Rule changes and where to get help
Aged care rules have changed a lot recently, and more changes are on the way. That makes it hard to know which rules apply to your parent, especially if they moved into care some time ago. These guides explain what changed under the new Aged Care Act, and who stays on the older arrangements. They also flag changes that have been announced but haven't started yet, each with a date to recheck. And they explain the difference between free government help, general information like ours, and advice from a licensed adviser, so you know where to turn.
What changed on 1 November 2025: the new Aged Care Act and aged care home fees
The new Aged Care Act started on 1 November 2025, after being deferred from 1 July 2025. What changed for aged care home fees, and who stays on the old rules.
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Old rules or new rules after a hospital stay, a move or opting in
People in an aged care home before 1 November 2025 mostly stay on older arrangements. A long break from care, a move after opting in, or opting in can change that.
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Coming in 2027: the accommodation supplement and the MPIR
The government has made one room pricing change for 2027 and announced another: new help with rooms from 20 March 2027, and a new daily amount method if the law passes.
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Free help, paid advice and general information: knowing the difference
Where to get free help with aged care fees, what a specialist aged care financial adviser does, why the home isn't independent, and information versus advice.
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What changes from state to state when a parent moves into care
Aged care fees and the Age Pension work the same across Australia. What differs by state is mostly land tax on the empty home, some concessions, and legal paperwork.
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