Home Support Program Print
Wednesday, 01 August 2012 23:07

In response to the Productivity Commission's report Caring for Older Australians, the federal Government announced in April its Living Longer, Living Better package. Amongst other measures in the package is the Home Support Program which covers services such as meals, transport, respite care and home maintenance if you need just a little bit of help. There will be a fee for each service accessed from the program.

If your needs are greater, there will be an appropriate package of care ranging from an 'A package' (just a couple of hours per week) to a 'D package' (which would typically provide 10-14 hours per week.

All beneficiaries will have to pay a basic fee for their packages. If you can afford it, there will be an additional means-tested care fee. The table below sets out the fees that will be charged:

Income Range

Basic Fee

Means-tested Care Fee

Full Pensioner:

Singles - $23,543

Couples - $36,499

17.5% of the pension

Not Applicable

Part Pensioner/Self Funded Retirees: More than the pension but less than $43,186 (singles)/$66,134 (couples)

17.5% of the pension (or equivalent income)

50% of total income above the relevant threshold capped at $5,000/year

Average fee: $2,200/year

Self-funded Retirees: Income greater than above figures

17.5% of the pension (or equivalent income)

$5,000 (indexed) + 50% above the relevant threshold capped at $10,000/year

Average fee: $8,800/year

The Government will continue to pay the majority of the costs of all home support services for all older people, and over your lifetime beneficiaries will not be asked to contribute more than $60,000 for all the aged care services accessed, whether they are home support, residential care, or a combination of both.

With thanks to COTA for allowing us to use an article in its June-July magazine as the basis for this item; for further information go to www.health.gov.au