by sophie doyle, retirement and financial aged care specialist
Sophie Doyle | Erina | Morgans
On 4 June 2025, the Federal Government announced a delay to the start of the new Aged Care Act – now set to commence on 1 November 2025, instead of 1 July.
According to The Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, these once–in–a–generation reforms are designed to deliver a high–quality, sustainable, and world–class aged care system for all Australians. The additional time will help aged care providers prepare their systems and workforce, while also allowing the Government to finalise key legislative and operational elements.
Importantly, this delay also provides you and your family with more time to plan – to understand what’s changing, seek expert advice, and make informed choices under the current rules before they change in November.
What’s changing?
One of the most significant shifts is the introduction of the Support at Home program, which will replace the current Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Program. The aim is to provide older Australians with more flexible, coordinated care that helps them stay active, healthy and connected in their communities for longer.
However, concerns were raised – particularly amongst home care providers – that the sector is not yet ready for such a major overhaul. The delay gives the entire aged care system some breathing space to prepare for a smoother, more effective rollout.
Why this matters to you
Whether you’re planning for your own future or supporting a loved one, this delay creates an important window of opportunity. Here’s how you can use it wisely:
Residential Aged Care: If you or a family member is considering a move into permanent care, there is still time to enter under the current fee arrangements, which may be more favourable than those coming into effect in November.
Home care: If you’re already receiving home care, your existing package will remain in place until 1 November. Now is a great time to review your care agreement, talk with your provider, and understand what the upcoming changes could mean for your services and fees.
Planning ahead: Navigating aged care takes time – from organising assessments to comparing providers and securing a place. Don’t leave these important steps until the last minute.
To get started, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au.
They’re available Monday to Friday (8:00am–8:00pm) and Saturdays (10:00am–2:00pm).
Take advantage of the extra time
Aged care is complex, and the financial side is often overlooked until it becomes urgent. From Age Pension entitlements to accommodation payments and estate planning, the financial impacts of aged care decisions can be significant.
For instance, how your Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or family home is assessed can differ between aged care and social security rules – affecting your pension, care fees, and what’s ultimately passed on to your family.
This is where the right guidance can make a meaningful difference.
Start the conversation now
The best outcomes happen when you plan ahead. This delay gives you the opportunity to explore your options and put strategies in place before the rules change.
If you’re not sure where to begin, I’m here to help. As a qualified financial adviser specialising in retirement and aged care, I can provide personalised guidance based on your financial goals, care needs, and family circumstances.
Sophie Doyle (AR#000470612) is a Retirement & Aged Care Specialist at Morgans Financial Limited (Morgans AFSL 235410 / ABN49 010 669 726). Sophie is passionate about helping people over 55 make informed decisions that empower them to step confidently into the next phase of life. She specialises in creating personalised financial strategies tailored to each client’s lifestyle, aspirations, and risk tolerance—enabling them to live a life full of meaning, purpose, and peace of mind. Disclaimer: While every care has been taken, Morgans Financial Limited makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. The information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without consideration of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions, you should consider the appropriateness for your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you see a financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information. Current at 16 June 2025.