Support at Home costs
Plenty of families are helping a parent keep living at home for as long as they can. Support at Home is the government program that helps pay for that care, and most people pay something towards it. How much depends on the kind of service and your parent's situation. These guides explain how the contributions work, how to read a monthly statement, and what providers can and can't charge. They also cover moving across from an older home care package, and what to do if the costs become too much. If something on a statement doesn't look right, it's always fine to ask.
What you pay for Support at Home services, by type of service
Under Support at Home, your parent pays a share of the price of each service, set by the type of service and their income and assets. How the three service groups work.
Last checked
Reading a Support at Home statement and invoice
The monthly statement tracks the budget and the invoice asks for your parent's contributions. What each should show, what to check, and what to do about late paperwork.
Last checked
Price rises, admin fees and travel charges: what providers can and can't charge
Support at Home providers set their own prices, but prices must be reasonable and published, and separate admin or travel fees aren't allowed. What to look for.
Last checked
Moved from a Home Care Package? Which rules apply to you
People who had, or were approved for, a Home Care Package by 12 September 2024 are covered by a 'no worse off' rule. What it protects and what happened to unspent funds.
Last checked
When the contribution is too high: cutting back, hardship help and respite at home
If Support at Home contributions are hard to pay, cutting back services isn't the only option. What to check first, how hardship help works, and respite for carers.
Last checked