Support at Home costs and contributions: what will you pay?

While ensuring you get the right care and support under the Support at Home program is important, one of the biggest concerns most people have is how much will it cost?  

It’s a fair question but one that doesn’t always have a simple answer. What you pay for home care largely depends on the types of services you receive, your income and assets, and your pension status.

This article aims to make the uncertainty around cost and contributions clearer. We’ll walk you through what the different service categories mean for what you pay, how your contributions are calculated, and what safeguards exist to help keep costs manageable.

What is a client contribution under Support at Home?

While the government funds a significant portion of your care through your classification-based quarterly budget, most Support at Home clients are asked to contribute toward the cost of some services. This is known as client contribution.

While not every service attracts a contribution, what you pay depends on the types of services you receive. Clinical services such as nursing and allied health are fully government funded, while contributions apply to independence and everyday living supports, with the amount varying based on your income and pension status.

The three Support at Home service categories and what you pay for each

Support at Home divides all funded services into three categories. Each category attracts different contribution rules.

Clinical care: zero contribution

Clinical care covers services delivered by registered health professionals, including nursing, wound management, medication management, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, and dietitian services.

The government fully funds all clinical care for all clients, regardless of income or assets, meaning you pay nothing for clinical services that are approved in your support plan.

Independence services: moderate contributions

Independence services are those that help you manage daily personal care and maintain your physical wellbeing. This category includes personal care (showering, dressing, grooming), mobility assistance, and exercise and therapeutic support.

Contributions for independence services are moderate and means-tested:

•      Full pensioners: 5 per cent of the service cost

•      Part pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders: between 5 per cent and 50 per cent depending on income and assets

•      Self-funded retirees (non-CSHC): 50 per cent of the service cost

Everyday living services: highest contributions

Everyday living services cover practical support with day-to-day tasks, including domestic assistance, cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and delivery, shopping, transport to appointments, and social support activities.

Everyday living services attract the highest contribution rates:

•      Full pensioners: 17.5 per cent of the service cost

•      Part pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders: between 17.5 per cent and 80 per cent depending on income and assets

•      Self-funded retirees (non-CSHC): 80 per cent of the service cost

How contributions are calculated

Your contribution rate is assessed by Services Australia through an income and assets assessment, similar to the Age Pension means test. The assessment looks at your income and your assets, to determine your contribution rate.

Once the assessment is complete, Services Australia determines your applicable contribution percentages for independence and everyday living services. Your provider then applies these rates when calculating what you owe for each service delivered.

If you cannot afford your contributions, you can apply for financial hardship support through Services Australia. If approved, the government will cover some or all of your contributions.

The lifetime contribution caps

There are two separate lifetime caps on contributions under Support at Home, depending on which client group you belong to:

Standard cap: new clients

For clients who are not covered by the 'no worse off' principle (those assessed from 1 November 2025 onwards, and hybrid clients), the current lifetime cap is $137,917.01. Once your cumulative non-clinical contributions reach this amount, you will not be required to pay any further contributions.

No worse off cap: grandfathered clients

For grandfathered clients (those assessed or approved for an HCP on or before 12 September 2024), the lifetime cap is $86,185.23; a lower, more protective threshold that reflects the 'no worse off' principle.

Services Australia will notify both you and your provider when you approach and reach your lifetime cap. Any contributions paid under the Home Care Package program count towards the relevant cap.

Tips for managing your contributions effectively

1.    Complete your means assessment early: this ensures your contributions are calculated correctly and you are not paying the maximum rate unnecessarily during any interim period.

2.    Understand which services attract contributions: remember that clinical care is always free. Focus contribution awareness on your independence and everyday living services.

3.    Track your lifetime cap progress: keep an eye on your cumulative contributions through your Services Australia records so you know when you are approaching your cap.

4.    Choose a provider with low service fees: provider hourly rates directly affect how many care hours your budget can fund and what you pay in contributions. Lower rates mean more care and lower total costs.

5.    Consider self-management: self-managing with Trilogy Care gives you the most control over your spending and access to the most competitive service rates available.

6.    Review your care plan each quarter: check that your services are meeting your needs and that you are not leaving significant unspent funds in your account.

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay contributions for nursing care or physiotherapy?

No. Clinical care services, including all nursing and allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry, are fully funded by the government. You pay zero contribution for these services, regardless of your income or assets.

How do I complete a means assessment?

You can request a means assessment through Services Australia by calling 1800 227 475. You will need to provide details about your income and assets. Services Australia will determine your contribution rates and advise both you and your provider.

What are the two lifetime caps?

The standard lifetime cap for new clients is currently $137,917.01. The lower 'no worse off' cap for grandfathered clients (assessed by 12 September 2024) is $86,185.23. Both are indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year. Once you reach your cap, you pay no further contributions for non-clinical services.

Can my contributions change over time?

Yes. Your contributions are reassessed when your financial circumstances change significantly, and Services Australia reviews them periodically. If your income or assets decrease, your contributions may reduce. If they increase, your contributions may increase; subject to annual and lifetime caps.

What if I cannot afford my contributions?

You can apply for financial hardship support through Services Australia. If your application is approved, the government will cover some or all of your contributions for independence and everyday living services. Contact Services Australia on 1800 227 475 to discuss your circumstances.