the same classification a little more buying power.
A bigger budget only buys more care if prices hold steady. With hourly price caps deferred, some providers lifted their rates around the same time - if your provider’s prices rose by more than 2.6%, your indexation gain has been absorbed, and it’s fair to ask why.
What to do
- Nothing - the new amounts apply automatically from the July quarter.
- Glance at your first statement for the new quarter and check the higher budget figure is showing. Our guide to statements and budgets shows where to look.
- If your needs have grown beyond what your classification covers even after indexation, a free reassessment is the path to a higher classification - transitioned Home Care Package clients have upgrade-only protection.
Not sure your budget is working hard enough?
We’ll help you see what your classification should buy at fair prices - free, no obligation.
Sources
- Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, health.gov.au - Support at Home program classifications and budgets (July 2026 update).
- Support at Home Program Manual - classification budgets, care management cap and unspent funds rollover.
- My Aged Care, myagedcare.gov.au - Support at Home funding levels, accessed 20 August 2026.