National Seniors Australia
AUSTRALIAN pensioners and seniors are set to benefit from billions in new aged care funding under the 2026-27 Federal Budget, although advocates say there is little immediate cost-of-living relief for older Australians struggling with rising household expenses.
The Federal Government has framed the Budget as addressing “intergenerational fairness”, with a strong focus on housing affordability and younger Australians. However, measures directly targeting pensioners were comparatively limited.
Among the biggest announcements was an additional $3.7 billion investment in the aged care sector, aimed at improving residential care capacity and support services for older Australians.
The funding package includes incentives for providers to deliver an extra 5000 aged care beds annually, expansion of specialist dementia care programs, and broader support under the Support at Home program.
The Government will also spend $1 billion to fully subsidise personal in-home care services, removing co-contributions for services such as showering, dressing assistance and continence care following criticism of earlier proposed co-payments.
A further $390 million will be allocated to accelerate the release of Support at Home packages and improve affordability for seniors accessing care in their homes.
Low-income pensioners are also expected to benefit from changes to residential aged care funding, with $1.1 billion earmarked to increase accommodation supplements and support facilities with a high proportion of financially disadvantaged residents.
National Seniors Australia had urged the Government to include broader cost-of-living support in the Budget, particularly for pensioners reliant solely on the age pension.
Its pre-budget submission highlighted concerns around rising energy prices, insurance costs and private health premiums, but no new household energy rebates or direct cash support measures were announced.
Several previously announced reforms affecting older Australians will also take effect from July 1.
