FAQs: Services

How much do services cost?

If you’ve been assessed by My Aged Care and approved for aged care services, the Australian Government will subsidise most of the cost. What you pay depends on:

  • Your level of support – based on your My Aged Care assessment.
  • Your income – for Support at Home, Centrelink will complete an income assessment to determine any contribution.

In most cases, the government covers the majority of the cost, and you’ll pay a contribution towards your services.

If paying your contribution causes financial difficulty, you can apply for a hardship provision. This allows for a reduction or waiver of fees in special circumstances, ensuring you can still access the care you need.

To apply for hardship assistance:

  • Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
  • Visit https://www.myagedcare.gov.au and search for “hardship provisions”
  • Or speak with your provider for help with the application process.
CHSP Contribution Guide
CHSP Fees Schedule
Support at Home Fees Schedule
CHSP Hardship Policy and Procedure

What is the difference between the Support at Home Program (SaH) and the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)?

The Support at Home program and the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) both help older people live independently and safely at home. However, they are designed for different levels of need.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provides entry‑level support for people who need a small amount of help with everyday tasks. With CHSP, you:

  • access individual services from a set service list
  • usually receive support for one or two specific needs
  • may use services on a short‑term or as‑needed basis
  • have your eligibility determined through an aged care assessment arranged by My Aged Care

The Support at Home program is designed for people who need ongoing or more coordinated support. With Support at Home:

  • your care needs are assessed through My Aged Care
  • you are approved for a level of support based on your assessed needs
  • funding is allocated to support approved services under a single program
  • services are coordinated through a chosen provider and can change as your needs change over time

What are the Support at Home Program (SaH) levels and main service categories?

The Support at Home (SAH) program provides different levels of support based on your individual needs.

Following your My Aged Care assessment, you will be approved for one of eight Support at Home levels, depending on how much help you need to stay safe, comfortable and independent in your own home. Some people may need only occasional assistance, while others may need more regular or ongoing support.

Your approved level determines the amount of support available to you and the services you can access. Belong at Home can only deliver the services you have been approved to receive through My Aged Care.

Support at Home services are grouped into three main service categories.

Independence

Support to help you manage daily activities and remain independent at home, including:

  • Personal care, such as assistance with showering, dressing, grooming and other care needs
  • Medication support, including assistance or prompting to self‑administer medication
  • Transport to appointments or activities
  • Social support through group or individual activities and outings
  • In‑home respite to support a main carer

Clinical

Health‑related care delivered by qualified professionals, including:

  • Nursing care, such as wound care, continence assessment and aids, monitoring and support for health conditions, education and dementia advisory services
  • Allied health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry (as arranged by Belong at Home)

Everyday Living

Practical support to help you manage your home and daily tasks, including:

  • Domestic assistance, such as cleaning, washing, changing bed linen and shopping support
  • Light gardening and home maintenance to help keep your home and yard safe
  • Meals, either delivered or assistance with meal preparation in your home (the cost of food is paid directly by the client)

In addition to ongoing support, the Support at Home program also includes three short‑term support pathways for specific situations:

  • Restorative Care Pathway – short‑term support to help you regain strength, confidence and independence
  • Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Pathway – access to funding for certain equipment or home modifications to support safety and independence
  • End‑of‑Life Pathway – short‑term support for people who wish to remain at home during the final stage of life

If you are recovering from illness, need additional support at the end of life, or want help to regain independence, one of these short‑term pathways may also be approved alongside your ongoing Support at Home level.

Are Belong at Home services funded or subsidised?

Yes. Belong at Home services are subsidised under the State and Federal Governments through My Aged Care programs, including the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the Support at Home program (SaH).

If you are approved for government‑funded services, the government pays part of the cost of your care. Most clients are asked to make a contribution towards the cost of services, based on the type of support you receive and your individual circumstances.

Any fees or contributions will be discussed with you before services begin, so you understand what is covered and what you may need to pay.

Belong at Home can only deliver the services you have been approved to receive through My Aged Care.

Who is Eligible for Belong at Home services?

Home and Community Care (HACC) is designed to assist people with the greatest need and aims to maximise people’s independence.

You may be eligible for Home And Community Care if:

  • You are older and frail and having difficulty with everyday tasks.
  • You have a disability.
  • You are the carer of a frail older person or someone with a disability.

For further information or to apply for services please contact our friendly and helpful team today!

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