Support at Home has shifted the way in-home aged care works for older Australians. The program focuses on making fees and contributions simpler, clearer, and fairer, so participants can understand their costs and plan their care with confidence.
If you’re already in the program or planning to join soon, it’s helpful to understand how costs work. At HomeMade, we’re here to make things simple. We’ll help you understand what you can expect to pay and how to make the most of your Support at Home funding.
How much will I need to contribute?
When you join Support at Home, you’ll be allocated to a funding classification based on your care needs. Each classification determines the total amount of government funding available for your services.
Most participants will also need to contribute a small portion towards the cost of their care. The amount you pay will depend on your individual situation, including:
- The type of services you receive
- Your circumstances, such as your age and pension status.
You can find out more about Support at Home funding classifications and contributions in the program handbook.
Which services require contributions?
Support at Home services fall into 3 categories, each with its own contribution rate. Importantly, no one pays contributions for clinical care services.
- No contributions: for clinical supports such as nursing and allied health. These are fully funded by the government.
- Moderate contributions: for independence supports such as personal care and equipment under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.
- Highest contributions: for everyday living supports such as cleaning, gardening, and meal preparation.
Knowing which services require contributions helps you monitor your care budget and make informed decisions about what works best for you.
Does my income or pension affect my contribution?
Yes, your contribution depends on your income and assets assessment, as well as your Age Pension status:
- Full pensioners: lowest contributions
- Part pensioners: moderate contributions
- Self-funded retirees without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: highest contributions.
There’s a lifetime cap of $130,000, meaning you will never pay more than this amount towards the cost of non-clinical services. This is the case whether you receive services at home or in residential aged care.
How does care management and pricing work?
Care management
Under Support at Home, registered providers can charge up to 10% for care management, down from the previous 20% cap under Home Care Package. The Government will set aside 10% of each participant’s quarterly budget for care management. It covers the planning and coordination that help your care run smoothly, such as check-ins, clinical advice, and practical support. This fee applies whether you choose to self-manage or have your provider manage your care.
Upcoming price caps
Right now, prices for services can vary between providers. To help you compare options, My Aged Care has published a summary of indicative prices.
From 1 July 2026, the government is planning to introduce price caps to make costs more consistent and transparent across the sector. These caps will cover the total cost of each service, including any fees applied by an aged care provider or other costs like administration, transport, and management. In other words, you’ll see a single, easy-to-understand price that reflects everything involved in delivering that service.
How HomeMade makes in-home aged care more affordable
At HomeMade, we’re committed to delivering Australia’s best-value home care. Our wide network of over 3,000 trusted providers makes it easier to find quality care that suits your budget. Plus, you get to build a care routine that fits your lifestyle and needs, with the freedom to adjust your schedule when required.
We have also invested in smart, time-saving tools to help our team work more efficiently. That means you still get meaningful support, but could get more hours of care and less administration.
Where to get help understanding Support at Home costs
Even with efforts to make pricing more transparent, it can still feel complicated. It’s important to ask questions and seek guidance when you need it.
Here are some helpful resources:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
- Visit the Support at Home webpage on My Aged Care
- Read the Consumer Protections for Support at Home prices factsheet
- Speak to our friendly HomeMade team on 1300 655 688.
Our team is here to answer your questions, even if you’re not ready to get started yet. We can explain how fees and prices work and which contributions might apply to your situation.
Making Support at Home simpler, together
Understanding your fees and contributions is the first step to getting the right support. At HomeMade, we believe quality care should be transparent, affordable, and tailored to you.
Whether you’re just starting to explore the Support at Home program or ready to switch providers, we’re here to guide you.
