What to Do If You Can’t Afford to Pay for Support at Home Services

With the new Support at Home home care funding program set to begin in November 2025, most people entering the new funding scheme will be asked to contribute toward the cost of services.

Known as 'co-contribution' the Support at Home program now requires that all people approved for a funding package after 12 September 2024, pay some of the costs of daily living and independence services—including full pensioners.

For some the new co-contribution rules could simply put home care funding and aged care support services at home, out of reach.

However, the good news is that for this group, there is still help available.

The Australian Government does provide financial hardship assistance, which is designed to make sure no one misses out on essential aged care support because of cost.

Whether you're already receiving services or just getting started, here’s how to find out if you're eligible and what to do next.

Who is eligible for financial hardship support?

Your eligibility for hardship assistance depends on when you started receiving home care services.

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 support can I receive?

If approved, financial hardship assistance can help with the personal contribution portion of your home care funding under the Support at Home rules. 

This ensures you receive the care you need, even if your financial circumstances change.

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 financial hardship assistance?

Hardship assistance is a government initiative that provides financial relief for people who can’t afford to pay for aged care due to circumstances outside their control — such as low income, sudden expenses, or ongoing financial stress.

If you're eligible, the government may pay all or part of your fees directly to your provider. Each case is assessed based on your individual situation, including:

• Income

• Assets

• Cost of living

The application process will remain consistent as the new Support at Home model takes effect.