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Financially disadvantaged people in aged care homes
Older people who are financially or socially vulnerable are protected from disadvantage in using aged care services. There are hardship provisions for people receiving care in aged care homes and the community. People in insecure housing arrangements can also receive support.
Financial hardship assistance
Under the Aged Care Act 1997 there are provisions for people in aged care homes who have difficulty paying care fees and accommodation payments.People applying for financial hardship assistance may need help with their basic daily fees (more information), the income tested fee (more information), the accommodation charge (more information), or the accommodation bond (more information). Where assistance is granted, the Australian Government pays an additional supplement so that the aged care home is not disadvantaged.
The application form for financial hardship can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing website.
Supported, concessional or assisted residents
There are also special arrangements to ensure that all older people, including the financially disadvantaged, receive fair access to care. People who are eligible for these arrangements are called supported, concessional or assisted residents (more information).Read more: About what if I can’t afford to pay?
Assistance with care and housing for the aged
The Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) program supports frail, low-income, older people who are renting, in insecure housing arrangements, or who are homeless.The program supports them to remain in the community by helping them into secure housing and linking them to community care. Because their housing arrangements are insecure, some frail older people whose care needs could be met by a Community Aged Care Package (CACP) (more information) are at risk of premature admission to residential care. Through the ACHA program, the Australian Government contributes to organisations that provide support through paid workers and volunteers, linking people to housing and care services.
More information
For more information about financial hardship, contact the Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.Common questions on this topic:
- I don't have many assets or a high level of income. Will I still be able to enter residential aged care?
- What happens if I can't afford to pay my fees once I'm in an Aged Care home?
- My dad is having real trouble meeting the cost of his care. Where can I get a copy of the Financial Hardship Assistance form so I can take it to him?
See all common questions