In this section, we explain how to determine what you will need to contribute towards your care, how to plan your finances and compare provider costs, and how to work out your payment options with your provider.
Understanding what you will pay
All the providers listed in the Find a provider tool can offer government-subsidised care. This means that, if you’re eligible for services, the government will pay for some or all of your costs.
There are a few factors that determine how much you pay for your aged care:
- the type of care you’re approved for
- the provider you choose, and
- what you can afford.
If you access government-funded aged care services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, you may be asked to pay a contribution to help cover the cost of your services.
If you’ve been approved for short-term care services, including transition care and respite, how much you may pay will vary depending on the program or type of care, the level of care, and the services you will receive.
Costs, funding, and financial hardship arrangements are different if you get care through the Multi-Purpose Services Program, or the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program.
If you’ve been approved for the Support at Home Program or permanent care in an aged care home, there are a few things to understand and consider before using the Find a provider tool to compare provider costs and services.
Support at Home costs and budget
If you access government-funded aged care services through the Support at Home program, your contributions will be based on your income and assets, and they will vary by the amount and type of services you receive.
When you receive Support at Home services, you have a budget to pay for the services you need. Your budget depends on your assessed care needs and includes government funding and your contributions.
It’s a good idea to complete your income and assets assessment before you choose your provider. Knowing how budgets work can also help you when comparing, choosing, and starting to receive services from your chosen provider.
Income and assets assessments for Support at Home
To find out how much you will contribute towards Support at Home services, you will need an income and assets assessment. Your contributions will differ based on the service being delivered and your income and assets.
Support at Home budget
Understand how a Support at Home budget works, how to make the most of your funds, what to do with unspent funds, and more.
Aged care home costs and accommodation payment options
All aged care home residents are asked to pay a basic daily fee to contribute towards their daily living costs. In addition, if your means (income and assets) are over a certain amount, you can be asked to contribute towards your care and accommodation costs.
Whether you’re eligible for government assistance with your accommodation costs will depend on your means assessment.
If you wish, you can choose to complete your means assessment before you start looking at aged care homes. It’s also helpful to understand the different payment options available for your accommodation costs before you choose your aged care home.
Means assessments for residential aged care
If you're moving into an aged care home, you may have to pay contributions based on your means (income and assets) and accommodation costs. To find out how much you will contribute, you will need a means assessment.
Aged care home accommodation payment options
Understand the different payment options available for your accommodation costs – refundable lump sums (RAD and RAC) and daily payments (DAP and DAC) – if, based on your means assessment, you have to contribute towards your accommodation in an aged care home. It’s helpful to do this before you choose your aged care home.
Comparing provider costs
Different providers have different costs and fees for services or types of care. You can view and compare costs when looking for Support at Home providers and aged care homes in the Find a provider tool.
For Support at Home providers, you can compare provider prices.
For aged care homes, you can compare room costs and services and find a room within your budget.
Knowing what different providers charge upfront can help you choose the right provider for your care needs and financial situation.
What if I can’t afford it?
If you’re worried that you may not be able to afford your aged care costs, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance.
Each case is assessed on an individual basis. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will pay some, or all, of your costs – helping you to get the care you need.