I’ve been assessed for short-term care
If you are eligible for short-term care, you don’t have to complete a means assessment. You may have to pay a daily fee, but how much you may pay varies depending on the type and level of short-term care you will receive.

There are a few things to keep in mind for each type of short-term care:
Short-term restorative care
You may have to pay a daily fee—whether you receive care at home, in the community, or in an aged care home.
Transition care
Providers can request information regarding your ability to make a contribution (within reason). However, your access to transition care will not be affected by your ability to pay fees.
Respite care
Residential respite
When you receive residential respite care in an aged care home, you won’t have accommodation payments or a means-tested care fee. However, you will be asked to pay a basic daily fee and sometimes a booking fee.
The level of care you have been approved for will:
- determine the level of respite subsidy your provider will receive, and
- ensure you receive care appropriate to your needs.
What you pay for residential respite care is discussed and agreed upon between you and the provider, and is set before you receive the services.
Community respite
If you’re eligible for community respite, it will be provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), so the fees you pay fall under the CHSP guidelines. This is usually a daily fee.
Emergency respite
If you need emergency respite care, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Further information on emergency respite is available on the Carer Gateway website.