Financial Hardship Assistance for Aged Care
Aged care financial hardship assistance: who qualifies, what it reduces, and how to apply through Services Australia with the SA462 form.
What financial hardship assistance is
What it can help with
Who qualifies
Get your cost of care worked out first
How to apply
What evidence to prepare
Where to get help applying
Frequently asked questions
What is aged care financial hardship assistance?
It is government help for people who genuinely cannot afford their aged care fees. If approved, the government reduces or covers fees you cannot reasonably meet, across Support at Home contributions, residential aged care fees, and short-term respite costs, so care can continue.
Who is eligible for hardship assistance?
Broadly, people whose assessable assets are below a set threshold (around $46,835 as at 20 March 2026), who have not gifted assets above the limits, and for whom paying fees would cause genuine hardship. For Support at Home, you need care approval before applying.
How do I apply?
Apply through Services Australia using the SA462 form. First make sure your cost of care has been calculated, then complete the form, attach evidence of your income, assets and recent expenses, and lodge it — you can do this online through your Centrelink account.
What evidence do I need?
You will need evidence of your income, assets and essential expenses, including expenses for the previous three months, plus details of any debts or exceptional costs. Clear documentation showing why the fees are unaffordable helps Services Australia assess your claim faster.