Home Care Packages
If you require help with many everyday tasks or have more intensive care requirements, HCP may be a suitable option for you. The program offers a range of services, including personal care, nursing care, allied health services, and assistive technology, among others, to support you in living independently at home.
HOME CARE
Home Care Packages (HCP). There are four levels of package funding and each has a value. All package funding provide access to the same type of care and services the difference is the amount the government will fund per package. The funding amount varies depending on the level of Home Care Package you are assigned, with four levels ranging from basic support to high care needs. The determination of your package funding level is based on your individual needs. This is determined when you are assessed for Home Care. This amount is not paid to you directly.
What are the 4 package levels?
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Basic Care
Level 1 $10,271.10 per year
Wait time 3-6+ months
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Low Care
Level 2 $18,063.85 per year
Wait time 12 + months
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Middle Care
Level 3 $39,310.50 per year
Wait time 12 + months
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High Care
Level 4 $59,593.55 per year
Wait time 12 + months
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How do I use my package funding?
Upon approval of your Home Care Package, your total available funds are outlined in your budget. These funds are allocated to cover the expenses of your care and services, as specified in your care plan. After selecting your provider and entering a Home Care Agreement with them, your package budget is divided to incorporate the necessary services and items based on your care plan.
Personal care p/hr
$55-$130 per hour
Nursing care p/hrr
$90-$225 per hour
Cleaning p/hr
$55-138 per hour
Care management
$60 per week
What are my out of pocket costs?
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Basic daily fee: This is a fee that everyone can be asked to pay, which is a percentage of the single basic age pension set by the government. The percentage varies depending on your Home Care Package level, ranging from 15.68% to 17.50%. Your provider may or may not ask you to pay this fee, so it's best to check with them. The fee is added to the government subsidy to increase the funds in your Home Care Package budget, and it changes every March and September.
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Income tested care fee: This is an extra contribution that some people may be required to pay, based on an income assessment. The amount you pay is based on your individual income, including pension, and can range from up to $17.42 to $34.84 per day. The fee is calculated by Services Australia and can reduce the government subsidy towards your Home Care Package.
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Additional service fees: These are fees for any extra services and items you agree to pay for that are not covered by your Home Care Package.
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Your contribution towards your Home Care Package will depend on your financial situation and the provider you choose. It's important to note that not everyone is required to pay all these fees, and some providers may not charge the basic daily fee. Make sure to consider your care needs and budget when choosing a provider.
Package level
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Daily Fee
10.88
11.50
11.83
12.14
Fortnightly Fee​
​152.32
161.00
165.62
169.96
How can I estimate my fees?
To help with your planning, you can use our fee estimator to get an idea of how much you may have to contribute towards your Home Care Package. The estimator is easy to use and requires some basic information about your income, assets, and household to provide an estimate of your fees. It's important to note that the figures provided are only an estimate, and the exact amount you pay will depend on your financial situation at the time you enter care and the provider you choose.
What Services do I receive?
Case management
Administrative, culture and life style plans and ongoing help
Respite
Helps your carer to take some time to look after themselves
Food and Meals
Meals, and help with food preparation
Personal Care
Help with showering, self-care, hygiene and grooming
Allied Health
Podiatry, occupational therapy, dietitian vision and speech therapy.
Help around house
Domestic assistance around the house; cleaning & gardening
Nursing
Help with medicines, wound care and general health treatment.
Home Modification
Home modifications e.g. ramps and rails
Equipment
Walking frame, shower chair and other mobility devices
Transport
Attend medical appointments including booking disability cars
Support Services
Centre based respite, Flexible respite
Social Support
Attend social and community groups
What's services are not included?
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Items that are typically bought using regular income
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Purchasing food, unless it is a requirement for enteral feeding
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Paying for permanent accommodation, including helping with home purchase, rent, or mortgage payments
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Covering home care fees
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Paying for services or charges for other types of care that are funded or co-funded by the Australian Government
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Assets or home modifications that are not related to care needs
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Covering travel and holiday accommodation expenses
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Entertainment activities, such as club memberships and tickets for sporting events
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Gambling activities
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Paying for items and services covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
How do I become eligible?
To determine if you qualify for these services, an assessment will be conducted to evaluate your care needs. However, you must meet one of the following criteria:
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You are an elderly individual who requires coordinated services to remain living at home.
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You are a younger person with a disability, dementia, or other care needs that are not being met by other specialized services.
Your financial circumstances will not impact your eligibility. However, you may need to undergo an income assessment through Services Australia to determine how much you may be required to contribute.
Need Help?
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