How much does support at home cost?
Support at Home is government-funded, but some people are required to contribute toward the cost of their services.
Payment criteria
How much you pay depends on:
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Your pension status
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Your financial assessment by Services Australia
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The type of services you receive
Understanding how contributions are calculated helps you plan with confidence.
How contribution rates are determined
Your contribution rate is not set by your provider.
It is determined through a financial assessment conducted by Services Australia.
Providers must apply the contribution rate that has been officially assessed. They cannot independently decide or adjust the percentage you are required to pay.
If you are unsure about your assessed rate, you should confirm it directly with Services Australia.
1. Clinical Services
These are health-related services that support medical needs.
Typical examples include:
Physiotherapy
Speech pathology
Nursing
Other allied health services
Occupational therapy (OT)
Contribution rate: 0%
Clinical services are fully funded by the government.
Contribution Rates by Pension Status
Contribution percentages apply to Independence and Everyday Living services only.
What Services Can Support at Home Cover?
Support at Home can fund a wide range of services, depending on your approved level and care plan. These may include:
Full pensioner
For full pensioners, contribution rates are fixed and straightforward:
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Clinical: 0%
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Independence: 5%
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Everyday Living: 17.5%
Part pension CHSC holder
For part pensioners, contribution rates vary depending on individual income and asset assessment.
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Clinical: 0%
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Independence: 5% to 50%
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Everyday Living: 17.5% to 80%
Because these ranges are broad, part pensioners should confirm their exact assessed rate before planning services.
Self funded retiree
For individuals who are fully self-funded or who have not disclosed financial information:
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Clinical: 0%
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Independence: 50%
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Everyday Living: 80%
Financial Hardship Assistance
If you’re unable to afford some or all of your aged care costs, you may be able to apply for financial hardship assistance.
The Australian Government offers hardship support for people who, for reasons beyond their control, cannot reasonably meet their aged care contributions.
Each application is assessed individually.
If approved, the government may pay some or all of your required contributions, fees, or accommodation costs — helping ensure you can continue receiving the care you need.
If you believe your financial situation makes it difficult to cover your assessed costs, you can contact Services Australia or My Aged Care to discuss your options.
Grandfathered Home Care Package Recipients
If you were:
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Receiving a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, or
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On the National Priority System before that date
You will not pay more than you would have under the previous Home Care Package system.
This protects existing recipients during the transition to Support at Home.
What This Means in Practice
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Clinical services remain fully government-funded.
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Full pensioners have predictable contribution rates.
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Self-funded individuals generally contribute at higher levels.
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Part pensioners should confirm their individual assessment outcome carefully.
Your provider should clearly outline your assessed contribution rate in your care agreement. If anything is unclear, request clarification.
Frequently asked questions
Important Note
Contribution percentages are based on official financial assessments and may change if your financial circumstances change.
This page provides general information only. Always confirm your individual contribution rate with Services Australia or your provider before making decisions.