Costs
What you might pay for Support at Home.
How it works
Your share depends on 2 things:
- the kind of help you get
- your income and assets. Services Australia works this out.
You only pay for help you actually get.
Source: My Aged Care (checked 25 Oct 2026)
Your share of the cost
| Your situation | Health care | Independence | Everyday living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part pensioner, or self-funded with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | 0% | 5% to 50% | 17.5% to 80% |
| Self-funded without the card, or you don’t share your income and assets | 0% | 50% | 80% |
Since 1 October 2026, personal care (like help to shower or dress) is also free if it is in your support plan.
Source: My Aged Care (checked 25 Oct 2026)
There is a limit
There is a lifetime cap. This is the most you pay in contributions over your life. It is $140,652.80 (as of 20 September 2026). It changes twice a year.
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (checked 25 Oct 2026)
Had a Home Care Package before?
Were you getting, or approved for, a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024? Then you will pay the same or less than before. If you paid no fees then, you will not pay contributions now.
Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (checked 25 Oct 2026)
Can’t afford it?
You can ask for financial hardship help. The government may pay some or all of your share.
Source: My Aged Care (checked 25 Oct 2026)
How much funding is there?
Your assessment gives you one of 8 levels. Each level has a budget for every 3 months.
| Level | Every 3 months | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,757.89 | $11,031.56 |
| 2 | $4,120.89 | $16,483.55 |
| 3 | $5,645.23 | $22,580.93 |
| 4 | $7,632.04 | $30,528.15 |
| 5 | $10,202.32 | $40,809.27 |
| 6 | $12,365.48 | $49,461.91 |
| 7 | $14,944.20 | $59,776.80 |
| 8 | $20,073.50 | $80,294.00 |
- Amounts are current as of 1 October 2026. They go up each 1 July.
- 10% of your budget pays for care management.
- You can carry some unspent money into the next 3 months: up to $1,000 or 10% of your budget.
- Had a Home Care Package approved by 31 October 2025? You get a level that matches your old package.
Source: My Aged Care (checked 25 Oct 2026)
My Aged Care suggests getting independent financial advice before you decide how to pay for aged care. Financial support and advice.
Need help with your own situation?
My Aged Care (Australian Government)
Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm. Sat 10am to 2pm.
OPAN free, independent advocates
Mon to Fri 8am to 8pm. Sat 10am to 4pm.
In an emergency, call 000. Worried about abuse? See urgent help.
Where this information comes from
- My Aged Care: Support at Home costs and contributions
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-at-home-costs-and-contributions
Last checked 25 Oct 2026. - Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Support at Home participant contributions
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/charging-for-support-at-home-services/support-at-home-participant-contributions
Last checked 25 Oct 2026.