Fees are the number one reason families leave a home care provider's website. Not because the fees are too high — but because they can't find them at all. Too many providers hide their pricing behind "call for a quote" buttons, leaving families frustrated and suspicious before they've even spoken to anyone.
You deserve to understand what home care costs before you make a phone call. This guide explains how fees work under the Support at Home program, what you should expect to pay, and what to look out for when comparing providers.
Under the Support at Home program, the government provides funding based on your loved one's assessed care needs. After their assessment, they'll be assigned one of eight classifications. The funding amounts range from approximately $10,731 per year at Classification 1 to around $78,106 per year at Classification 8.
This funding is allocated in quarterly budgets. So if your parent is classified at a level that provides $40,000 annually, they'll receive roughly $10,000 per quarter to spend on services. There's a carry-over limit — $1,000 or 10 per cent of the quarterly budget, whichever is greater — which encourages active use of funds rather than allowing them to sit unspent.
Under Support at Home, the amount you pay out of pocket depends on the type of service. This is one of the biggest changes from the old system, and it's important to understand.
Clinical services — including nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health — are fully government-funded. Your contribution: zero. This is a significant benefit, particularly for people with complex health needs.
Independence supports — such as assistive technology, home modifications, and certain allied health services aimed at maintaining independence — require a co-contribution of approximately 50 per cent.
Everyday living supports — including personal care, domestic assistance, and social support — have the highest client contribution, which can be up to 80 per cent for people with higher incomes. However, most people pay well below the maximum. Annual and lifetime caps ensure you won't pay more than a set amount.
Your specific contributions will depend on your financial circumstances, assessed through a means testing process. Your provider should be able to explain clearly what your out-of-pocket costs will be.
Providers charge a care management fee for coordinating your loved one's care — building the care plan, scheduling carers, liaising with health professionals, and reviewing needs over time. Under Support at Home, this fee is capped at 10 per cent of your total funding.
This is a significant improvement. Under the old Home Care Packages system, some providers charged combined administration and management fees of up to 50 per cent — meaning only half of your funding went to actual care. The government cracked down on this practice, and Support at Home now prohibits separate administration fees entirely.
When comparing providers, ask: "What is your care management fee?" If it's 10 per cent, they're charging the maximum allowable. Some providers charge less. Either way, you should know exactly what percentage of your funding goes to management versus direct care.
Under Support at Home, providers cannot charge you a fee for leaving. If you're unhappy with your care and want to switch to a different provider, you can do so without financial penalty. Any unspent funds in your account transfer with you.
This was not always the case. Under the old system, some providers charged exit fees of several hundred dollars, effectively trapping unhappy clients. If any provider tries to charge you an exit fee under Support at Home, they may be breaching program rules.
Starting 1 July 2026, the government is introducing price caps on services. This means there will be a maximum rate any provider can charge for a specific service — for example, an hourly rate cap for personal care or a rate cap for domestic assistance.
This is designed to prevent overcharging and ensure consistency across the sector. In the meantime, comparing hourly rates between providers is one of the most practical ways to evaluate value.
Ask for the full fee schedule in writing. A reputable provider will give you a complete breakdown of every service they offer and its cost. If a provider won't share their fees without a meeting or phone call, consider why.
Understand the difference between the hourly rate and what you actually pay. The hourly rate for a service is what the provider charges. The amount you pay out of pocket depends on your contribution level after government funding. Your provider should be able to walk you through both figures clearly.
Watch for minimum visit charges. Some providers have minimum visit durations (e.g., two-hour minimums) that may result in paying for more time than your parent needs. Ask about minimum charges before committing.
Check what's included in the hourly rate. Does the rate include travel time? Carer superannuation? Workers' compensation insurance? These costs should be built into the rate, not added on top.
Clarify cancellation policies. What happens if you need to cancel a visit at short notice? Some providers charge full fees for cancellations within 24 or 48 hours. Understand the policy before you agree.
At J.PEER Health, we believe pricing transparency is a sign of respect. We publish our fee structure openly because we want you to make an informed decision — not one based on guesswork or surprise bills.
We'll walk you through exactly what your loved one's care will cost, how their government funding applies, and what your out-of-pocket contribution will be. No surprises, no hidden charges.
Call us on 0469 371 121 for a free conversation about pricing and how we can help your family. No obligation — just clarity.
The cost depends on the services your parent needs and their Support at Home classification. Government funding covers a significant portion of costs, with your out-of-pocket contribution varying by service type and income level. Contact us for a personalised estimate.
Yes. The Department of Human Services assesses your financial situation to determine your contribution level. However, everyone receives the same quality of care regardless of their means test outcome.
Hardship provisions exist for people who genuinely cannot meet their contribution. The contribution can be reduced or waived in these circumstances. Your provider or My Aged Care can help you apply.
No. Government-funded home care is typically billed monthly in arrears, with the government paying its share directly to the provider. You'll receive a regular statement showing services delivered and fees charged.
Fees vary based on the provider's cost structure, the qualifications of their care team, and the level of service they provide. The lowest hourly rate isn't always the best value — consider the quality of care, carer consistency, and the provider's overall approach alongside their pricing.
No obligation. Just a friendly chat about your family's needs. We're available 24/7.
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