When home care becomes essential, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you can afford it.
As the new Support at Home program launches in November 2025, some people receiving aged care at home will be asked to contribute toward the cost of their services.
But what happens if your budget doesn’t stretch that far?
The good news is, help is available.
The government has confirmed that financial hardship assistance will be offered to ensure older Australians can continue receiving the care they need, even if they’re struggling to pay. Here's what you need to know.
Who Can Apply for Financial Hardship Support?
Your eligibility for hardship assistance depends on when you started receiving home care services.
If you started before 1 July 2014
Previously, you weren’t eligible for hardship assistance. But under the new Support at Home program, from 1 November 2025, you’ll be able to apply if you’re having trouble covering your costs.
If you started on or after 1 July 2014
You may already be receiving financial support with your fees. Once the Support at Home changes take effect, you’ll still be able to apply for additional help if you’re experiencing financial stress.
If you already have hardship support in place
Your existing assistance will automatically carry over to the new system. Just check the expiry date on your approval letter to know when you’ll need to reapply.
If you're entering Support at Home for the first time
You can apply for hardship assistance through Services Australia if you're unable to cover your contributions to:
-
Independence services (such as personal care or home modifications)
-
Everyday living services (like domestic help, meal preparation or social support)
What Can It Help Pay For?
Depending on your situation, hardship assistance may help cover:
Approved payments are made directly to your aged care provider, meaning your care can continue without disruption.
What Happens During the Application Process?
Once you apply, you won’t be expected to pay your aged care contributions while your application is under review.
If your application is approved, you’ll be told:
- How much support you’ll receive
- How long it will last
- Whether a cost cap applies
If your application is unsuccessful, you may need to back-pay your regular contribution from the assessment period.
That’s why it’s a good idea to apply early and ensure all documentation is submitted correctly.
What Is Hardship Assistance?
Hardship assistance is government-funded support designed to help older Australians who can’t afford to pay their aged care contributions because of genuine financial difficulty.
If your application is successful, the government may cover some or all of your home care fees. Your financial circumstances are assessed individually, with consideration given to:
This ensures support is targeted to those most in need.
The application process for hardship assistance will remain the same after the Support at Home program begins.
