Length of assistance

How long you can get aged care financial hardship assistance depends on your situation. We decide this when you claim.

We’ll write to you and your aged care provider to let you know both of the following:

  • if we agree to give you financial hardship assistance
  • how long it’ll last.

When financial hardship assistance starts

We can grant financial hardship assistance from the date you need help paying your costs. This can be the date that any of the following applied. You:

  • started receiving care
  • lodged your financial hardship claim
  • can provide evidence that you meet the criteria for financial hardship assistance.

When financial hardship assistance is ending

If you need ongoing help, it’s important you claim again before your current financial hardship assistance ends. If you don’t, you may need to pay your costs while we’re checking your claim.

When you need other financial assistance

If you are experiencing severe financial hardship you may be eligible for a payment under the asset hardship provisions. If you receive an Age Pension, Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension you may qualify for the Home Equity Access Scheme.

Page last updated: 20 January 2023.
QC 54078