One of the most common questions older Australians ask is, "How much does Support at Home cost?" The answer depends on the type of services you receive, your financial circumstances, and the level of funding you're approved for.
Introduced on 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, bringing a simpler and fairer approach to funding in-home aged care. Instead of paying the same fees for all services, participants now contribute differently depending on the type of support they receive.
This guide explains how Support at Home costs work, what the government pays, what participants may need to contribute, and how to estimate your out-of-pocket expenses.
How Does Support at Home Funding Work?
Support at Home is funded jointly by the Australian Government and, in some cases, the participant.
After completing an aged care assessment through My Aged Care, eligible participants are assigned one of eight funding classifications based on their care needs. Each funding level provides an annual budget that your registered provider uses to deliver approved services included in your care plan.
The amount you contribute depends on:
- Your income and assets assessment
- The type of service you receive
- Whether you're an existing or new participant
Unlike the previous Home Care Packages program, Support at Home applies different contribution rates for different service categories.
The Three Service Categories
Support at Home groups services into three categories, each with different funding arrangements.
1. Clinical Care
Clinical Care focuses on treating and managing health conditions.
Examples include:
- Nursing care
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech pathology
- Podiatry
- Wound care
- Medication management
Government Contribution
100% Government funded
Participant Contribution
$0
Eligible participants do not pay for Clinical Care services.
2. Independence Support
These services help you remain independent and safely manage everyday life.
Examples include:
- Personal care
- Showering and dressing
- Meal preparation
- Transport
- Shopping assistance
- Social support
Government Contribution
Varies according to your income assessment.
Participant Contribution
Generally between 5% and 50% of the service price, depending on your financial circumstances.
3. Everyday Living Support
These services improve comfort and wellbeing at home.
Examples include:
- House cleaning
- Laundry
- Gardening
- Basic home maintenance
Government Contribution
The Australian Government contributes a portion of the service cost based on the participant contribution rules.
Participant Contribution
Depending on your income and assets, you'll generally pay 17.5% to 80% of the service price, with the government covering the remaining amount.
Support at Home Contribution Summary
How Much Funding Can You Receive?
Support at Home offers eight funding classifications, with higher levels providing larger budgets for people with more complex care needs.
Annual funding currently ranges from approximately:
- Level 1: $11,010
- Level 2: $16,451
- Level 3: $22,537
- Level 4: $30,469
- Level 5: $40,730
- Level 6: $49,365
- Level 7: $59,660
- Level 8: $80,137
Your funding level is determined during your aged care assessment and can change if your care needs increase.
Is There a Lifetime Cap on Support at Home Costs?
Yes. To protect older Australians who require care over many years, the Australian Government has introduced a lifetime cap on participant contributions. Once you reach the applicable lifetime cap, you won't pay any further participant contributions for eligible non-clinical aged care services.
- New Support at Home participants: $137,917.01 (indexed)
- Existing Home Care Package participants covered by the "No Worse Off" principle: $86,185.23 (indexed)
The lifetime cap applies only to participant contributions for Independence Support and Everyday Living Support services. Clinical Care remains fully funded by the Australian Government and does not count towards the cap. Services Australia keeps track of your contributions and will notify you when your lifetime cap has been reached.
What Affects Your Costs?
Several factors influence how much you'll pay under Support at Home.
1. Income and Assets
Participants with higher means generally contribute more towards Independence and Everyday Living services.
2. Type of Services
Clinical services are fully funded, while domestic and lifestyle services usually require higher participant contributions.
3. Frequency of Care
Receiving services more often will use more of your available funding budget.
4. Provider Pricing
Providers must follow government pricing rules, but understanding their pricing and service agreements remains important.
Cost Examples
Example 1: Low-Level Support
Margaret receives:
- Weekly house cleaning
- Fortnightly transport
- Monthly personal care
She contributes towards the cleaning and transport services but pays nothing for any Clinical Care she receives.
Example 2: Higher Care Needs
John receives:
- Regular nursing visits
- Physiotherapy
- Daily personal care
- Domestic assistance
His nursing and physiotherapy are fully government funded, while he contributes towards his personal care and domestic services based on his financial assessment.
Tips to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
You can't avoid participant contributions altogether, but you can make your funding go further.
- Prioritise essential services.
- Review your care plan regularly.
- Understand which services are fully funded.
- Discuss costs with your provider before adding new services.
- Request a reassessment if your care needs increase.
Planning ahead can help you maximise your funding while avoiding unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Understanding how Support at Home costs work can help you plan your care with confidence. While the Australian Government fully funds Clinical Care services, participant contributions may apply to Independence Support and Everyday Living Support based on your financial circumstances. Knowing how funding classifications, contribution rates, and lifetime caps work can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected costs.
If you're unsure about your eligibility, expected contributions, or choosing the right Support at Home provider, Aged Care Choices can help you compare registered providers and navigate the aged care system with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Support at Home free?
Not always. Clinical Care is fully funded, but participant contributions may apply to Independence Support and Everyday Living services.
2. Do pensioners have to contribute?
Some pensioners may pay reduced contributions or none at all, depending on their income and assets assessment.
3. Is there still a basic daily fee?
No. The basic daily fee used under the former Home Care Packages program no longer applies under Support at Home.
4. How are participant contributions calculated?
Contributions are based on your financial assessment and the category of service you receive.
5. Can my costs change?
Yes. Your contributions may change if your financial circumstances change or if your care needs are reassessed.
.webp)
