Financial hardship assistance eligibility

Not everyone can get financial hardship assistance to help with aged care costs. If you can get it, what we cover depends on your situation.

If you get a Home Care Package

If you started getting a Home Care Package on or after 1 July 2014, you may get help with both your:

  • basic daily fee
  • income-tested care fee.

You can’t get financial hardship assistance for any fees you and your provider agreed to for additional care and services.

If you started getting a Home Care Package before 1 July 2014, you can’t get this financial hardship assistance. However, you can negotiate lower aged care costs directly with your home care provider.

If you’re in an aged care home

If you moved into an aged care home on or after 1 July 2014, you may get help with your:

  • basic daily fee
  • means-tested care fee
  • accommodation costs.

You can’t get financial hardship assistance for any fees you and your provider agreed to for additional care and services.

If you moved into an aged care home before 1 July 2014, you may get help with your:

  • basic daily fee
  • income-tested care fee
  • accommodation costs.

You can’t get financial hardship assistance for any fees you and your provider agreed to for additional care and services.

If you get residential respite care

You may be eligible for help with your basic daily fee.

Page last updated: 10 December 2021.
QC 54080