Support at Home Contributions
A clear, plain-English breakdown of what you'll actually pay under the Support at Home program
Participant's contributions, costs and fees
- Understanding the contribution amount and protections
Your participant contributions apply only to independence and everyday living services, charged as a percentage of each service you actually use. How much you pay depends on your pension status and an income-and-assets means test by Services Australia. A lifetime cap and “no worse off” protections limit what you’ll ever pay.
How Support at Home contributions work
Support at Home fees work differently to the old Home Care Package system. Every service is split into one of three categories, and the category (not the provider) decides your contribution rate. Your participant contributions (sometimes called client contributions) are charged only on the services you actually receive; there are no charges for unused or standby time.
Fully Funded
Clinical Supports
$0
- Nursing care
- Allied health
- Nutrition
- Care management
- Restorative care management
Moderate contribution
Independence
5% - 50%
Means-tested. Helps you stay independent at home.
- Personal care*
- Social support and community engagement
- Therapeutic services
- Respite
- Transport
- Assistive technology
- Home modifications
Highest contribution
Everyday Living
17.5% – 80%
Means-tested. Day-to-day help around the home.
- Domestic assistance
- Home maintenance & repairs
- Meal preparation & support
Standard participant contribution rates and fees
Your exact rate depends on your Age Pension status and a Services Australia income-and-assets means test. These are the standard participant contribution rates that apply to new Support at Home participants from 1 November 2025.
| Your situation | Clinical support | Independence | Everyday living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part pensioner / Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | 0% | 5% - 50% | 17.5% - 80% |
| Self-funded retiree (no card) | 0% | 50% | 80% |
Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Standard participant contribution rates from 1 November 2025. Figures for guidance only; your assessed rate may differ.
The protections that limit what you'll pay
Three safeguards are built into Support at Home to keep in-home aged care affordable and predictable, especially if you receive care for many years.
Lifetime contribution caps
If you moved across from a Home Care Package
$135,318.69
The "no worse off" principle
Under the no worse off principle, if you were receiving or approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you will never pay more under Support at Home than you would have under the old system. This holds even if you’re later reassessed into a higher classification. If you paid no fees before, you’ll continue to pay no fees.
Financial hardship support
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Support at Home costs, fees & contributions
These are some of the most common questions, answered for you.
Do I have to pay for nursing or physiotherapy?
No. Clinical care, including nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other allied health is fully funded by the Government when it’s part of your approved support plan. You pay a 0% contribution regardless of your income or assets.
How is my exact contribution rate decided?
Services Australia assesses your income and assets using a means test similar to the Age Pension test and sets your percentage for independence and everyday living services. Full pensioners pay the minimum rates (5% and 17.5%); self-funded retirees without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card pay the maximum (50% and 80%). Part pensioners and card holders sit somewhere in between.
If you don’t provide your income and assets details, you’ll be given a “means not disclosed” status and charged the maximum rate, so it’s worth completing the assessment.
Will I pay more than I did on my Home Care Package?
No, provided you were receiving or approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024. The “no worse off” principle guarantees your contributions will be the same as, or lower than, they were under the old program even if your care needs increase and you’re reassessed into a higher classification later.
What is the 10% care management cap?
Providers can charge a care management fee to coordinate your services, but it’s capped by law at 10% of your quarterly budget. So, at least 90% of your funding goes directly to care. This fee is separate from the service contributions on this page. For a full breakdown of care management and how much of each classification budget is usable, see our Support at Home funding guide.
Is there a limit on what I'll pay over my lifetime?
What if I can't afford the contributions?
When do government price caps start?
Find out more about Support at Home
Download our information pack for more information about our Support at Home services. Our information pack has everything new clients and their families need to get started.
What our clients say about us
“My daily carers are kind, warm, friendly, hard workers who have a broad job description and willingly assist me with any tasks I can no longer manage myself. Their support and companionship is invaluable.
If I have concerns I can contact a member of the Co-ordination Team. Without exception this group consists of patient, understanding, helpful, very kind personnel who are skilled listeners. They respond promptly and never fail to provide a fast positive outcome.”
- Bev, Melbourne
It's your life. Live it, love it, own it.
By making sure we absolutely understand your goals, your needs and your situation, we deliver great customer experiences, creating and celebrating positive outcomes every day.
