How much does Support at Home Cost?
A simple guide to Support at Home costs, co-contributions and what you may need to pay for government-funded aged care at home.
Understanding aged care costs can feel overwhelming. This page explains what government funding may cover, when co-contributions may apply, and how Just Better Care can help you understand your support options.
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On this page
- Quick summary of Support at Home costs
- How do Support at Home costs work?
- Government funding
- Personal contributions
- What services are funded?
- Additional costs
- What affects costs?
- Examples of support
- Support at Home Costs: Common Questions
Quick summary of Support at Home costs
- The Australian Government provides funding based on your assessed care needs.
- You may be asked to contribute to some services depending on your financial circumstances.
- Clinical services are generally government-funded.
- You only pay for the services you receive. There are no upfront package fees or savings required.
- Your provider should explain your contributions clearly before services begin.
How do Support at Home costs work?
The Support at Home program is designed to make it easier to understand what you pay, how much support you receive, and how services are tailored to your needs.
If you are approved for Support at Home, you will receive funding to help pay for services that support you to remain independent, safe and comfortable in your own home.
The type and amount of support you receive will depend on your individual needs and assessment.
Need help understanding what your costs could look like?
Your local Just Better Care office can explain Support at Home co-contributions, service options and how your Support at Home funding may be used.
Government Funding
Participants of the Support at Home program will receive some level of funding from the Australian Government to subsidise the cost of their services.
The amount of support you receive will be based on an independent assessment of your needs.
You won’t need to manage a budget yourself. Instead, your care provider, such as Just Better Care, will receive direct payments to deliver approved services as part of your support plan.
These services may include supports such as:
- Personal care and daily living assistance
- Transport and independence support
- Nursing and clinical services
- Domestic assistance and home help
Personal Contributions
Depending on your financial circumstances, you may be asked to make a contribution toward the cost of your care. These co-contributions help cover part of the cost of delivering your services.
The amount you contribute may vary depending on:
- The services included in your support plan
- Your individual financial circumstances
- Your approved Support at Home classification
You will always be told upfront what your contributions are and how they are calculated.
What You Need to Know?
- No upfront fees or savings required – care is paid as you go, based on services received.
- Financial hardship provisions will be available if you can’t afford to pay.
- You will always be told upfront what your contributions are and how they’re calculated.
- Just Better Care will work with you to make sure your care plan is personalised and aligned with your assessed needs.
Want a clearer explanation of how contributions work?
Read our Support at Home costs and contributions guide or contact our team for help understanding your options.
How much does Support at Home cost in Australia?
Support at Home services span different support categories. Some services are fully funded by the government, while others may involve a participant contribution.
| Service type | Examples | How your funding may work |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical supports | Nursing, clinical care and health services | These services are generally government-funded. |
| Independence supports | Personal care, transport, mobility assistance | A co-contribution may apply depending on circumstances. |
| Everyday living supports | Cleaning, meal preparation and home help | You may be asked to contribute towards these services. |
Not every participant will use the same services, so the overall cost of care can vary by person.
Additional Costs
Some items or services may sit outside your approved plan or government funding.
If this applies, your local Just Better Care office will always explain any additional costs and gain your consent before charging any out-of-pocket expenses.
What factors affect how much Support at Home may cost?
There are a few factors that can influence your overall Support at Home costs
Your My Aged Care Assessment | Your support services | The hourly charge rate | Your financial circumstances | Your support plan |
If you are new to in-home aged care, you may also like to read
What is the Support at Home Program? for a simple overview.
Examples of Support at Home services
Example: Clinical support
A participant recovering after hospital may receive clinical support funded through their Support at Home program.
Example: Personal Care
A participant who needs help with showering and dressing is likely to recieve personal care services.
Example: Domestic Assistance (also referred to as help around the home)
Cleaning or meal preparation support may help someone continue living safely at home.
Preparing for your My Aged Care Assessment?
If you are waiting for your Support at Home assessment, our ACAT Assessment Guide explains how to prepare for the My Aged Care assessment and outlines alternative options, such as self-funded private care, if you need support at home sooner.
How Just Better Care will support you and your family?
Just Better Care will work with you to make sure your care plan is personalised and aligned with your assessed needs.
Our role is to help you understand your support options and how your services may fit within your approved funding.
- We explain your options in plain English.
- We help you understand the services that may suit your needs and goals.
- We can walk you through your quarterly budget and care planning.
- We help you stay informed about changes to your supports over time.
- We provide ongoing coordination through Support at Home care management.
Support at Home costs: common questions
How much does Support at Home cost?
The cost depends on your assessed needs, the services you receive and whether a personal contribution applies. Some services are fully government funded, while others may require a co-contribution.
Do pensioners pay for Support at Home?
Some participants may be asked to contribute to certain services depending on their financial circumstances and the supports they receive.
What services are free under Support at Home?
Clinical supports are generally government funded. Other services may involve a participant contribution depending on the type of support and your circumstances.
What is a Support at Home contribution?
A Support at Home contribution is the amount a participant may be asked to pay towards some services. Your provider should explain this clearly before services begin.
Do I have to pay if I am on the Age Pension?
Your contribution arrangements will depend on your individual circumstances. If you are concerned about affordability, financial hardship provisions may be available.
Will I know my costs before services begin?
Yes. Your provider will explain pricing and contributions clearly so you understand your options before care begins.
What if my needs change?
Your support plan can be reviewed and adjusted as your needs change. Learn more about care management.
Where do I start if I’m new to aged care?
Start by learning how the Support at Home program works, checking Support at Home eligibility, and understanding the ACAT assessment process.
Not sure what Support at Home costs may look like for you?
Your local Just Better Care team can help you understand Support at Home funding, co-contributions and the assessment process.
Prefer to speak with someone locally? Find your nearest Just Better Care office.
