The Department of Health and Aged Care’s Support at Home Program Services Price List outlines hourly costs for service categories, including domestic assistance and personal care. These rates apply to home assistance services nationwide, with regional adjustments for remoteness.
- Night shifts and weekend care add 50% or more to base charges.
- Public holiday support services can cost up to $150.10 an hour for some activities—more than double weekday daytime rates of $67.56.
Price Guide for Support at Home Program Services
Knowing the cost of support at home program services means understanding standard and specialised rates. This guide explains in-home care pricing for different services and locations. It’s based on new guidelines as of March 2025.
Standard Home Care Service Rates
Basic services like meal prep and hygiene support are considered standard care. Domestic assistance costs $83–$109 per hour, while personal care is $85–$115 hourly. Care recipients get quarterly budgets based on 8 levels, from $2,750 annually for Level 1 to $19,500 for Level 8.
These budgets cover essential services like housekeeping and daily living aids.
Regional and Remote Area Adjustments
• Remote regions have higher costs due to travel and staffing. Remote establishment fees can be up to 30% more than urban areas.
• STA services in remote areas may cost up to $150.10 hourly because of staff ratios and location.
Understanding Your Support at Home Program Entitlements
The government pays for all clinical care costs under the Support at Home program. For non-clinical services like daily help or home changes, how much you pay depends on your income and assets. Clinical care includes medical treatments. On the other hand, things like mobility aids and meal prep have different costs based on your financial situation home support services rates.
- Clinical care: 0% personal contribution
- Independence supports: 5–50% co-payment
- Everyday living supports: 17.5–80% co-payment
There’s a lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical services, which limits your out-of-pocket costs over time. Providers must break down travel and service costs on invoices. For example:
| Service Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct Support (40 mins) | $33.33 |
| Transport (45 mins) | $37.50 |
| Non-labour costs (e.g., parking) | $21.50 |
| Total | $92.33 |
Travel time charges differ by zone. Zones 1–3 allow up to 30 minutes travel time billed at service rates. Zones 6–7 need pre-agreed limits. Check My Aged Care for personalised estimates with their online calculator.
Comprehensive Breakdown of Support at Home Program Costs
Understanding the home support cost breakdown helps clarify how different services are priced under the Support at Home program.
Personal Care Services Pricing
Personal care services cover daily tasks like bathing, medication management, and continence care. Hourly rates range from $85 to $115, depending on care complexity. For instance, assistance with mobility or complex medical needs may incur higher fees. These rates apply to levels 1–8 of the program’s classification system.
Domestic Assistance Costs
Domestic support includes cleaning, meal prep, and laundry, costing between $83 to $109 per hour. These services aim to maintain independence, which helps in sustaining quality of life. Budget flexibility exists through a quarterly carryover of up to $1,000 or 10% of allocated funds.
Nursing and Allied Health Fees
Clinical care, such as nursing and physiotherapy, is fully government-funded. Participants pay nothing for these essential services. A support service charges cap of $25,000 also exists for end-of-life care, covering final three months of home-based assistance.
Equipment and Home Modification Charges
Up to $15,000 is available for items like ramps, safety rails, and walking aids. A lifetime limit of $130,000 applies to non-clinical costs, ensuring long-term affordability. Funding tiers for home modifications align with individual needs, avoiding excessive upfront costs.
These support at home program cost breakdown details reflect updated pricing structures effective Nov 2025, with further adjustments expected by July 2026. Participants can review their quarterly budgets to manage expenses effectively.
🏠Changes to the Support at Home Program
Upcoming Changes to Support at Home Program Services from November 2025
In the lead up to 1 November 2025, your current HCP provider will contact you to clearly explain any changes to your current prices under the new Support at Home Program.
You will be also asked to agree to the prices as part of a new service agreement. This service agreement will include a price for each service that your provider will deliver to you.
You do not have to sign an agreement if you are unhappy with the prices they have given you. However, you do need to have an agreement in place with a provider of your choice before you are able to receive services through Support at Home from 1 November 2025.
Please also note that there are protections in place so that you can be sure the prices you are charged are reasonable and transparent.
Seniors care pricing now considers income and assets. Pensioners pay 5%–17.5% of non-clinical costs. There are three new pathways: End-of-Life ($25,000 over 12 weeks), Restorative Care ($6,000 over 12 weeks), and the AT-HM Scheme’s three funding tiers. These make it easier to get equipment and home modifications. Annual funding caps at up to $78,000 help with long-term planning.
The Department of Health will send updates to current users in April 2025. For personalised advice, visit the official Support at Home page or call My Aged Care (1800 200 422). Providers must now list prices clearly, with care management fees reduced to 10%. Stay informed to make the most of your entitlements under the reformed system.
Below are the prices that reflect what Home Care Package (HCP) providers have reported that they intend to charge when the Support at Home Program commences from 1 November 2025.
| Care Service | Lower Cost Per Hour | Median Cost Per Hour | Higher Cost Per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Care | $125 | $150 | $179 |
| Registered Nurse | $144 | $160 | $186 |
| Enrolled Nurse | $120 | $140 | $163 |
| Nursing Assistant | $92 | $110 | $143 |
| Allied health and other Therapeutic Services | $160 | $195 | $220 |
| Allied Health Therapy Assistant | $105 | $122 | $167 |
| Counsellor or Psychotherapist | $160 | $195 | $220 |
| Dietitian or Nutritionist | $165 | $190 | $219 |
| Exercise Physiologist | $165 | $190 | $219 |
| Occupational Therapist | $174 | $200 | $220 |
| Physiotherapist | $160 | $185 | $210 |
| Podiatrist | $153 | $180 | $208 |
| Psychologist | $210 | $228 | $250 |
| Social Worker | $163 | $200 | $238 |
| Speech Pathologist | $187 | $208 | $236 |
| Care Management | $80 | $120 | $150 |
| Restorative Care Management | $120 | $150 | $173 |
| Personal Care | $85 | $100 | $115 |
| Social Support and Community Engagement | $82 | $99 | $110 |
| Therapeutic Services for Independent Living | $140 | $165 | $220 |
| Remedial Masseuse | $134 | $150 | $206 |
| Respite Care | $85 | $99 | $112 |
| Transport Trip | $70 | $85 | $112 |
| Domestic Assistance | $83 | $95 | $109 |
| Home Maintenance and Repairs | $85 | $103 | $120 |
| Meal Delivery Meal (Each) | $11 | $15 | $22 |
| Meal Preparation | $82 | $97 | $110 |
❓ FAQ’s on the Support at Home Program
Are these prices fixed, or can they change?
The pricing for the first year (2025–26) allows providers to set their own prices, as outlined in new guidance from the Department of Health, to ensure equitable pricing. This means the July 2025 prices may not be final, and users should expect potential changes, especially as the program matures.
Do I have to pay these prices out of pocket, or is there government funding?
Funding under the Support at Home program mirrors the Home Care Packages model, with the Australian government covering health-related costs and allocating budgets based on individual needs. However, participants with financial means are expected to contribute, paying for services received based on hourly rates or percentages of costs. This contribution is not the full price listed but a portion, with the government subsidising the rest, ensuring affordability for many.
How are participant contributions calculated, and what if I can’t afford them?
Participant contributions are calculated based on financial assessments, considering income, assets, and service type. For instance, personal care might involve an hourly contribution, while consumables could be a percentage of cost. If affordability is an issue, subsidies or financial assistance may be available, though details depend on individual circumstances. Users are encouraged to discuss options with providers or contact the Department of Health for support, ensuring the program remains accessible.
How do I know which services I’m eligible for, and how do I access them?
Eligibility for Support at Home services requires an assessment through My Aged Care, determining support needs and classification levels (e.g., ongoing services, restorative care). The price list helps estimate costs for eligible services, but accessing them involves applying through approved providers. This process ensures services are tailored to individual needs, with the price list serving as a reference for budgeting.
Where can I find the most up-to-date price list, and is this the final version?
Given the program’s launch is imminent (November 1, 2025), users should check official government resources for the latest price list, possibly on the Department of Health and Aged Care website. The list above is just a guide line and not final, with updates expected as providers set prices and the program evolves. Staying informed through government updates is crucial for accurate planning.
💡 Ready for Part 2?
Continue to our next article: 👉 Support at Home Program Price List 2025: Costs Explained
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