What is Support at Home funding?
Support at Home is a government program that helps cover the cost of in-home aged care services. In most cases, the government pays part of the cost, you or your family member pay the rest, known as a contribution.
How much you contribute depends on a few things: your care classification, any supplements you’re eligible for, and the specific services you receive. We’ve broken it down below.
How much will you contribute?
Support at Home groups services into three categories, each with a different contribution level. Contributions are calculated, by Services Australia, dependent on the participant’s income and assets assessment.
0%
Clinical Supports
No contribution required for clinical support services. Fully funded by the government. Includes nursing, physiotherapy and allied health.
5% to 50%
Independence Services
A moderate contribution applies. Includes personal care,* transport and equipment under the AT-HM scheme.
17.5% to 80%
Everyday Living Services
The highest contribution applies. Includes services like domestic help, gardening and maintenance.
* From 1 October 2026, personal care becomes fully government-funded. No out-of-pocket cost, if it’s part of your support plan.
What determines your contribution amount?
Your contribution percentage is based on your income and assets and pensions status, assessed by Services Australia. You can access a means assessment on the Services Australia website. If income and assets information isn’t provided, a “means not disclosed” status applies, and the contribution is set at the maximum rate.
Carer’s Network is unable to view your contribution amount before you come on board.
My Aged Care Fee Estimator
Lowest Contribution
Full pensioners.
Highest Contribution
Self-funded retirees with no CSHC.
Does your start date affect what you pay?
Approved after 12 September 2024: Standard Support at Home contribution arrangements apply.
Approved on or before 12 September 2024: You won’t be worse off under Support at Home.
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If you were paying Home Care Package fees, you’ll pay the same or less.
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If you weren’t assessed as needing to pay fees, you’ll never be asked to pay under Support at Home.
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Your Home Care Package lifetime cap of $86,185.23 (indexed annually) still applies for Support at Home contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Government Contributions
Can Carer's Network tell me what my contributions will be?
We cannot see your contributions until after you come on board with Carer’s Network. Your contribution amount is determined by Services Australia, based on your income and assets assessment, not by Carer’s Network. We can walk you through how the system works and what factors affect your rate, but the specific figure comes from your assessment outcome, not from us.
If you haven’t completed an income and assets assessment yet, that’s the first step to finding out your actual contribution.
Can I estimate my contribution before I start?
Yes. My Aged Care has a Support at Home fee estimator that gives you an indication of what you might pay, based on your circumstances. It’s a useful starting point, though your actual contribution is confirmed after your income and assets assessment.
Who do I pay? Carer's Network, or the government?
Your contribution is paid directly to your provider, not to Services Australia. The government pays its share of the cost separately. You’ll only ever see one bill, for your portion.
Can my contribution change over time?
Yes. Your contribution can change if your income or assets change, or if your care needs and the services you receive are adjusted. Services Australia will notify you and Carer’s Network if your rate changes.
