Article
February 26, 2026
Reform in focus – Portability
Portability and “nominal” Support at Home approvals
‘Portability’ of approval. What does this actually mean? How can a person be approved for both NATSIFACP and Support at Home, can they access both programs at once?
It’s a bit confusing, so let’s clarify what this actually means.
When a person is assessed, they may receive an approval for Support at Home even if they choose to receive services through a NATSIFACP provider.
If they choose NATSIFACP, the Support at Home approval is recorded but not activated. It is what we refer to as a nominal approval.
It does not draw down funding.
It does not start a package.
It simply sits on record.
That approval only becomes active if the person contacts My Aged Care and requests to commence Support at Home services.
Why does this matter?
Because circumstances can change for older people living on or in community.
If an older person on NATSIFACP moves away from their community, or chooses to receive services through a different provider, having this dual approval means they do not need to start the assessment process again. They already hold a Support at Home approval.
Subject to funding availability, they can activate that approval and begin receiving Support at Home services without waiting for reassessment.
It also means that should their NATSIFACP provider be unable to deliver a specific service type under the program, the person may be able to access this through a Support at Home provider.
This means:
- The person is not disadvantaged for initially choosing NATSIFACP.
- There is continuity if they relocate.
- The approval travels with the individual.
- The system recognises flexibility between programs.
For NATSIFACP managers, this is important to understand, particularly when supporting care recipients who are relocating or whose service preferences change.
Portability is not about shifting funding between programs at will. It is about ensuring that approvals remain attached to the individual, not the provider.
In a reform environment where service models continue to evolve, that flexibility provides important reassurance for older people and their families.
If you’d like to know more join us on 11 March 2026 where we will be hosting a webinar on this topic and how it applies in practice. Register here.