Aged care costs: what you may be asked to contribute

Published 12 October 2026 · Aged care · Source checked 12 October 2026

What you pay depends on the type of care, the provider, your finances and the services you receive. Here is how to make sense of it and what to ask.

Four things that decide the cost

What you pay for aged care depends on the type of help you need, the provider you choose, your financial situation and the services you actually receive. The government pays part or all of the cost for providers listed on the official Find a provider tool, which makes care more affordable, but different providers set different prices.

It differs by program

For the Commonwealth Home Support Program you agree fees with your provider before services start, and you do not need an income and assets assessment. For Support at Home, what you contribute depends on the provider’s prices, the services you receive and an assessment of your income and assets; the government pays the rest, and there is no contribution for clinical supports.

Aged care homes have their own types of fees, which depend on factors including your finances and the services you choose. Short-term care does not need a means assessment, although a daily fee may apply.

Questions to ask a provider

Ask for a written list of every charge, what each covers and how often prices can change. Ask how you will be told about a price change and whether you can say no. Ask what you would pay for the specific mix of services you expect to use, rather than a general figure. Compare more than one provider using the same list.

Recent official guidance says that if a provider proposes a price increase for nursing services, it must discuss it with you, explain why and get your agreement first.

If you are worried about affording care

You can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance, and the government may then pay some or all of your costs. Independent financial advice is recommended before deciding how to pay for care, and Services Australia offers free information and education about aged care finances.

This is general information, not financial advice. Costs and rules change, so check the linked official pages.

Frequently asked questions

What decides how much I pay for aged care?

The type of help you need, the provider you choose, your financial situation and the services you actually receive. The government pays part or all of the cost for providers listed on the official Find a provider tool, but different providers set different prices.

Do I pay anything for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

You agree fees with your provider before services start, and you do not need an income and assets assessment.

How are Support at Home costs worked out?

What you contribute depends on the provider’s prices, the services you receive and an assessment of your income and assets. The government pays the rest, and there is no contribution for clinical supports.

What should I ask a provider about costs?

Ask for a written list of every charge, what each covers and how often prices can change. Ask how you will be told about a price change and whether you can say no, and what you would pay for the specific mix of services you expect to use. Compare more than one provider using the same list.

What if I am worried about affording care?

Keep learning

Support at Home explained: how in-home aged care works: Support at Home is the program that helps older people stay in their own homes. Here is how it works, from approval to choosing a provider.
NDIS or My Aged Care: which system supports you?: Two government systems support people with disability and older people. Here is how to think about which one applies and what to do if you are not sure.
Getting an aged care assessment: what to expect: The assessment is the first step to government-funded aged care. Here is how to apply, what the assessor does and what to do while you wait.
Choosing an aged care provider or home: what to compare: Star ratings are a good start, not the whole picture. Here is how to compare providers on quality, cost and fit.

More in our aged care support guide, our step-by-step guides, or the aged care providers listed on the My Aged Care register.

Official sources

Source checked 12 October 2026. Rules and guidance can change; verify current details with the responsible agency. How we write and check our guides.