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Aged Care Cost Calculator Australia

Estimate home care package costs, residential aged care fees, means-tested care fee and your likely annual contribution — updated 2025–26.

Services Australia 2025–26 rates | Home Care Package levels 1–4 | Means testing included | My Aged Care

👴 Your Aged Care Details

$
Age Pension + super + investment income
$
Super, savings, investments (home excluded for HCP)
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Estimated Annual Co-Contribution
Govt funding value
Basic daily fee
Means-tested fee

💰 Cost Breakdown

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Get practical guides on aged care costs, means testing, My Aged Care and financial planning for families navigating aged care in Australia.

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Aged Care Costs in Australia 2025: What You Will Pay

Australia's aged care system is funded jointly by the government and care recipients. How much you pay depends on your income, assets, and the type of care you receive. A formal means assessment by Services Australia determines your exact fees — this calculator provides estimates to help you plan ahead.

Home Care Package Values 2025–26

LevelAnnual Package ValueSuitable For
Level 1~$10,271Basic support — minimal care needs
Level 2~$18,063Low-level care — some daily assistance
Level 3~$39,310Intermediate — regular support needed
Level 4~$59,593High-level — complex or intensive care

Residential Aged Care Fees 2025–26

Fee2025–26 AmountNotes
Basic daily fee$61.96/day (~$22,615/year)Everyone pays this
Means-tested care fee$0 – $35,109/yearBased on income + assets assessment
Accommodation (RAD)Varies by facilityLump sum or daily payment (DAP)
Lifetime means-tested cap$82,000 (approx)Once reached, fee stops

Getting a Formal Assessment

To access government-funded aged care, you must first contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422 or myagedcare.gov.au) for a needs assessment (ACAT — Aged Care Assessment Team). This is free and determines which services and funding level you are eligible for.

Estimates only based on 2025–26 Services Australia rates. Actual fees are determined by formal means assessment. Contact My Aged Care 1800 200 422 for your official assessment. Not financial advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the aged care means-tested fee calculated in Australia?
The means-tested fee considers your assessable income and assets. For home care packages, only income is assessed. For residential aged care, both income and assets are assessed. In 2025-26, the maximum annual means-tested fee is approximately $35,109, with a lifetime cap of around $82,000. A formal Services Australia assessment determines your exact fee.
Is the family home included in the aged care assets test?
For home care packages, the family home is NOT included in the assets assessment. For residential aged care, the home IS included — but only if no protected person (spouse, dependent child, or approved carer) is still living in it. If a protected person remains, the home is excluded from the assets test.
How do I apply for a Home Care Package in Australia?
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or register at myagedcare.gov.au. You will undergo a free ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment that determines your care needs and package level. Once assigned a package, you choose an approved provider and negotiate your care plan. Wait times vary — Level 4 packages can have waits of 6–12 months in some areas.

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