Questions about aged care costs
What will aged care cost me?
The cost of aged care services varies from person to person. It depends on the care you are eligible for, the aged care provider you choose, and your financial situation.
While the Australian Government may contribute to the cost of your care, you will also be asked to contribute if you can afford to.
I’m eligible for an aged care home. What do I pay?
There are a variety of aged care homes. What you pay depends on your needs, your financial circumstances, and the aged care home you choose.
You may have to pay:
- a basic daily fee, or
- a basic daily fee and accommodation costs, or
- a basic daily fee and a means tested care fee and accommodation costs.
Depending on your means assessment, the government will contribute towards some or all of your fees and accommodation costs.
I’m eligible for short-term care. What do I pay?
Short-term care services include short-term restorative care, transition care, and respite care.
You may have to pay a daily fee, which will vary based on the type and level of care and services you receive. The maximum amount you could be asked to pay depends on whether you receive care while living at home or care in a residential setting.
I’m eligible for a Home Care Package. What do I pay?
You’re expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford it.
The cost of a Home Care Package is paid, in part, through a contribution by the Australian Government. You will also be asked to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to.
You may have to pay:
- a basic daily fee, or
- a basic daily fee and an income tested care fee.
There may also be additional fees ifyou agree to pay for extra care and services that aren’t covered by your Home Care Package. These fees form part of your package budget and must be included in your Home Care Agreement.
I’m eligible for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services. What do I pay?
You are expected to contribute towards the cost of your care, if you can afford to.
A few things to keep in mind are:
- Service providers charge different amounts for their services.
- The Australian Government funds providers to keep costs affordable, so you won’t be asked to cover the full cost of services.
- If you can’t afford to pay a contribution, you can still get help. Talk to your provider.