The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more support for organisations in rural and regional Australia to deliver better home care to more older people, close to home.
To provide more high-quality, dignified care where there are traditionally fewer providers of home care, the Government has opened applications for a second round of the Support at Home Thin Markets Grants.
This $100 million round will support eligible Support at Home providers to continue operating in thin markets, helping keep prices down for aged care services outside cities and suburbs.
To be eligible, Support at Home providers must deliver either:
- services in a regional, rural or remote area
- tailored services to older people with diverse backgrounds, such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, or those at risk of homelessness.
After a decade of neglect under the Liberals, this grant round is yet another milestone in the Albanese Labor Government's work to rebuild and reform the aged care sector and restore the financial viability of providers.
These grants will be complemented by future rounds and the upcoming trial of pooled funding in the Support at Home program, which will commence in 2026.
Eligible providers can apply on Grant Connect. Applications close on 14 January 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae:
"The Albanese Labor Government is delivering another $100 million to ensure older Australians, no matter where they are, can live independently and remain at home for longer."
"After a decade of neglect under the Liberals, grants like these back Labor's efforts to get more care into every community and support providers to deliver the care our loved ones deserve."
