Question 1

What does the Support at Home Contributions Calculator do?

Accepted Answer

It gives an estimate of how much you may be asked to contribute towards your Support at Home services. It uses the income and circumstance details you enter to provide a personalised guide based on the government’s contribution rules.

Question 2

Is the result exact?

Accepted Answer

No. It offers an estimate only. The Department of Health and Aged Care makes the formal assessment, and your final contribution may differ slightly depending on your full financial assessment and the services you choose.

Question 3

Does the calculator include all Support at Home categories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It accounts for the main service groups such as independence supports, everyday living, and clinical care. It estimates your contribution across these groups based on the rules for each.

Question 4

Who can help if I have a complaint or need advocacy?

Accepted Answer

If something doesn’t feel right, or if you just need support navigating these changes, you can contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) at 1800 700 600.

OPAN offers free, confidential advice and advocacy to make sure your voice is heard, whether it’s about your Support at Home level, your provider, or anything else related to your aged care.

Better yet, simply freecall us at 13 13 00 – we’re here to CareAbout you.

Question 5

What happens to my unspent HCP funds?

Accepted Answer

If you’re transitioning from a Home Care Package, any unspent funds will come with you. These funds will be added to your Support at Home account and can be used for Assistive Technology, Home Modifications (AT-HM), or extra approved services after your regular quarterly Support at Home funding is used.

Question 6

What happens if my care needs change?

Accepted Answer

You’re never locked into one Support at Home level. If your needs increase, or even decrease by any chance, you can request a reassessment through My Aged Care at any time.

Should your personal situation change, your Support at Home funding can be adjusted to match – after all, the aim of Support at Home is to ensure that your care can keep up with you.

Question 7

How often will I receive Support at Home budget statements?

Accepted Answer

Your provider must send you a clear, monthly statement that shows how your Support at Home funding has been used. This statement will typically include what services will be received, how much each service costs, what’s left in the budget, and any contributions that have already been made.

Overall, these Support at Home budget statements are key to making sure your care stays on track – and that you understand exactly where your funding is going.

Question 8

How are Support at Home contributions calculated?

Accepted Answer

Most clinical care, like nursing or allied health for example, is fully covered by the Australian government under your Support at Home funding. For other services such as help around the house or personal care, you may be asked to contribute based on your income and assets:

Full pensioners typically contribute 5 – 17.5%
Part pensioners contribute between 5 – 80%
Self-funded retirees may contribute up to 80%, with discounts if they hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

No one will pay beyond the current lifetime cap of $130,000, so you’re protected from excessive costs over time.

To calculate your estimated contribution, simply use our CareAbout calculator here.

Question 9

Can funds roll over between quarters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they can. You’re allowed to roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly Support at Home funding (whichever is greater) into the next quarter. This is especially helpful for unexpected situations – say, if your regular carer takes time off or your needs temporarily increase.

It’s just one of the ways Support at Home funding levels have been made more flexible than older systems.

Question 10

How are Support at Home budgets managed?

Accepted Answer

Your Support at Home funding is held safely by Services Australia, not by your provider. This means you’re able to stay in greater control while avoiding the hassle of day-to-day paperwork.

Your provider will work with you to create a plan that fits your care needs and budget, using approved services under your assigned Support at Home classification level. This approach helps older Australians manage their care without the stress of administrative red tape.

Question 11

What happens if I receive both HCP and CHSP support?

Accepted Answer

If you currently have a Home Care Package (HCP) and receive support from the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), your care will be combined under one provider through the new Support at Home services system. This ensures simpler access, consistent aged care service pricing, and easier coordination with Support at Home providers.

Frequently Asked Questions