About the award wage increase
The 6 December 2024 aged care nurses decision under the Aged Care Work Value Case included a final award wage increase. This is for registered and enrolled aged care nurses under the Nurses Award 2020 from the first full pay period on or after 1 August 2026.
Funding will be provided through a range of existing funding arrangements. For more information about arrangements and the additional funding being provided relevant to the 1 August 2026 award wage increases, please visit Better and fairer wages for aged care workers.
Information on the new award rates, including pay guides and a pay and conditions tool, is available at the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Subsidy and supplement increases
From 1 October 2026, Support at Home subsidy rates and some supplements will increase. This includes a slightly higher subsidy amount to support providers between the start of the latest award wage increase to the next quarterly budget cycle.
This aims to help Support at Home providers meet the cost of the award wage increases for aged care nurses and ensure older people to continue receiving the nursing care they need.
The increase will apply to:
- Support at Home subsidy rate
- Veterans Supplement
- Dementia and Cognition Supplement
- Oxygen Supplement
- Enteral Feeding Supplement (bolus and non-bolus)
- Top-up Supplement
- Care Management Supplement.
Funding amounts for each ongoing service classification are outlined in the table below.
| Support at Home Classification | Quarterly budget |
| 1 | $2,757.89 |
| 2 | $4,120.89 |
| 3 | $5,645.23 |
| 4 | $7,632.04 |
| 5 | $10,202.32 |
| 6 | $12,365.48 |
| 7 | $14,944.20 |
| 8 | $20,073.50 |
The subsidy increase is based on provider spending on registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care in 2023-24.
Quarterly budget cycle alignment
Support at Home funding is provided through quarterly participant budgets. The nurses’ award wage increase subsidy rates must align with these quarterly budget cycles.
This differs from the former Home Care Packages Program where subsidy changes could be made through monthly funding arrangements.
Provider price reviews
Providers are responsible for reviewing their pricing and deciding whether any increases are reasonable and justified.
If a provider proposes to increase prices for care and services delivered by registered or enrolled nurses, they must:
- discuss the proposed changes with affected participants
- explain why the increase is needed
- receive agreement from both the participant and provider on the price change.
Providers cannot change prices or service agreements without a participant's informed consent.
Participant agreement and support
If a participant does not agree to the proposed increase, providers should:
- explain the reasons for the change in a clear, transparent and easy-to-understand way
- show how the new price reflects the cost of delivering care and services
- give the participant enough time to consider the proposed changes
- encourage the participant to seek independent advice or support.
Participants can seek support from:
- the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
- a family member, friend or supporter
- an independent legal or financial adviser.
If agreement cannot be reached, participants may choose to change providers. My Aged Care has information and resources to help people compare providers and make informed choices about their care arrangements.
Providers should not cease services because a participant does not agree to a proposed price increase. Any decision to cease services must comply with relevant legislative and contractual requirements. Where services are ceased, providers are expected to support continuity of care and help participants transition to another provider where possible.
Receiving increased funding in advance
The increased funding to support providers with the nurses’ award wage increase cannot be paid in advance.
This is because under Aged Care Act 2024, Support at Home subsidies are paid after eligible services have been delivered and claimed.
Providers will receive the increased funding through the normal claiming and payment process.