The Cost of Aged Care in Australia: A 2026 Guide
Aged care costs in Australia for 2026: what home care, the CHSP and residential care cost, the fees involved, and the caps that protect you.
The big picture: government pays most of it
Entry-level help: CHSP costs
Ongoing home care: Support at Home costs
Residential aged care costs
The caps that protect you
Getting help with costs
Frequently asked questions
How much does aged care cost in Australia?
It depends on the type of care and your finances, but the government funds most of it. Entry-level CHSP help costs only small client contributions. Support at Home charges contributions by service type and income. Residential care has a basic daily fee, means-tested fees and accommodation payments,…
What is the basic daily fee for residential aged care?
The basic daily fee is paid by everyone in residential care and is set at 85% of the single basic Age Pension — indicatively around $66.80 per day in 2026. It's updated in March and September each year, so confirm the current amount with My Aged Care.
Are there limits on how much I pay for aged care?
Yes. Annual and lifetime caps limit the means-tested care fee in residential care, a lifetime contribution cap covers home and residential care contributions combined, and the new non-clinical care contribution has its own lifetime cap. Once you reach a cap, you stop contributing further towards…
What if I can't afford aged care fees?
Financial hardship assistance is available for people who genuinely can't afford their contributions. Start by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and completing the Services Australia means assessment. For bigger decisions like accommodation payments, an aged care financial adviser can help.