SAH: Participant contributions

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Address: 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
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28 March 2025

28 Mar 2025

Understanding the New Support at Home program

In summary:

The government will cover 89% of costs
People with financial means are expected to contribute to the costs
Under SAH contributions are directly tied to the actual services used.

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Understanding the New Support at Home program

Following recommendations from the Aged Care Taskforce, the government has introduced a more sustainable, fair, and equitable home care system that balances government funding with participant contributions.

What this means:

The government will remain the primary funder of aged care, covering 89% of costs.
If a person has the financial means, they are expected to contribute to the cost of their care. For example, self-funded retirees with sufficient assets will contribute based on an income assessment by Services Australia.
A strong safety net is in place to support those with limited financial means.

Participant contribution arrangements

Under SAH, participants only pay for the services they receive. Contributions are calculated based on an hourly rate (or unit of service), with a set percentage of the total service cost covered by the participant, where applicable.

For example, if a person receives two hours of domestic assistance, they will pay a set contribution per hour, while the government covers the remaining cost as a subsidy to VMCH.

An older man and a support worker sitting at the table looking at paper work.

An older mana nd a support workers looking at paperwork on the couch.

How contributions are determined

The contribution rate depends on two key factors:
1. The type of service received:

Clinical care is fully funded by the government for all participants, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for services in this category.
Independent services require moderate contributions from those who can afford to pay.
Everyday living services (such as domestic assistance and gardening) have the highest contribution rates, as the government does not typically fund these services at any other stage of life.

2. The participant’s financial status, including their Age Pension eligibility, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card status, and means assessment.

Support at Home: Participant contribution rates by category.

Note: These rates apply to SAH participants. If you are an existing home care recipient, read about the contributing arrangements for existing home care recipients for more information.

	Clinical supports	Independence	Everyday living
Full pensioner	0%	5%	17.5%
Part pensioner	0%	Part pensioners and CSHC holders will pay between 5%-50% based on an assessment of their income and assets.	Part pensioners and CSHC holders will pay between 17.5%-80% based on an assessment of their income and assets.
Self-funded retiree (holding or eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card- CSHC)	0%	For part pensioners this will be based on their Age Pension means assessment. CHSC holders will undergo a separate assessment for SAH.	For part pensioners this will be based on their Age Pension means assessment. CHSC holders will undergo a separate assessment for SAH.
Self-funded retiree (not eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card)	0%	50%	50%

How this differs from the current Home Care Package system

Unlike the current system where the basic daily fee and income-tested care fee remain fixed regardless of service usage, SAH ensures contributions are directly tied to the actual services used.

Are you interested in securing a Home Care Package before the transition? Get in touch and we’ll help you get started.

Want to discuss home care options?

Contact us to connect with a friendly expert for a relaxed, no-pressure conversation.

End-of-Life (EOL) Pathway

Changes to Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme

All about care management services

Understanding the Single Assessment System for Aged Care

SAH: Services and pricing

SAH: Classification and funding changes

SAH: Participant contributions

Support at Home and current home care recipients

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Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.