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Support at Home Contributions Explained

Under the new program, older Australians may be asked to make a Support at Home client contribution (now known as participant contributions) toward their approved services, depending on their income and the type of care received. 

These Support at Home participant contributions help share the cost of care fairly, while ensuring government funding continues to cover essential clinical supports such as nursing and allied health.

New Support at Home contribution rates are designed to be transparent and consistent across service types, providing older Australians and their families greater confidence in their care budgets.

If you’re yet to learn about Support at Home and what this means for you, please refer to our detailed Support at Home guide here.

Support at Home Contributions Explained

Under the new program, older Australians may be asked to make a Support at Home client contribution (now known as participant contributions) toward their approved services, depending on their income and the type of care received. 

These Support at Home participant contributions help share the cost of care fairly, while ensuring government funding continues to cover essential clinical supports such as nursing and allied health.

New Support at Home contribution rates are designed to be transparent and consistent across service types, providing older Australians and their families greater confidence in their care budgets.

If you’re yet to learn about Support at Home and what this means for you, please refer to our detailed Support at Home guide here.

Simply, What Are Support at Home Contributions?

Support at Home contributions are participant payments introduced from 1 November 2025, charged as a percentage of each service that’s actually delivered under the new aged care model. 

These aged care contributions apply only to independence and everyday-living services, while clinical supports, such as nursing and allied health, remain fully government funded aged care fees.

The amount each person pays depends on their personal income, assets, and pension status, in order to ensure contributions are fair and based on the individual’s ability to make payments. Contributions are one of the larger changes to the Support at Home Program but there are others you may want to learn about. Read our full Support at Home Changes guide here.

Who Has to Pay? Pensioners vs Self-Funded Retirees

The new Support at Home system aims to promote greater fairness among all eligible care recipients.  

Support at Home contributions are based on a person’s financial situation: 

Full Pensioner

Pay the lowest Support at Home participant contribution, with capped amounts designed to protect their income.

Part pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders

Pay Support at Home participant contributions at assessed rates determined by income and assets.

Self-funded retirees without a CSHC

Contribute at the highest Support at Home contribution rates, but the new co-contributions are tied to specific services you use, not a daily fee like the previous Income Tested Fee (ITF) paid under the Home Care Package (HCP) program. It will not be more than you pay today.

Importantly, clinical supports, such as nursing and allied health services, attract no participant contribution to Support at Home, ensuring essential health care remains fully government-funded for everyone.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how these Support at Home contributions work:

  Support at Home Contributions Support at Home Participant Contribution Additional Information  
Full Pensioners Pay the lowest contribution Capped and income-protected Designed to protect those on fixed incomes  
Part Pensioners & CSHC Holders Pay assessed contributions Based on income and assets Rates determined by government assessment
Self-Funded Retirees (no CSHC) Pay the highest contribution No income protection cap Contributions now tied to delivered services, replacing daily fees for fairer, transparent pricing
All Participants (Clinical Supports) No contribution applies $0 for clinical services Clinical supports (e.g. nursing, allied health) are fully government funded

What’s Covered by Support at Home Contributions?

Support at Home contributions are only applied to services that are actually delivered (and are collected directly by the provider at the time of service). 

Each Support at Home participant contribution is calculated as a fixed percentage of the approved price per hour or unit, depending on the type of care received

As outlined above, there are three main service groups. Under the Support at Home program, the following is covered:

  • Clinical Supports: Nursing, physiotherapy, and allied health, are all examples of the types of clinical support services. 
    • Contribution rate: These have a 0% contribution rate, and remain completely government funded.
  • Independence : Such as personal care, transport, and mobility support.
    • Contribution rate: Moderate % rate.
  • Everyday Living : Such as cleaning, gardening, and meal preparation. 
    • Contribution rate: Highest % rate. 

These Support at Home participant contributions ensure costs are shared fairly while maintaining access to essential, government-funded clinical care for all older Australians.

To see the full service list, including an overview of these three participant contributions, visit the Australian Government resource here.

Prefer to speak with someone over the phone? CareAbout has you covered. Simply call 13 13 00, and our dedicated team of Care Advisors, can walk you through these Support at Home changes – completely free of charge. 

Why CareAbout?

We’re here to help Australians navigate aged care with confidence, because no one should ever have to face this journey alone. 

We’re not a provider, but we’re here to match you with the right one. With over 900+ providers Australia-wide, finding quality aged care is stressful and overwhelming. That’s why we 1:1 match you with only a trusted, compliant provider from our handpicked panel of only vetted providers – based on your unique needs.

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How Much Will I Pay? Contribution Rates Explained

For people grandfathered from Home Care Packages who were approved on or before 12 September 2024, you will pay the same or less than before the transition, ensuring no one is financially disadvantaged. This is commonly referred to as the “no worse off principle”.

Grandfathered Participants

If you were either receiving a package, on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package on or before 12 September 2024, then the following grandfathered contribution rates apply:

It is important to note that you won’t start paying fees if you don’t already, and if you do, your fees won’t increase under the “no worse off” principle. This will continue to apply if you are later reassessed into a higher Support at Home Classification.

  Clinical Supports Independence Everyday living  
Full Pensioners 0% 0% 0%  
Part Pensioners & Self Funded CHSC Holders 0% 0-25% 0-25%
Self-Funded Retirees (no CSHC) 0% 25% 25%

Transitional Participants

If you were approved for a Home Care Package between 12 September 2024 and 31 October 2025, then the following transitioned contribution rates apply:

  Clinical Supports Independence Everyday living  
Full Pensioners 0% 5% 17.5%  
Part Pensioners & Self Funded CHSC Holders 0% 5-50% 17.5-80%  
Self-Funded Retirees (no CSHC) 0% 50% 80%

New Participants

If you were approved from 1 November 2025 onwards, then the following contribution rates apply:

  Clinical Supports Independence Everyday living  
Full Pensioners 0% 5% 17.5%  
Part Pensioners & Self Funded CHSC Holders 0% 5–50% 17.5–80%
Self-Funded Retirees (no CSHC) 0% 50% 80%

All Support at Home participant contributions apply only to services actually delivered and are collected directly by providers under the approved Support at Home contribution rates.

A lifetime cap applies to all Support at Home participant contributions, but there is no annual cap, and each Support at Home participant contribution is collected by providers for services delivered.

Try Our Support at Home Contributions Calculator

You can use our Support at Home Contributions Calculator to quickly see what your personal contribution may look like based on your income, assets, and care needs. This gives you an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs so you can better understand how the new program applies to your situation.

1
About You
2
Your Money
3
Approval Date
4
Your Package
5
Your Rates

Tell us about yourself

This helps us calculate your contribution rates accurately

Your financial situation

This information helps calculate your contribution rates

What you’ll need

Your income for aged care is assessed the same way as for Age Pension. This includes income from superannuation and government payments (unlike taxable income). You may want to have your financial statements, super statements, or tax returns handy.

Your Financial Details

Include: Superannuation income streams, rental income (net), business income (net), overseas pensions, DVA payments (except disability), work income, compensation payments Don’t include: Age Pension, interest from bank accounts (we’ll calculate deemed income automatically), DVA disability payments, pharmaceutical allowance, rent assistance
Include: Bank accounts, term deposits, bonds, debentures, shares (listed & unlisted), managed investments, cash holdings, superannuation balance (if over Age Pension age and NOT receiving income stream) Note: We use ‘deeming’ – your assets are assumed to earn a set rate regardless of actual returns. Don’t include interest earned.
Include: Superannuation balance (if receiving an income stream – record the balance here AND income above), investment properties, vehicles, boats, caravans, collections (stamps, art, antiques), household contents (market value), overseas assets, trust/company interests Don’t include: Your family home (if you’re a homeowner), retirement village entry contributions
Include: Personal loans (over listed assets), mortgages (over investment properties or other assets), any other loans/encumbrances over financial or other assets Don’t include: Credit card debt, loans for someone else’s benefit, mortgage on family home (already excluded from assets)

When were you approved for services?

This helps us show you the right package options

Why does this matter?

Different aged care programs became available at different times. Your approval date determines which package types you’re eligible for.

What type of aged care package do you have?

The type of package affects your contribution rates

Package Options

Choose the one that matches your current package.

Transition Rules for Current Home Care Package Recipients

Anyone approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) on or before 12 September 2024 is protected by the “no worse-off” principle and will automatically transition to Support at Home on 1 November 2025, with their current funding level preserved. 

Any unspent HCP funds carry forward and can continue to be used under the new program, including in advance of new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) allocations where applicable. 

A reassessment will only occur if a participant’s care needs change, ensuring a smooth and consistent transition. 

What Contributions Are Required for the Support at Home Transition?

Your transition contribution to Support at Home depends on which of the following three participant types you belong to:

Grandfathered Participants: If you entered the system before 12 September 2024 (with an existing Home Care Package, or were approved for a Home Care Package), you will not be required to make any contributions (if you’re not already contributing to the cost of care and supports). 

Transitional Participants: If you were approved for a Home Care Package between 12 September 2024 to 31 October 2025, contributions will be payable from 1 November 2025.

New Participants: If you’ve been assessed and have entered the system after November 2025, service-based contributions are payable for all participants. 

Current Home Care Package Recipients

To summarise how fees will be applied for Home Care Package recipients when moving over to Support at Home, please see our following table for an outline of: Approval dates, service status, and existing income-tested fees (ITFs), to determine what’s payable at the time of your transition.

Approved for HCP before 12 Sep 2024? Receiving HCP before 1 Nov 2025? HCP income-tested fee? Fees at transition  
Yes Yes No No fees; protected by “no worse-off” principle.  
Yes Yes Yes Discounted “no worse-off” principle rates apply.  
No Queue only Queue only Moves to standard Support at Home rates from Nov 2025.  
No Yes Yes Pays standard Support at Home rates.  
No Yes No Pays standard Support at Home rates.  
No No No Pays standard Support at Home rates.

Contribution Caps, Indexation and Hardship

A lifetime cap of $130,000 applies to non-clinical Support at Home contributions across both home and residential aged care, with no annual cap in place.

All participant contributions whether you receive them in-home or in a residential aged care facility count toward this combined limit, and Services Australia tracks each person’s progress toward the cap. 

Contribution Thresholds Indexed Twice Yearly: 20 March and 20 September

This is conducted to reflect income and cost of living changes. Participants experiencing financial difficulty can apply for hardship assistance through Services Australia.

And if approved, the government may cover some or all participant contribution Support at Home costs during the hardship period – of course, this is only determined through a formal assessment.

How We CareAbout You

When you don’t have all the pieces of a constantly-changing puzzle, it’s incredibly hard to make an informed decision – that’s where we come in.

Our Care Advisors cut through the noise, and simplify an otherwise complex process. We take the time to understand who you are, and what you need. We then present you with an expert-led recommendation – of course, the ultimate choice is yours to make.

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What’s Changing in November 2025?

From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will begin – you can read more about the new program here.

Under the new Support at Home system, Home Care Packages (HCPs) will be replaced – and later, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be phased out (no earlier than 1 July 2027).

These Support at Home participant contributions help share the cost of care fairly, while ensuring government funding continues to cover essential clinical supports such as nursing and allied health.

Each Support at Home participant contribution is collected directly by providers, with clearer monthly statements that show charges, payments, and balances. 

Alongside ongoing services, three short-term pathways Restorative Care, Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM), and End-of-Life, will operate to give participants flexible, tailored support when their needs change.

Before vs After 1 November 2025:

After this transition to Support at Home, both participant contributions and contribution rates, will be fairer, more transparent, and tied only to the value of services received. 

How Will Support at Home Contributions Be Collected?

Under the new system, Support at Home, contributions are collected directly by providers – and are only applied only to the services that are actually delivered. 

Consumables billed at cost, such as equipment or supplies, follow the same percentage-based calculation as regular services. 

The capped 10% care management fee is not included in individual service prices. It is charged separately, itemised on invoices in 15-minute increments, and paid to providers quarterly. This approach ensures transparency around how care coordination costs are applied, while keeping the pricing of core services clear and consistent for all participants.

A Takeaway of Support at Home Contributions for Seniors and Families

Under the new Support at Home program, all clinical services remain free at the point of use. This ensures essential health and nursing care continue to be fully government-funded. 

Support at Home contributions will apply only to independence and everyday-living services, with Support at Home participant contributions and Support at Home participant contributions varying according to personal income, assets, and the eligibility cohorts. 

The new Support at Home contribution rates are designed to be fair, transparent, and based on a person’s ability to pay. 

Importantly, anyone approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024 is protected under the “no worse-off” principle, meaning their participant contribution to Support at Home will either stay the same or be lower after transition.

Level 3 Home Care Package Breakdown

Your Trusted Guide to Quality Aged Care

Since our foundation in 2014, we’ve helped over 135,000+ families throughout Australia to find just that – quality aged care.

We were established by two founders in the same boat as too many Australians: Looking for quality care for their loved ones – and no idea where to begin.

We built CareAbout as a free solution to help people navigate the system and find the right aged care support they deserve and need. .

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“Contributions are one of the most common questions we get from families. The key thing to understand is that clinical services like nursing and allied health remain fully government-funded — you won’t pay a personal contribution for those. Where contributions apply is for everyday living services like cleaning, gardening and meal preparation. And if you’re on a full pension, your contributions will be significantly lower.”

— Calum Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer, CareAbout

10+ years in Australian aged care | Helping senior Australians navigate the aged care system

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay contributions for all Support at Home services?
No. Clinical services such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other allied health supports are fully government-funded. You will not pay a personal contribution for these services. Contributions apply to independence and everyday living services such as cleaning, gardening, meal preparation and personal care.
How is my contribution amount calculated?
Your contribution is based on an income assessment conducted by Services Australia. If you receive a full Age Pension, you will pay a lower contribution. Part-pensioners and self-funded retirees may pay a higher contribution depending on their income. Services Australia will send you a letter explaining your assessed contribution level.
What if I can’t afford my contributions?
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can apply to Services Australia for a reduction or waiver of your contributions. Your provider can also help you understand what options are available. No one should go without essential care because of cost concerns.
Is there a cap on how much I will pay?
Yes. The Australian Government has set annual and lifetime caps on contributions for everyday living and independence services. Once you reach the cap, the government covers the full cost. The caps are indexed each year and your provider should be able to tell you how close you are to reaching them.
Do contributions change if my income changes?
Yes. If your financial circumstances change — for example, if you move onto the full Age Pension — you can ask Services Australia to reassess your contributions. It is worth reviewing your contribution level whenever your income situation changes significantly.

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