Financial hardship assistance eligibility

Not everyone can get financial hardship assistance to help with aged care costs. What we cover depends on your situation.

If you get Support at Home

From 1 November, you can apply to get help with your Support at Home means tested contributions.

If you’re in an aged care home

You can apply to get help with your residential care fees and accommodation costs. You can’t get financial assistance for any fees you and your provider have agreed to for additional care and services.

They type of fees we can help with depends on which fee arrangements you have been assessed under.

Under 1 November fee arrangements, you may get help with your:

  • hotelling contribution
  • non-clinical care contribution
  • accommodation costs.

Under 1 July 2014 fee arrangements, you may get help with your:

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

Under Pre 1 July 2014 fee arrangements, you may get help with your:

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

If you get residential respite care

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

Page last updated: 1 November 2025.
QC 54080