Home Helper of Your Choice subsidy increased from €9 to €10 per hour

From 1 January 2026, the subsidy under the Home Helper of Your Choice scheme has increased from €9 to €10 per approved hour of service, further supporting older persons to continue living independently and with dignity in their own homes.

During a press conference, Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea explained that this increase represents a concrete improvement in community-based services. He said the measure encourages older persons to choose a trusted helper of their choice while maintaining an active and independent lifestyle within their familiar environment.

Permanent Secretary Renzo De Gabriele stated that around 660 older persons living in more than 425 residences across the community are currently benefiting from this scheme. He added that ongoing efforts are focused on improving not only the financial aspect of the service but also its efficiency and accessibility.

Chief Executive Officer of Active Ageing and Community Care (AACC) Steve Agius said the increase reflects the agency’s continued commitment to strengthening services that provide flexibility, choice and better quality of life for older persons.

The Home Helper of Your Choice scheme allows beneficiaries to select a helper to assist with light domestic tasks and other daily needs, while receiving a financial subsidy for each approved hour of service. The annual government expenditure linked to this increase is estimated at around €200,000, directly supporting older persons to live better within their communities.