Your care budget for home care services
At Catholic Healthcare, we're here to make things easier when it comes to understanding your home care service options and costs. We understand how important it is to know exactly what you're paying for.
Our goal is to provide affordable, flexible care options that fit your needs while supporting you at home. On this page, learn about our:
- Government-funded home care costs
- Self-funded home care costs
It is important you fully understand the different fees and any out-of-pocket charges you may need to pay, before signing up to any Home Care Services.
The total cost of your Home Care Services consists of three main elements, as illustrated below.
Type of government subsidy
The type of Government subsidy can impact your care budget. For example, a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) recipient can only receive entry level services to the maximum value of approximately $8,900 per annum, however, a Home Care Package (HCP) recipient can receive comprehensive care between the values of $10,000 and $61,000 per annum, depending on their HCP level.
|
Type of government subsidy |
Level |
Amount* |
| Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) | Basic needs only | |
| Home Care Package | Level 1 Basic care | Up to approx. $10,589 p.a. |
| Home Care Package | Level 2 Low care | Up to approx. $18,622 p.a. |
| Home Care Package | Level 3 Intermediate care | Up to approx. $40,530 p.a. |
| Home Care Package | Level 4 High care | Up to approx. $61,440 p.a. |
*Your Home Care Package Funding: This is the annual amount paid by the government for every individual who is approved for a level of care. These funds are used towards your care needs. The government subsidy for each package level changes on 1 July every year. For up-to-date information, please visit: myagedcare.gov.au/home-care-package-costs-and-fees
Your contribution
If you are receiving a government subsidy, then you may be required to pay a contribution towards your care.
For recipients of a Home Care Package (HCP), this contribution is known as the Basic Daily Fee and the amount is set by the Government.
For recipients of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), this fee is known as the Client Contribution.
Income-tested fee
This is a contribution towards the cost of your care and only applies if you are on a Home Care Package and your income or assets exceed the maximum threshold set by the Government.
Income-tested fee caps
There are annual and lifetime caps for the income-tested care fee.
Once the cap has been reached, you cannot be asked to pay more.
The annual cap is different depending on what you earn in a year. For example, for a single person as at 20 March 2024:
- If you are a full pensioner or have an income up to $33,027.80, you won’t have to pay an income-tested care fee.
- If you are a part pensioner or if you earn between $33,027.80 and $63,559.60 a year, your income-tested care fee is capped at $6,661.80 a year.
- If you earn more than $63,559.60 a year, your income-tested care fee is capped at $13,323.68 a year.
There is a lifetime cap of $79,942.44 as at 20 March 2024. After you reach the lifetime cap, you will no longer have to pay income tested care fees.
Self-funded home care services costs
For self-funded retirees, home care services offer the flexibility to choose additional support tailored to your needs. This allows you to enhance your care beyond what government-subsidised programs provide. Whether you need short-term assistance or ongoing help, you can customise your care plan and manage costs directly. This approach ensures you receive the level of care you deserve while maintaining your independence.
For more details, please see our self-funded services price guide.
Moving from home care services to residential aged care
If you have previously received Home Care Services using a Home Care Package (HCP) Government subsidy and are now moving into a Residential Aged Care Home, any income-tested fees paid with your HCP will be counted towards your aged care home means-tested fee annual and lifetime caps.