Many people receiving aged care hear the term Support Plan Review (SPR) and assume it means starting their assessment all over again, or worse, risking higher fees or losing protections they already have.
In reality, a Support Plan Review is one of the most useful tools available under Support at Home. Used at the right time, it helps make sure your care plan still fits your life without affecting your grandfathered status or contribution rates.
Here is how it works, when to request one and why waiting too long can work against you.
What Is a Support Plan Review?
A Support Plan Review is a process that allows your current aged care plan to be updated when your needs, goals, or circumstances change.
It focuses on:
- what services you receive
- how often you receive them
- whether additional supports or funding approvals are needed
While a Support Plan Review updates your daily care arrangements, it is also the formal trigger to move up a Classification if your needs have increased. For example, if you need to move from Classification 3 to Classification 4, a Support Plan Review is the first step. If the review identifies that your needs have increased significantly, your assessor can refer you for a classification upgrade.
It does not reassess your overall eligibility for aged care from scratch.
In most cases, an SPR is quicker and simpler than a full reassessment and is designed to keep your care aligned with what’s actually happening in your day-to-day life.
Learn more about Support at Home Classifications
What a Support Plan Review Is Not
A Support Plan Review:
- does not remove your grandfathered status (if you were approved before 12 September 2024)
- does not automatically change your or contribution percentage
- does not mean you’re “starting again”
- does not require your situation to be in crisis
It is important to note that if your review results in moving to a higher funding Classification, your contribution amount may change because you are receiving a higher value of services, even if your contribution percentage remains grandfathered.
When Should You Request a Support Plan Review?
You don’t need to wait for a major decline in health or hospitalisation. Common reasons to request a review include:
- Your health has changed (mobility issues, chronic pain, cognitive changes)
- You’ve recently been in hospital or had surgery
- You’re struggling to use all your services or running out of budget too quickly
- Your family or informal supports have changed
- You need equipment or home modifications
- You want to access services that weren’t previously included, like Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) or Restorative Care.
To get the best outcome, have evidence ready before you request the review. This could include a letter from your GP regarding a new diagnosis or a report from an Occupational Therapist explaining why your current budget no longer covers your safety needs.
Why Requesting a Review Early Matters
Waiting too long can limit your options. Requesting a Support Plan Review early can:
- prevent small issues from becoming major problems
- allow access to targeted funding and pathways sooner
- reduce the risk of emergency reassessments
- help you make better use of quarterly budgets
- ensure services reflect your current priorities, not outdated assumptions
A review is about keeping your care proactive rather than reactive.
How to Request a Support Plan Review
There are several ways to request an SPR. You usually do not need a full new assessment unless your funding Classification needs to change.
Ask Your Care Manager
Probably the easiest way to request a support plan review is the speak with Provider. Your care manager can submit the request through the My Aged Care Service Portal. Be sure to provide any supporting evidence, such as a recommendation from a GP or Occupational Therapist, to strengthen the request.
Contact My Aged Care Directly
You or a family member can call 1800 200 422 and request a Support Plan Review. Be clear about what you are seeking. For example, you must explicitly request a Support Plan Review to unlock separate funding for the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.
Speak with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO)
If you prefer face-to-face help, you can book an appointment with an ACSO at selected Services Australia service centres.
What Happens After You Request a Review?
An aged care assessor will review your request.
- Minor changes may be handled over the phone
- More complex needs may involve a short reassessment visit
- Once decided, updates are reflected in your Support Plan and confirmed in your Notice of Decision (outcome) letter
Once approved, you can begin accessing your new services immediately.
Aged Care Decisions Can Help You Find an Appropriate Provider
If your review unlocks new services or funding, such as the AT-HM Scheme or a higher Classification, you may need to engage a provider who specialises in those areas.
Aged Care Decisions offers a 100% FREE matching service to help you find available providers in your local area who are suited to your specific needs.
Support Plan Review FAQ
What is a Support Plan Review?
A way to update your current aged care plan when your needs or circumstances change, without starting a full reassessment.
Will I lose my grandfathered status?
No. A Support Plan Review does not affect your grandfathered protections if you were approved before 12 September 2024.
Will my fees increase if I request one?
Your contribution percentage does not increase if you request a review. However, if you move to a higher funding Classification, your total dollar contribution may rise.
When should I request a review?
When your health changes, your services no longer fit your needs, you need new supports (like equipment or restorative care), or your budget isn’t working for you.
Who can request a Support Plan Review?
You, a family member, your Care Manager or an Aged Care Specialist Officer.
How do I request one?
Ask your Care Manager, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or book an appointment with an ACSO.
