Income and Assets Tested Care Fee
Support at Home continues to be government subsidised but if you can afford to make a contribution then it is expected that you do. Changes from November 1st 2025 will mean that you will pay a little more for Independence services and every day living support, if you can afford to.
Under Support at Home you will only pay contribution fees for the services you use, rather than a fixed daily fee for your package.
Contributions will be based on both income and assets (the age-pension means test), not just income as under the old Home Care Package rules.
Under the new Support at Home program, there are 3 main different service categories.
Different categories of services will attract different contribution percentages. Contributions will also depend on if you are a full pensioner, a part pensioner or a self-funded retiree.
Clinical support services (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy): you make no contribution.
- 0% contribution for full pensioners
- 0% contribution for part pensioners
- 0% for self-funded retirees
Independence services / home modifications / equipment: moderate contribution.
- 5% contribution for full pensioners
- 5% to 50% contribution for part pensioners
- 50% contribution for self-funded retirees
Everyday living supports (domestic help, gardening, etc): higher contribution.
- 17.5% contribution for full pensioners
- 17.5% to 80% contribution for part pensioners
- 80% contribution for self-funded retirees
There is a lifetime cap that applies. Once you have paid $135,318.69 (as of 1st November 2025) you will not have to pay further contributions under the Support at Home program.
What if you were already receiving a Home Care Package or were on the waiting list?
If as of 12 September 2024 you were already approved for a Home Care Package (or on the waitlist), and you do not pay the current income-tested care fee, you will not be required to pay one under Support at Home.
If you currently pay an income-tested care fee under a Home Care Package, you will transition into Support at Home under “no worse-off” rules you will pay the same or less, not more.
Annie Donaldson
agedcare101 Registered Nurse and Carer