Support at Home, the Australian Government’s new approach to delivering home care services, is set to roll out on 1 July 2025. This is good news for older Australians, who will benefit from easier access to the services and support they need to live safely and independently at home.
Although the new system will see significant improvements to the way home care services are provided, the question we hear from many older Australians, especially those living on a fixed income, is: what will I have to pay to access services under the new system?
To keep you across the upcoming changes, we’ve unpacked everything you need to know about how contributions and out of pocket expenses will be calculated under the new system.
Understanding Support at Home contribution rates
Under Support at Home, the contribution you make for home care services will depend on two key factors:
- the type of service you receive, and
- your income and assets.
The Australian Government will assess your income and assets based on the Age Pension means test, with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, paying lower contributions than self-funded retirees.
Here’s a closer look at the contribution rates for different types of services under the new system.
- No Contribution: In a major shift to the way home care services are funded, clinical support services such as nursing, physiotherapy and other clinical care, will be fully funded by the Government. This means you won’t pay a cent for these essential services.
- Moderate Contribution: Services that support your independence at home, such as personal care, respite care, and assistive technology products and equipment under the Assistive Technology – Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme will attract a moderate contribution.
- Higher Contribution: Everyday living services, like domestic help and gardening, which are typically not services funded by the Government, will attract a higher contribution.
Contribution rate depending on your financial situation
The amount you contribute will depend on your financial situation:
- Full pensioners will pay the lowest rate of contribution, ensuring their financial burden remains manageable.
- Part pensioners will contribute at a moderate rate, reflecting their partial eligibility for government support.
- Self-funded retirees will pay the highest rates of contribution, as they have greater financial resources available.
This will ensure a fair and equitable system that adjusts based on your individual financial circumstances.
Will I be worse off under the new system?
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package, on the National Priority System or assessed as eligible for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024 you can rest assured that you will be no worse off under Support at Home, and your financial contributions will be the same or lower than they were under the Home Care Packages program.
Financial Protections: Lifetime Cap
To protect older Australians receiving long-term care, the Government has introduced a $130,000 lifetime cap on non-clinical contributions. This means that people who require extended care will be shielded from excessive out-of-pocket expenses, offering peace of mind to those with long-term care needs.
What if I can’t afford to contribute to my care?
If you can’t afford to contribute to your aged care costs, there is financial hardship assistance available. This means the Australian Government will pay some or all of your fees and charges. Each case is assessed on an individual basis, looking at a range of issues. You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to learn more.
We’re here to help
We understand that navigating the changes in home care services can be overwhelming. If you have any questions about out-of-pocket expenses, contribution rates, or the upcoming changes to home care services under the Support at Home program, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
For more details on the Support at Home program and how it can benefit you, reach out to our dedicated team today!
