Home Care costs and funding information
On this page:
Tailor-made home care programs to suit your care needs and budget.
When it comes to personalised home care, we know how important it is to have a support network you can trust.
That’s why we’re committed to telling you about all the costs up front – including government subsidies, and what you may be required to pay.
There are absolutely no hidden charges, no handling fees on purchases, or compulsory co-contribution to your funds.
Need support with Home Care?
Need support with Home Care?
, call now:
13 22 78
Our team would love to chat with you, answer any questions you have, and find out what matters most to you. We are available Monday to Friday, from 8.00am to 6.00pm
How do I pay for Home Care?
There are three common ways to pay for Home Care in Australia:
Support at Home (SaH)
Support at Home (SaH) provides government funding for home care services – even if you only need them temporarily. Support at Home funding is awarded in 8 classifications, with classification 8 catering to the highest level of need.
Funding arrives in ongoing, quarterly ‘budgets’, making it easier and more flexible to manage. And if you’re already on a Home Care Package (the older model of funding), there’s an easy pathway to transition to the Support at Home program.
There are also short-term funding pathways available for specific situations – such as recovering after illness or making changes to your home – which can be accessed alongside your regular Support at Home funding if needed
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
If you are looking for entry-level support at home, the CHSP might be where you start your Home Care journey. This government-subsidised service helps you live well and independently at home, supporting with everyday tasks such as cleaning, gardening, grocery shopping, and getting out to group activities in the community. If you have a caregiver, they can also apply for respite funding through the CHSP.
Privately funded Home Care
There are a variety of reasons you might choose to pay privately for Home Care – you may not be eligible for government funding, or you might be waiting for funding to come through. Whatever your situation, BaptistCare offers a wide range of tailor-made services, so you can access the support you need, when you need it.
If you are ready to get started or you have questions about any of these types of payments, call us on 13 22 78 for a friendly, obligation-free conversation.
How much does Home Care cost?
While the bulk of home care costs is subsidised by the government, if you can afford it, you’ll likely be required to contribute something.
How much depends on your assets and income, as well as the types of services you need.
There are commonly three types of fees you pay for Home Care services.
- A basic daily fee (Some providers, such as BaptistCare, do not charge this).
- An income-tested care fee (an extra contribution that some people pay, based on their assets and income).
- Home Care service fees. We will clearly outline any other fees you may be required to pay in your formal Home Care Agreement, before you begin to receive services. You can browse our current fees, here.
Frequently asked questions
-
You will retain your unspent Home Care Package funds to use for approved care, services, equipment and home modifications if needed. You will not lose your unspent funds under Support at Home.
-
Under the new Support at Home program, you are now able to nominate and register one or more people of your choice to assist you in decision-making, if you want or need support. Supporters will be able to request, access or receive information.
To check or update your supporters, visit your My Aged Care online account or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
-
No. Baptcare does not charge any entry, exit or set-up fees.
-
Home Care Package fees are determined by Services Australia.
You can estimate your fees using the fee estimator on the My Aged Care website.
You can also complete this Services Australia form to work out how much you’ll pay towards your Home Care Package.
Complete the income assessment with Services Australia prior to taking a home care package to determine your contribution, if any.
There are some income support payments which are means-tested.
These include:- Age Pension—Blind
- Disability Support Pension—Blind
- Carer Allowance
- Mobility Allowance
- DVA Disability Pension without the Income Support Supplement
- DVA War Widow’s Pension without the Income Support Supplement.
If you are a Services Australia Centrelink pensioner you can contact Centrelink on 1800 227 475 or the Department of Veteran Affairs on 1800 555 254.
-
To complete an income assessment for centrelink pension holders please call 1800 227 475.
Baptcare can help you with the income assessment process too. Call 13 22 78 to speak with our friendly staff today.
-
Once Services Australia determine your income-tested fee, you’ll receive a ‘fee advice letter’ outlining your income tested fee contribution (if you have to pay) and the basic daily fee. Note, while some Home Care providers will charge you a basic daily fee, Baptcare does not.
This ‘fee advice letter’ is valid for 120 days – unless your circumstances change.
If your circumstances do change, you must let Services Australia know. They’ll then reissue your fee advice letter with updated details.
-
From the date you submit your Income Assessment form, it usually takes a minimum of two weeks to receive a letter about your fees.
We recommend keeping a copy of the form before you send it via post (express post recommended). It takes six weeks to process but we recommend you call Services Australia after two weeks to ensure they have received your letter. You can call on 1800 227 475 to request an update on the progress of your Income Assessment form.
-
Any fees that you need to pay to Baptcare for your Home Care Package are paid on a monthly basis.
The government will hold the subsidy and supplements for every day you hold a Home Care Package.
-
Fees are only payable once your Home Care Package starts (this includes the income-tested care fee).
However, as soon as you have entered into a Home Care Agreement with Baptcare your daily contribution to the service is payable.
-
No. The funds made available to you in a Support at Home budget are held by the Government, and BaptistCare will manage these funds on your behalf.
