Home Care Package Take-up Deadline

Every Home Care Package has a take-up deadline. It’s useful to think about this as an expiry date when you can no longer access the government subsidies.

You have 56 days from the date your Package has been assigned to find a Home Care provider for your Package.

If you need some extra time you can submit a request for an extension through My Aged Care. The extension is for an extra 28 days. You can only request one extension so make sure you don’t let your Home Care Package lapse.

What can Home Care Package funds be used for?

Home Care Package funds can be used for almost anything you need to remain living safely at home. The most common services include:

• Basic home modifications such as rails in the bathroom
• Cleaning
• Transport
• Meal preparation.

You can not use your Home Care Package for rent, to buy food, paying your bills or mortgage, holidays and anything else that may already be subsidised by the government.

How long does it take to get a Home Care Package?

It can take more than two years to get the right Home Care Package for your needs so make sure you apply early. And if you’re offered a Home Care Package make sure you accept it before the take-up deadline – or ask for an extension if you’re having trouble finding the right provider for your needs.

What is the difference between CHSP and Home Care Packages?

The CHSP is the Commonwealth Home Support Program and it is entry-level support. It is bulk-funded to providers which means you don’t choose who delivers your services. Instead, a provider is given the funds to look after people in your area. On average the CHSP provides around $6000 worth of subsidies per client.

On the other hand, Home Care Packages provide ongoing support in four levels of Home Care Packages starting at approximately $10,271 per year for a Level 1 to more than $59,594 per year for a Level 4 (March 2024). The funds are yours to spend how you want. This is called Consumer Directed Care.

What is the maximum Income Tested Fee for Home Care Packages?

The government expects people who can afford it to contribute to the cost of their Home Care in the form of an Income Tested Fee. The Income Tested Fee is capped at approximately $13,324 per year and there is also a life-time cap of approximately $79,942 (March 2024).

If you are a full pensioner you do not have to pay the Income Tested Fee. If you’re a part-pensioner you can call Centrelink to find out if you have to pay anything towards your Home Care Package and how much.

Self-funded retirees need to complete an Income Tested Care Fee form to determine how much they need to contribute.

We’re here to help!

If you need further help before you accept your Home Care Package, speak to a CareAbout expert Adviser. They’ll answer all of your questions about accepting, extending, or rejecting your Home Care Package, at no cost to you!