Income and Assets Assessment for Support at Home Participants
- 7 min read
A Quick Snapshot
- Your income and assets help determine what you contribute towards some Support at Home services.
- “Clinical Supports” have no participant contribution. From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services are fully government funded, with no participant contribution.
- Contributions for other services depend on the type of service
and your financial circumstances. - Services Australia generally completes the income and assets assessment.
- If you don’t provide your financial information, you may be charged the maximum contribution rate.
- Hardship assistance may be available if you cannot afford your contribution.
The income and assets assessment
The income and assets assessment is used to work out your contribution towards Support at Home services.
It considers your financial circumstances, including your income, assets and pension status. The assessment is generally completed by Services Australia. If, however, you receive a relevant means-tested payment from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), then DVA completes the assessment.
You don’t need to calculate your contribution yourself. Services Australia will advise you of the contribution rates that apply to you.
Your Support at Home contribution
Your contribution depends on two things – your financial circumstances and the type of support you receive.
| Support | Examples | Participant contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical supports | Nursing and other clinical care | No contribution |
| Independence | Support that helps you remain independent | Contribution may apply |
| Everyday living | Cleaning, gardening, shopping and meal preparation | Contribution may apply |
From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services are fully government funded. This includes help with activities such as showering, dressing, continence, hygiene and eating.
Your individual contribution rates are set by Services Australia following your assessment.
Income included in the assessment
The assessment can include different sources of income, as well as deemed income from some financial assets.
This can include:
- employment or business income
- rental income
- pensions and other income payments
- superannuation and some income streams
- dividends and some investment income
- income from trusts
- deemed income from financial assets.
Deeming means that Services Australia uses set rates to estimate the income your financial assets could produce, rather than relying only on the income they actually earn.
Assets included in the assessment
Your assessable assets can include:
- money in bank accounts
- cash
- term deposits
- shares and managed investments
- superannuation and some income streams
- investment properties
- businesses and private companies
- trusts
- other investments and assets covered by the assessment rules.
Your principal home is generally not included as an assessable asset.
The rules can be different for different types of assets, so it is best to rely on your Services Australia assessment rather than trying to work out your contribution yourself.
Your pension and relationship status
Your pension status can affect your contribution. If you receive the full Age Pension, Services Australia will generally already have much of the financial information needed for your assessment.
But if you receive a part Age Pension, your income and assets may result in a different contribution rate.
Self-funded retirees and some Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will likely need to provide financial information to Services Australia.
Couples combined financial circumstances are generally taken into account when your contribution is assessed.
Changing your Support Coordinator
If your Support Coordinator isn’t the right fit, you can change to another provider. Check your service agreement first, as it may include notice requirements.
Your new Support Coordinator can help make the change as straightforward as possible.
The outcome
After your assessment, Services Australia will send you a letter explaining the contribution rates that apply to you.
Providers, such as My Guardian, use these rates when calculating your contribution towards services.
If your financial circumstances change, your contribution may also change. Keeping Services Australia informed helps ensure your assessment reflects your current circumstances.
Choosing not to provide your financial information
You don’t have to complete an income and assets assessment, but if you choose not to provide the required financial information, you may be classified as ‘means not disclosed’.
This can mean paying the maximum contribution rate for services where a contribution applies. Providing your information allows your actual financial circumstances to be taken into account.
Not completing an assessment can mean paying the maximum contribution rate.
Financial hardship assistance
If you’re unable to afford your Support at Home contribution, you may be able to apply for financial hardship assistance.
If you experience difficulty paying your contribution, speak to Services Australia and your provider rather than reducing or stopping your services without discussing your options.
If you can’t afford your contribution, financial hardship assistance may be available.
Estimating your Support at Home contribution
The My Aged Care fee estimator can give you an indication of what you may need to contribute.
You may need information about your:
- pension status
- annual income
- pension income
- assessable assets, excluding your home.
The estimator is only a guide. Your actual contribution rates are determined following your income and assets assessment.
Talk to My Guardian on 1800 776 749
Frequently asked questions
What is an income and assets assessment?
It is an assessment of your financial circumstances used to determine how much you may need to contribute towards some Support at Home services.
Does everyone pay the same amount for Support at Home?
No. Your contribution depends on your financial circumstances and the type of service you receive.
Do I have to complete an income and assets assessment?
No. However, if you don’t provide your financial information, you may be charged the maximum contribution rate.
Does my home count as an asset?
Your principal home is generally not included as an assessable asset for Support at Home.
Who completes the income and assets assessment?
Services Australia generally completes the assessment. DVA completes it for people receiving a relevant means-tested DVA payment.
Do I pay for nursing under Support at Home?
No. Clinical supports, including nursing, are fully government funded and have no participant contribution.
What happens if I can't afford my contribution?
You may be eligible for financial hardship assistance. Services Australia assesses applications based on your individual circumstances.
Can my contribution change?
Yes. A change in your income, assets, pension or other financial circumstances can affect your contribution.
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