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

What is the difference between Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Program?

Home Care Packages and the CHSP both give you support to stay at home. But there are differences between the programs.

With the CHSP, you:

  • choose from a set menu of services – there isn’t much flexibility
  • only pay for the services you use
  • can dip in and out of the program as you need things
  • have your eligibility assessed by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS).

With a Home Care Package:

  • a case manager or case adviser helps you understand the system and work out a Care Plan that suits your individual needs and preferences
  • you get your own funds to use and can decide how to spend it, rather than choosing from a menu
  • once you have a package, it stays in place for the long term
  • your eligibility is assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

What are the Home Care Package levels?

There are four levels of Home Care Package for different care and support needs:

  • Level 1 for basic care needs
  • Level 2 for low-level care needs
  • Level 3 for intermediate care needs
  • Level 4 for high-level care needs.

Each level receives a different amount of government funding. The higher the level, the more funding the government pays on your behalf, allowing you to buy more services. A Level 4 package allows you to buy the most services.

Once you’ve had an Aged Care Assessment, you will be told which level applies for you.

Are Belong at Home services funded or subsidised?

All Belong at Home services are subsidised under the State and Federal Governments. All clients are expected to pay a part contribution towards the costs for services received. These fees are set by State and Federal Governments to ensure that all costs are affordable and all service users are able to access services.

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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