What happens if my care needs change after my initial assessment?
If your care needs change, you can request a Support Plan Review or a full reassessment at any time through My Aged Care. You do not need to wait for a scheduled 12-month check-in to adjust your funding or services if your health, living, or financial circumstances change significantly. The process for updating your support includes:Initial Contact: Talk to your current service provider first.
Key points
- Individual eligibility, availability and outcomes can vary.
- Ask questions early and seek independent help if anything feels unclear or unsafe.
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01Guide sectionWhat happens if my care needs change?
If your health, mobility, safety or ability to manage everyday activities changes, your services and support plan may need to be reviewed.
You do not need to wait for a scheduled review. You, your provider or your care partner can request a Support Plan Review when your current support plan no longer reflects your needs.
02Guide sectionSpeak with your care partner first
If you already have a Support at Home provider, your first step will usually be to speak with your care partner.
Your care partner should:
discuss what has changed
review your current care and services plan
determine whether services can be adjusted within your existing approval and budget
collect information about your new needs
help obtain supporting information from health professionals where required
request a Support Plan Review or reassessment on your behalf
help maintain essential services while the review is being completed.
All Support at Home participants receive care management, and providers must allocate a care partner to help plan, coordinate and review their care. Helping a participant respond to changing needs is a key part of this role.
03Guide sectionCan the provider change my services without a reassessment?
Sometimes.
Your provider may be able to change the timing, frequency or mix of services where:
the services are already approved in your support plan
the changes can be managed within your available funding
the revised services continue to address your assessed needs and goals.
For example, your care partner may be able to reduce domestic assistance and use more of the available budget for personal care if both services are already approved and the change is appropriate.
A formal review may be required if you need:
a service that is not currently approved
a higher ongoing funding classification
additional funding
assistive technology or home modifications not covered by the current approval
residential respite or permanent residential care
substantially different support because your condition has changed.
04Guide sectionWhat is a Support Plan Review?
A Support Plan Review considers whether your existing support plan should be updated.
It may be appropriate after:
a fall or hospital admission
a new diagnosis
reduced mobility
worsening pain or fatigue
changes in memory or cognition
increased difficulty with showering, dressing or meals
medication or clinical concerns
the loss of support previously provided by a family member
increased stress or exhaustion for an unpaid carer
a change in your living arrangements
a noticeable improvement that means some services are no longer required.
The assessor may update the existing support plan or decide that a more complete reassessment is needed.
05Guide sectionWhen is a full reassessment required?
A full reassessment may be needed where the changes are significant or your current funding and approvals are no longer adequate.
The assessor may consider whether you require:
a different Support at Home classification
a higher level of ongoing funding
new clinical or allied health services
additional personal or practical support
short-term restorative support
assistive technology or home modifications
respite or residential aged care.
A request for more funding does not automatically result in a higher classification. The assessor considers your current abilities, risks, goals, health conditions and available informal support.
06Guide sectionCan I contact My Aged Care myself?
Yes. You do not have to rely on your provider to make the request.
You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and explain what has changed. You can also request a review through a Services Australia Aged Care Specialist Officer.
However, where you already have a provider, involving your care partner is usually helpful because they can provide service records, observations and other evidence supporting the request.
07Guide sectionWhat happens after the review?
Depending on the outcome:
your existing support plan may remain unchanged
approved services may be added, removed or adjusted
a reassessment may be arranged
you may receive a different funding classification
you may receive approval for additional types of care.
You should receive an updated support plan and, where a new approval decision is made, an updated Notice of Decision.
Your care partner should then update your provider care plan and budget with you, explain what has changed and organise the revised services.
08Guide sectionWhat should I prepare?
It helps to provide practical examples of what has changed.
This could include:
hospital discharge information
reports from a GP, physiotherapist or occupational therapist
details of falls or near falls
changes in medication or medical conditions
examples of tasks that have become difficult
details of increased help being provided by family
information about carer stress or reduced carer availability.
Do not simply say, “I need more funding.” Explain what has changed, what risks have developed and which activities you can no longer manage safely.
09Guide sectionWhat if my income or assets change?
A change in income, assets or pension status may affect the contribution percentage you pay for some Support at Home services.
This is generally handled through Services Australia’s financial assessment process, rather than through a Support Plan Review. Tell Services Australia if your financial circumstances change so your contribution rate can be reassessed.
The simplest starting point is:
Tell your care partner as soon as your needs change. They should review what can be adjusted immediately and help arrange a formal review or reassessment when your current approval is no longer sufficient.
10Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Confirm the details with My Aged Care or the relevant provider, write down your questions and ask for important information in writing before making a decision.
11Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
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