Where can I find out about personal contributions under the Support at Home program?
For more information about personal contributions under Support at Home, check out the Department of Health, Ageing and Disability’s Support at Home program handbook. Information regarding contributions can be found in chapter 5.
How much will my contribution be under Support at Home?
Your contribution depends on a range of factors, including the types of services you receive, whether you receive a pension and your means as assessed by Services Australia. This is set by the government and not by HomeMade. But, how far your funding goes may be influenced by the provider you choose.
Your contribution will also depend on the type of services you receive.
- Clinical support has no personal contribution.
- Independence (e.g., personal care and social support) has a minimum 5% personal contribution
- Everyday living (e.g., cleaning, shopping, meal prep) has a minimum 17.5% personal contribution.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
It depends on the services you receive and your income and asset assessment by Services Australia. Here’s a general guide from the Support at Home Manual:
| Full Pensioner | Part Pensioner | Self-funded with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | Self-funded with no Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Independence | 5% | 5-50% | 5-50% | 50% |
| Everyday Living | 17.5% | 17.5-80% | 17.5-80% | 80% |
Clinical care (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy) does not require a contribution.
Service types
Do I have to personally contribute to the payment of every service?
No. Under the Support at Home program, you are expected to contribute towards Independence and Everyday living services. You do not contribute to Clinical supports included in your care plan, as these are covered by your funding.
What services are fully funded by the government?
All Clinical supports outlined in your plan are covered by the government. This includes:
- Nursing care (e.g., Registered Nurse, nursing care consumables)
- Allied health and other therapeutic services (e.g., Physiotherapist, Occupational therapist and Dietician)
- Nutrition (e.g., prescribed nutrition)
- Care management (e.g., care planning and service coordination)
- Restorative care management (e.g., specialist coordination services).
Do I have to contribute to every service if I'm on the full Age Pension?
You will not have to contribute to every service if you are on the full Age Pension. For services where you will need to pay a contribution to you will pay a smaller contribution than those who are on a part Age Pension or are self-funded retirees.
- Clinical supports (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy) do not require a contribution.
- Independence (e.g., help showering or dressing) will require a 5% of the service cost contribution.
- Everyday living (e.g., cleaning, gardening and meal prep) will require a 17.5% of the service cost contribution.
| Example calculation of contribution | |
|---|---|
| Cleaning cost | $60 |
| Service Loading | $60 + 10% = $66 |
| Everyday living contribution | 17.5% |
| Everyday living contribution charge | $66 x 17.5% = $11.55 |
| Total charge to customer's funding for cleaning services provided | $66 + $11.55 = $77.55 |
Do I have to personally contribute to the payment of every service if I'm on a part pension?
You will not have to contribute to every service if you are on the part Age Pension. For Independence and Everyday living services, your contributions are based on Services Australia’s assessment of your income and assets.
- Clinical supports (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy) do not require a contribution.
- Independence (e.g., help showering or dressing) your contribution may be between 5% and 50% of the service cost.
- Everyday living (e.g., cleaning, gardening and meal prep) your contribution may be between 17.5% and 80% of the service cost.
For example, if an Everyday living service such as cleaning costs $60, you may have to contribute anywhere from $10.50–$48, depending on your income and asset assessment.
Do I have to personally contribute to the payment of every service if I am a self-funded retiree and not on a pension?
You will not have to contribute to every service if you are a self-funded retiree. For Independence and Everyday living services, your contributions are based on Services Australia’s assessment of your income and assets.
If you have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, your contribution may be lower depending on your income and asset assessment by Services Australia.
- Clinical supports (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy) do not require a contribution.
- Independence (e.g., help with showering or dressing) your contribution may be between 5% and 50% of the service cost.
- Everyday living (e.g., cleaning, gardening and meal prep) your contribution may be between 17.5% and 80% of the service cost.
If you don’t have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you will pay the full 80% ($48).
How will I pay my contributions?
We will manage your contribution payments by invoicing you directly and outlining them in your Customer Agreement. We will provide estimates of the contribution at the time of service planning.
You will not be required to calculate your contribution fees. If you have any questions about the contribution amount charged in the HomeMade invoice, you can always contact us.
Who tracks my contribution cap?
Services Australia will track how much you contribute over your lifetime on your behalf.
Will I still pay the income-tested care fee (ITCF)?
No. The ITCF will be removed and replaced from 1 November 2025. Under Support at Home, you will only pay for the services you use, and the contribution will be calculated by Services Australia.
What are my options if I can't afford to pay the contribution?
If you can not afford the contribution fees for Independence or Everyday living services, you can apply for financial hardship through Services Australia. If your application is approved, the Australian Government will cover some or all of your contributions.