News and updates

New Aged Care Bill passes Parliament

Parliament passed the Aged Care Bill on 21 November which means the new Aged Care Act can start from 1 July 2025. It paves the way for a better, more capable system that puts the rights and needs of older people first.

Younger man setting up services for elderly man

Important changes to your Home Care Package

The Australian Government is supporting an increase to aged care worker wages from 1 January 2025. If you receive a Home Care Package, this will mean an increase to your package subsidy.

Have your say on how Star Ratings are calculated

The way we calculate Star Ratings is changing and we want to know what you think. The Department will change the way some of the ratings are calculated, following the introduction of the new Aged Care Act anticipated on 1 July 2025.

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National Redress Scheme payments to be exempt from means testing

From 1 January 2025, payments made under the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Act 2018 (National Redress Scheme) will be excluded as an asset from the aged care means assessment for aged care homes.

Older person receiving advice from carer

Preparing for the new Aged Care Act

The new Aged Care Act will lead to major changes across the aged care system. Learn about what has happened since the Aged Care Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament in September and what is coming up next.

Protect yourself against scams

There have been recent reports of scammers impersonating aged care providers. These scammers are targeting older people, their families and carers.

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Spotlight: Am I eligible?

My Aged Care’s Eligibility checker can help you quickly find out if you meet the requirements to have an aged care assessment. You will be asked a few short questions to help My Aged Care better understand your situation. This will only take a few minutes to complete.

See how the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme creates lifelong friendships

Hans met Rahman through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme. Their 17-year friendship is one of the longest he’s had. The ACVVS links volunteers with older people experiencing social isolation.

Program in focus: ACVVS

If you are feeling lonely, isolated or need help building new social connections, you can access support through the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor’s Scheme (ACVVS). The ACVVS is a free program that can help you connect to a volunteer support network in your community.