How to Estimate Fees Under Support at Home
- Omnicare Alliance
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Introduction
From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC).
One of the biggest questions older Australians and their families have is: “How much will I have to pay?”
The government has promised that existing clients will be “no worse off” during the transition. But for new clients, co-contribution rules will apply differently.
In this article, you’ll learn:
What the “no worse off” principle means for you
How fees are different for grandfathered (existing) client's vs new clients
What co-contributions look like under Support at Home
How to estimate your likely contribution
The “No Worse Off” Principle
The government has committed that people already receiving a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024 will:
Keep their current fee arrangements (grandfathered rules)
Not face unexpected fee increases because of the new system
Transition into Support at Home without losing their existing services
This means if you’re an existing HCP client, your contribution arrangements remain stable while you move across.
Grandfathered Clients vs New Clients
Here’s what the transition means depending on when you enter the system:
Group | What Happens | Fee Arrangements |
Existing HCP Clients (Grandfathered) | Transition into Support at Home with continuity of care | Keep current fee rules – no sudden increases |
New Clients (from 12 Sep 2024) | Start directly in Support at Home | Pay under new co-contribution model, based on income and service type |
Co-Contributions for New Clients | Support at home fees
Under Support at Home, new clients will pay contributions depending on:
Type of service (clinical vs independence vs everyday living)
Means test (pensioners vs self-funded retirees)
Government subsidy vs client contribution
Here’s a simplified illustration of how co-contributions could work (based on current government proposals):
Service Type | Government Contribution | Client Contribution (Full Pensioner) | Client Contribution (Self-Funded Retiree or part pensioner) |
Clinical & Health (nursing, allied health) | 100% | $0 | $0 |
Independence Supports (showering, dressing, mobility) | ~80–95% | 5% | Up to 50% |
Everyday Living (meals, cleaning, gardening) | ~20–50% | 17.5% | Up to 80% |
Assistive Tech & Home Modifications | Subsidised up to $15,000 lifetime cap | May pay balance | May pay balance |
(Figures are indicative, based on government consultation papers — final rules may change.)
How to Estimate Your Contribution
Check if you’re an existing HCP client before 12 September 2024. If yes → you’ll be grandfathered, and your current fee arrangements remain.
If you’re a new client (post 12 September 2024):
Gather your financial information (income & assets).
Use the My Aged Care Fee Estimator → How Much Will I Pay?
Review published provider rates once available (providers must publish their standard prices).
Compare scenarios: pensioner vs self-funded contributions, everyday living vs clinical care.
Factor in special rules:
Carryover limit: only $1,000 or 10% can roll over each quarter.
Home modification cap: maximum $15,000 lifetime subsidy.
Tips for Families
Existing clients: Relax — your contributions won’t suddenly increase.
New clients: Plan for higher co-contributions, especially for everyday living and independence supports.
Review finances early: Means testing will shape your contribution.
Compare providers: Price transparency rules mean you’ll be able to see and compare rates.
Use the Fee Estimator tool: It’s the best way to project your likely out-of-pocket costs.
Conclusion
Under Support at Home:
Existing clients are protected by the “no worse off” principle, keeping their current contributions.
New clients will move into a co-contribution system, where service type and income determine how much you pay.
You will only be charged for the services you actually receive.
By understanding the differences, checking your status, and using the fee estimator tool, you can plan with confidence — ensuring your care is both affordable and sustainable.
Want help working out your Support at Home fees?
Our team can guide you step-by-step, whether you’re transitioning from a Home Care Package or starting fresh under the new system.