How much do Home Care services cost?
Navigating aged care funding can feel complex, especially with the recent industry changes. As of 1 November 2025, the Australian Government officially transitioned from Home Care Packages (HCP) to the new Support at Home program.
If you are looking for support to stay independent in your own home, understanding these costs is the first step. Here is a simple breakdown of how the funding works now, what fees are involved and how you can use your budget with Whiddon.
How the Funding Works: The Quarterly Budget
Under the old system, funding was assigned annually. Under Support at Home, eligible participants receive a Quarterly Budget. This is a set amount of funding released every three months to pay for your care services.
There are now 8 Classification Levels of funding (replacing the old 4 levels), ensuring that support is more tailored to your specific needs.
The following table outlines the quarterly budget available for each classification level.
| Classification | Quarterly Budget | Care Management Fee (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,682.75 | $268.28 |
| 2 | $4,008.61 | $400.86 |
| 3 | $5,491.43 | $549.14 |
| 4 | $7,424.10 | $742.41 |
| 5 | $9,924.35 | $992.44 |
| 6 | $12,028.58 | $1,202.86 |
| 7 | $14,537.04 | $1,453.70 |
| 8 | $19,526.59 | $1,952.66 |
Understanding the Fees
When managing your budget, there are two main costs you need to be aware of.
1. The Care Management Fee
To ensure your services are coordinated safely and effectively, a flat 10% Care Management fee is deducted from your quarterly budget.
This covers the cost of your dedicated Care Manager who helps you plan services, navigate changes in your health and ensure you are getting the most out of your budget.
Good news: You do not pay this from your own pocket. It comes directly from the government funding.
2. Participant Contributions
Depending on your financial situation (income and assets assessment), the government may ask you to contribute towards the cost of your services.
- Clinical Services (e.g., Nursing): These generally have a 0% contribution rate (fully funded).
- Independence Services (e.g., Personal Care): Contribution rates typically range from 5% to 50%.
- Everyday Living (e.g., Cleaning, Gardening): These may attract a contribution of 17.5% to 80%, depending on your assessed income.
Did you know these services can be provided under Support at Home Funding?
- pet care – from helping take your furry friends to the vet or groomer, to supporting you to care for and walk them regularly.
- cooking meals together, or learning new recipes
- attending exercise classes at a gym or aquatic centre with a care worker there to support you
- visiting favourite places, the beach, a park or place of significance on a day trip
- going to the library or cinema together
- having a care worker spend time in the garden with you so that you can continue to enjoy a favourite past time safely
We Are Here to Guide You
The shift to Support at Home is a big change, but you do not have to figure it out alone. Our local team can sit down with you, look at your referral letter and explain exactly what your budget covers.
Feel free to get in touch today for more information or assistance.
