Aged care means assessment 065-09000000

Means assessments - additional information

Table 1

Item	Description
1	Care recipients in receipt of a means tested income support payment A means assessment will automatically finalise on entry to permanent care or Support at Home via the data matching process based on the details held on the Centrelink record when the following criteria are met: the customer receives a current means tested income support payment (for example, not Blind pensions or Self-Funded Retirees) homeownership is coded on the Accommodation (AC) screen as one of the following: NHO - Non homeowner NHN - Non homeowner Lives in Nursing Home PLT - Purchased Life Tenancy GFN - Non homeowner in Govt funded Aged Care LIF - Bequeathed Life Interest DEE - Deemed Interest For residential aged care or Support at Home, a care recipient in receipt of a means tested income support payment can complete a pre-admission means assessment via a verbal assessment. A care recipient who is in receipt of a means tested income support payment from the agency and a homeowner needs to provide details of their principal home. This information is not recorded for Social Security purposes. Principal home details can be provided: verbally, or, by completing: an online Aged Care calculation of your cost of care a Residential Aged Care – Property details for Centrelink and DVA customers (SA485) form If documentation is required, such as a statement showing the refund of an entry contribution for a retirement village unit, the care recipient must complete an online application or the SA485. Care recipients in receipt of a means tested income support payment from DVA are required to complete an SA485.
2	Total assessable assets for residential aged care and Support at Home The value of a care recipient’s assets is worked out in accordance with the assessment of assets under the Social Security Act. Refer to Division 1 of Part 3.12 of the Social Security Act – General provisions relating to the assets test. The Aged Care Act specifies the provisions of the Social Security Act that do not apply. The following are assets that are assessed under the Aged Care Act for residential care only which are exempt assets according to the Social Security Act: the value of any interest in the principal home, see Aged care means assessment – home ownership and real estate estimates accommodation payments, these are also not able to be reduced by the value of any encumbrance, see Aged care fees and charges - accommodation payments
3	Total assessable income for Residential aged care Total assessable income = pension income + direct deductions + ordinary income. Note: the RCA Income Assessment Summary (RIAS) screen Income Stream details are not displaying correctly. This is a display only error and does not affect the assessable income of a means assessment. See Network News Update (NNU) Aged Care RIAS screen Income Streams details not displaying correctly (11439) for more information.
4	Total assessable income for Support at Home Income calculations for Support at Home includes all ordinary income that would be used to determine a pension or allowance rate calculation. The Support at Home income calculation excludes income support payments and home equity access scheme payments.
5	Direct deductions Direct deductions are amounts that reduce the customer’s rate of pension but are excluded from the definition of ordinary income. For example, foreign pension or periodic compensation payments.
6	Ordinary (non-pension) income for residential care Ordinary income is income that would be used to determine a pension rate calculation. See Social Security Act 1991, section 1064, Module E - Ordinary income test. For aged care purposes, ordinary (non-pension) income for a couple is added up and then assessed as 50% of total income. For a full list of income and assets assessed under Social Security law, see the Resources page in Coding income and assets for Centrelink payments and services.
7	Pension income for residential care For a couple, only the income support payment received by the care recipient is considered. The income support payment is not halved. The rates between each member of a couple may vary. For example one party is blind and on maximum basic rate while the other is on a reduced rate due to other income. Pension income for aged care purposes is made up of the care recipient's income support payment (for example Age Pension) including: Basic Pension Amount (BASIC) Pension Supplement Basic Amount (PSBAS) Pension Supplement Remaining Amount (PSREM) It does not include: Pension Supplement Minimum Amount (PSMIN) Clean Energy Supplement (CES) To view the components of an income support payment: Access the Payment Summary (PS) screen Press [Enter] twice The Pension Details Component (PDC) screen is displayed. See Rates and Thresholds for information on Pension Supplement rates.
8	Self-funded retirees and care recipients not in receipt of current means tested income support payment From 12 October 2024 onwards, Process Direct creates a new aged care claim activity if the care recipient is matched to: a Centrelink non-current record, or to a current non-means tested income support payment Note: before 12 October 2024, Customer First was the system that created aged care claim activities. Home Equity Access Scheme customers who are ‘loan only’ recipients (they do not receive a payable rate of pension) will have a benefit status of RCA/CUR-SFR. They are non-pensioners. A message 'RCA status is SFR because 100% PLS' will display on the RCA Income Assessment Summary (RIAS) screen.
9	DVA Disability Pension DVA Disability Pension is not an income support payment and is not means tested. Recipients are treated as self-funded retirees unless they also receive an income support payment from Services Australia or DVA. DVA Disability Pension is treated as income for social security purposes. It will also be treated as income for aged care purposes unless the care recipient has qualifying service. DVA provides income assessments for aged care purposes for their income support customers and the DVA Disability Pension and DVA War Widows Pension customers who have qualifying service. All other DVA Disability Pension recipients have their income assessed for aged care purposes by the agency. The Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care (SA457) identifies whether a DVA customer has qualifying service. Where appropriate, the completed SA457 is forwarded by the agency to DVA for processing.
10	Foreign income assessment For autonomous pensioners, any foreign income is regarded as ordinary income. This is in accordance with section 44-24 of the Aged Care Act of 1997. It is included in the income assessments provided to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for both pre-2008 and post-2008 reform residents. For agreement pensioners, any foreign income that is a direct deduction is not regarded as ordinary income. It is included as part of the total assessable income for aged care purposes in accordance with section 44-24 of the Aged Care Act of 1997.
11	Income from employment Employment income is included in an aged care resident's total assessable income for aged care purposes after any reduction for Work Bonus or Working Credit has been applied. This is in line with the assessment of earned income for pension purposes. If a Work Bonus or Working Credit deduction is applied to the customer's gross earned income, the amount deducted displays on the RCA Income Assessment Summary (RIAS) screen in the WB/WC Reduction field. The WB/WC Reduction field will only appear on the RIAS screen if a Work Bonus or Working Credit deduction has been made. Note: self-funded retirees cannot qualify for the Work Bonus or Working Credit deductions. This is because they are not in receipt of an income support payment.
12	How Income for One Period (IOP) earnings affect fees For residential aged care, the Aged Care Staff Portal (ACSP) will use the IOP amount as at the date of the Regular Review. Examples: If a care recipient or partner reports income at the date when the Regular Review is due to run, it will pick up this income resulting in a new fee If a care recipient or partner has not reported income at the date of the Regular Review, it will pick up income at the review date resulting in a lower fee. The correct fee generated in the reconciliation tab for the month will usually be offset (negative amount) For Support at Home, contribution rates will be set at the start date of each quarter, for example 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, 1 October
13	Income test component of the means assessment – for post 1 July 2014 assessment scheme The Standard resident total assessable income free area is equivalent to: the maximum rate of single basic pension, plus pension allowable income amount (based on whether the customer is single or a member of a couple), plus single pension supplement minus the single minimum pension supplement Note: the Standard resident amount also applies to both Non Standard and Phased residents. The protected residents total assessable income free area is equivalent to: the maximum rate of non-quarantined (resident in Australia) single basic transitional rate of pension, plus pension allowable income amount (based on whether the customer is single or a member of a couple), plus single pension supplement minus the single minimum pension supplement See Rates and Thresholds for information on current pension allowable income thresholds and rates of payment. Rates of payment are found in the Pensions category in L-P payment rates and thresholds. Assessable income over the assessable income free area is used to calculate the income test component of the means assessment.
14	Asset test component of the means assessment for post 1 July 2014 assessment scheme – residential aged care The asset free area is the amount equal to 2.25 x the basic age pension amount rounded down. The first asset threshold and second asset threshold amounts are determined by Aged Care legislation. These are indexed in March and September each year. Assessable assets (in order) are used to calculate the asset test component of the means assessment: Total assets below asset free area = $0 Total assets between the asset free area and first asset threshold: total assets – asset free area x 17.5% Total assets between first and second asset thresholds: (total assets – first asset threshold x 1%) + (first asset threshold – asset free area x 17.5%) Total assets above second asset threshold: (total assets – second asset threshold x 2%) + (second asset threshold – first asset threshold x 1%) + (first asset threshold – asset free area x 17.5%)
15	How the principal home is assessed for the means assessment purposes – residential aged care Unless a protected person occupies the principal home at the relevant time, it will be included in the means assessment. The home’s value is capped to the equivalent value of the first asset threshold. See the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - Schedule of fees and charges for current first asset threshold values.
16	Who is a protected person for exempting the principal home for means purposes A protected person is defined by the aged care legislation as a: partner or dependent child carer who lived in the principal home for the past 2 years and is eligible to receive an income support payment, or close relative who has lived in the home for the past 5 years and is eligible to receive an income support payment The exemption of the principal home is lost if the protected person subsequently moves out of it. See Aged care means assessment – protected person for more information.
17	Financial disclosure to registered providers Aged care registered providers are no longer able to access financial information for care recipients. A form was previously used for care recipients to give consent to release financial information to aged care services. This process has been decommissioned. Any Display on Access (DOA) docs located on a care recipient’s record should be ended.
18	How income from ABSTUDY payments is assessed for aged care means assessment purposes Payments made under the ABSTUDY scheme are not included as assessable income for aged care means assessment purposes under the Aged Care Act 2024.
19	How income from Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) payment is assessed for aged care means assessment purposes Payments made for SRSS are not included as assessable income for aged care means assessment purposes under the Aged Care Act 2024.
20	How Redress payments made under the National Redress Scheme are assessed for aged care means assessment purposes Care recipients, and or their partners, who receive a payment under the National Redress scheme may self-disclose their payment and this amount will be deducted from their total assessed assets for life.
21	Residential aged care post 1 November 2025 - Income test component of means assessment for post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme Assessable income (in order) are used to calculate the income test component of the means assessment: Total income below asset free area = $0 Total income between the income free area and first income threshold: total income – income free area x 50% Total income between first- and second-income thresholds: (assessable income = (first income threshold – income free area x 50%) Total income between second and third income threshold: (assessable income = (first threshold- income free area x 50%) +(total income – second income threshold x 50%) Total income between third and fourth income threshold: (assessable income = (first threshold- income free area x 50%) +(third threshold– second income threshold x 50%) Total income over fourth income threshold: (assessable income = (first threshold - income free area x 50%) + (third threshold – second income threshold x 50%) + (Total Income – fourth income threshold x 50%) Divide by 364 to obtain daily income component.
22	Residential aged care - Post 1 November 2025 - Asset test component of means assessment for the post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme The asset free area is the amount equal to 2.25 times the basic age pension amount rounded down. The asset threshold amounts are determined by Aged Care legislation and are indexed in March and September each year. Assessable assets (in order) are used to calculate the asset test component of the means assessment: Total assets below asset free area = $0 Total assets between the asset free area and first asset threshold: total assets – asset free area x 17.5% Total assets between first and second asset thresholds: ( assessable assets = (first asset threshold – asset free area x 17.5%) Total assets between second and third asset threshold: (assessable assets= (first asset threshold – asset free area x 17.5%) + (total assets minus second asset threshold x 7.8%) Total assets between third and fourth asset threshold Assessable assets = (first assets threshold – asset free area x 17.5%) +(third asset threshold minus second asset threshold x 7.8%) Total assets above fourth asset threshold Assessable assets = (first assets threshold – asset free area x 17.5%) +(third asset threshold - second asset threshold x 7.8%) + (total assets – fourth asset threshold) Divide by 364 to obtain daily asset component.
23	Support at Home post 1 November 2025 - Income and assets used in means assessment Assessable income and assessable assets will be the same as the Pension income and assets tests. For Post 2025 scheme care recipients – there will be an assessment of income and an assessment of assets and, as per pension income and asset test, the higher calculation will be used to determine Support at Home contribution rates For post 2014 scheme care recipients – there will be an assessment of income only, and this will be used to determine 0% for life, or special reduced rates under Support at Home.

Residential aged care means assessments – calculation examples – post 1 July 2014 and post 1 November 2025

Table 2: this table provides examples of means assessments outcomes under both the post 1 July 2014 assessment scheme and the post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme.

Item	Example
1	Not low means care recipient – post 1 July 2014 assessment scheme This means assessment example is using rates from 20 March 2024. See Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – Schedule of fees and charges. Single homeowner, no mortgage, home is not exempt Total assessable income = $50,000 Total assessable assets = $1,201,231.20 Value of home is capped at $201,231.20 Remaining assets net value $1,000,000 Income free area = $32,819.80 per annum Asset Free area = $59,500 First asset threshold is $201,231.20 Second asset threshold is $484,693.60 Maximum accommodation supplement = $68.14 per day Income test component of means assessment Total assessable income = $50,000 p/a Single income free area = $32,819.80 p/a $50,000 - $32,819.80 = $17,180.20 $17,180.20 / 2 = $8,590.10 p/a $8,590.10 / 364 = $23.60 per day Asset test component of means assessment Total assessable assets = $1,201,231.20 Asset free area = $59,500 ($201,231.20 - $59,500) x 17.5% = $24,802.96 ($484,693.60 - $201,231.20) x 1% = $2,834.62 ($1,201,231.20 - $484,693.60) x 2% = $14,330.75 Asset amount = $41,968.33 $41,968.33 / 364 = $115.30 per day Daily means tested amount = income test result + asset test result Daily means tested amount = $23.60 + 115.30 Daily means tested amount = $138.90 Means tested fee = daily means tested amount - maximum accommodation supplement Means tested fee = $138.90 - $68.14 Means tested fee = $70.75 (for example, maximum applicable means tested fee. The actual fee payable will also depend on the relevant Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) for the care recipient) Residential aged care means assessment result: As the care recipient's means tested amount ($138.90), is more than the maximum accommodation supplement ($68.14), they are not a low means resident. Care recipient is liable to pay: an accommodation payment that is negotiated with a registered provider a basic daily care fee, and a daily means tested fee of up to $70.75 per day depending on cost of care
2	Low means care recipient – post 1 July 2014 assessment scheme This means assessment example is using rates from 20 March 2024. Partnered (illness separated) homeowner Home is exempt as partner occupying home Total assessable income (customer) = $39,550.20 p/a Total assessable assets (customer) = $85,000 Income free area = $32,195.80 Asset Free area $59,500 Maximum accommodation supplement = $68.14 per day Income Test component of means assessment Total assessable income = $39,550.20 p/a Illness separated income free area = $32,195.80 p/a $39,550.20 - $32,195.80 = $7,354.40 p/a $7,354.40 / 2 = $3,677.20 p/a $3,677.20 / 364 = $10.10 per day Asset test component of means assessment Total assessable assets = $85,000 Asset free area = $59,500 $85,000 - $59,500 = $25,500 x 17.5% = $4,462.50 $4,462.50 / 364 = $12.26 per day Daily means tested amount = income test result + asset test result Daily means tested amount = $10.10 + $12.26 Total daily means tested amount = $22.36 per day Means tested fee = daily means tested amount - maximum accommodation supplement Accommodation contribution = total daily means tested amount Note: a care recipient is still charged the calculated accommodation contribution if it is less than $1.00 per day. A daily means tested fee is not charged if it is calculated at less than $1.00 per day. Residential aged care means assessment result: As the care recipient's daily means tested amount is less than the maximum accommodation supplement ($68.14), they are a low means care recipient. The care recipient is liable to pay: a basic daily care fee only an accommodation contribution of $22.36 per day
3	Not low means care recipient – post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme – scenario 1 This means assessment example is using estimated rate values and rates from 20 March 2025. Single homeowner, no mortgage, home is not exempt Total assessable income = $50,916 Total assessable assets = $1,206,039 Value of home is capped at $206,039 Remaining assets net value $1,000,000 Income free area = $33,735.00 per annum Asset Free area = $61,500 First asset threshold is $206,039, first asset free area = $0.00 Second asset threshold is $238,000, second asset free area = $206,039 Third asset threshold is $502,981, third asset free area = $299,480 Maximum accommodation supplement = $69.79 per day Capped values – hotelling = $13.46, non-clinical care = $101.16 Income test component of means assessment Total assessable income = $50,916 p/a Single income free area = $33,735 p/a $50,916 - $33,735 = $17,180 $17,180 / 2 (50%) = $8,590.50 p/a $8,590.50 / 364 = $23.60 per day Asset test component of means assessment Total assessable assets = $1,206,039.00 Asset free area = $61,500 1st asset threshold – asset free area * 17.5% ($206,039 - $61,500 = $144,539) x 17.5% = $25,294.33 2nd asset free area – 1st asset threshold * 0% ($238,000 - $206,039 = $31,951) x 0% = $0.00 3rd asset free area – 2nd asset threshold * 7.8% ($299,480 - $238,000 = $61,480) x 7.8% = $4,795.44 3rd asset threshold – 3rd asset free area * 0% ($502,981 - $299,480 = $203,501) x 0% = $0.00 Total assessable assets - 3rd asset threshold ($1,206,039 - $502,981 = $703,058) x 7.8% = $54,838.52 Asset tested amount = $25,294.33 + $4,795.44 + $54,838.52 = $84,928.29 $84,928.29 / 364 = $233.32 per day Daily means tested amount = income test result + asset test result Daily means tested amount = $23.60 + $233.32 Daily means tested amount = $256.92 To calculate the means tested fees (hotelling and non-clinical care contributions) = daily means tested amount - maximum accommodation supplement Means tested fee = $256.92 - $69.79 = $187.13 Hotelling contribution – as $187.13 is over the capped value the hotelling contribution is set at $13.46 Non-clinical care contribution – as $173.67 ($187.13 – $13.46) is over the capped value, the non-clinical care contribution is set at $101.16 Means tested fee = $114.62 (Hotelling contribution plus non-clinical care contribution). Residential aged care means assessment result: As the care recipient's means tested amount ($233.32), is more than the maximum accommodation supplement ($69.79), they are not a low means resident. Care recipient is liable to pay: an accommodation payment that is negotiated with a registered provider a basic daily care fee, a hotelling contribution of $13.46, and a non-clinical care contribution of $101.16 per day
4	Not low means care recipient – post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme – scenario 2 This means assessment example is using estimated rate values and rates from 20 March 2025. Member of couple, non-homeowner Total assessable income = $40,000 Total assessable assets = $500,000 Non-homeowner Income free area = $33,735.00 per annum Asset Free area = $61,500 First asset threshold is $206,039, first asset free area = $0.00 Second asset threshold is $238,000, second asset free area = $206,039 Third asset threshold is $502,981, third asset free area = $299,480 Maximum accommodation supplement = $69.79 per day Capped values – hotelling = $13.46, non-clinical care = $101.16 Income test component of means assessment Total assessable income = $40,000 p/a Single income free area = $33,735 p/a $40,000 - $33,735 = $6,265.00 $6,265.00 / 2 (50%) = $3,132.50 p/a $3,132.50 / 364 = $8.61 per day Asset test component of means assessment Total assessable assets = $500,000.00 Asset free area = $61,500 1st asset threshold – asset free area * 17.5% ($206,039 - $61,500 = $144,539) x 17.5% = $25,294.33 2nd asset free area – 1st asset threshold * 0% ($238,000 - $206,039 = $31,951) x 0% = $0.00 3rd asset free area – 2nd asset threshold * 7.8% ($299,480 - $238,000 = $61,480) x 7.8% = $4,795.44 3rd asset threshold – 3rd asset free area * 0% ($500,000 - $299,480 = $200,520) x 0% = $0.00 Total assessable assets - 3rd asset threshold ($500,000 - $502,981 = -$2,981) x 7.8% = $0.00 Asset tested amount = $25,294.33 + $4,795.44 = $30,089.77 $30,089.77 / 364 = $82.66 per day Daily means tested amount = income test result + asset test result Daily means tested amount = $8.61 + $82.66 Daily means tested amount = $91.27 To calculate the means tested fees (hotelling and non-clinical care contributions) = daily means tested amount - maximum accommodation supplement Means tested fee = $91.27 - $69.79 = $21.48 Hotelling contribution – as $21.48 is over the capped value the hotelling contribution is set at $13.46 Non-clinical care contribution – is $8.02 ($21.48 – $13.46 = $8.02) which is over the hotelling contribution capped value, but under the non-clinical care contribution capped value of $101.16 Means tested fee = $21.48 (full Hotelling contribution plus partial non-clinical care contribution). Residential aged care means assessment result: As the care recipient's means tested amount ($82.66), is more than the maximum accommodation supplement ($69.79), they are not a low means resident. Care recipient is liable to pay: an accommodation payment that is negotiated with a registered provider a basic daily care fee, a hotelling contribution of $13.46, and a non-clinical care contribution of $8.02 per day
5	Not low means care recipient – post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme – scenario 3 This means assessment example is using estimated rate values and rates from 20 March 2025. Single, non- homeowner Total assessable income = $35,000 Total assessable assets = $280,000 Non-homeowner Income free area = $33,735.00 per annum Asset Free area = $61,500 First asset threshold is $206,039, first asset free area = $0.00 Second asset threshold is $238,000, second asset free area = $206,039 Third asset threshold is $502,981, third asset free area = $299,480 Maximum accommodation supplement = $69.79 per day Capped values – hotelling = $13.46, non-clinical care = $101.16 Income test component of means assessment Total assessable income = $35,000 p/a Single income free area = $33,735 p/a $35,000 - $33,735 = $632.50 $632.50 / 2 (50%) = $316.25 $316.25 / 364 = $0.87 per day Asset test component of means assessment Total assessable assets = $280,000.00 Asset free area = $61,500 1st asset threshold – asset free area * 17.5% ($206,039 - $61,500 = $144,539) x 17.5% = $25,294.33 2nd asset free area – 1st asset threshold * 0% ($238,000 - $206,039 = $31,951) x 0% = $0.00 3rd asset free area – 2nd asset threshold * 7.8% ($280,000 - $238,000 = $42,000) x 7.8% = $3,276.00 3rd asset threshold – 3rd asset free area * 0% ($280,000 - $299,480 = -$19,480) x 0% = $0.00 Total assessable assets - 3rd asset threshold ($280,000 - $502,981 = -$222,981) x 7.8% = $0.00 Asset tested amount = $25,294.33 + $3,276 = $28,570.33 $28,570.33 / 364 = $78.49 per day Daily means tested amount = income test result + asset test result Daily means tested amount = $0.87 + $78.49 Daily means tested amount = $79.36 To calculate the means tested fees (hotelling and non-clinical care contributions) = daily means tested amount - maximum accommodation supplement Means tested fee = $79.36 - $69.79 = $9.57 Hotelling contribution – as $9.57 is under the hotelling contribution capped value of $13.46, the fee is set at $9.57 Non-clinical care contribution – is $0.00 as the daily means tested amount above the maximum accommodation supplement is not over the hotelling contribution capped value, the care recipient would not have a non-clinical care contribution Means tested fee = $9.57 (partial Hotelling contribution) Residential aged care means assessment result: As the care recipient's means tested amount ($79.36), is more than the maximum accommodation supplement ($69.79), they are not a low means resident. Care recipient is liable to pay: an accommodation payment that is negotiated with a registered provider a basic daily care fee, and a hotelling contribution of $9.57
6	Low means care recipient – post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme This means assessment example is using estimated rate values and rates from 20 March 2025. Partnered (illness separated) homeowner Home is exempt as partner occupying home Total assessable income (customer) = $40,413 p/a Total assessable assets (customer) = $87,000 Income free area = $33,059.00 Asset Free area $61,500 Maximum accommodation supplement = $69.79 per day Income Test component of means assessment Total assessable income = $40,413 p/a Illness separated income free area = $33,059.00 p/a Step 1 - $40,413.00 - $33,059.00 = $7,354.00 p/a Step 2 - $3677.00 / 2 (50%) = $3,677.00 p/a Step 3 – as the income is below the 2nd Income free area the amount is nil for all following steps. $3,677.00 / 364 = $10.10 per day = daily income tested amount Asset test component of means assessment Total assessable assets = $87,000 Asset free area = $61,500 $87,000 - $61,500 = $25,500 Step 1 – $25,500 x 17.5% = $4,462.50 Step 2 – as the assessed assets is below the 2nd asset threshold ($206,039) the amount is nil for all following steps $4,462.50 / 364 = $12.26 per day = daily asset tested amount Daily means tested amount = income test result + asset test result Daily means tested amount = $10.10 + $12.26 Total daily means tested amount = $22.36 per day Hotelling Contribution = daily means tested amount - maximum accommodation supplement Non- clinical care contribution = daily means tested amount - maximum accommodation supplement – maximum hotelling contribution cap amount Accommodation contribution = total daily means tested amount Note: a care recipient is still charged the calculated accommodation contribution if it is less than $1.00 per day. Residential aged care means assessment (post 1 November 2025 assessment scheme) result: As the care recipient's daily means tested amount is less than the maximum accommodation supplement ($69.79), they are a low means care recipient. The care recipient is liable to pay: a basic daily care fee only an accommodation contribution of $22.36 per day

Support at Home Means assessments – Calculation and examples

Table 3: this table provides examples of Support at Home means assessments.

Item	Description
1	Support at Home – Post 2025 – means assessment A care recipient assessed as Post 2025 under Support at Home will provide income and assets for a means assessment to be completed. Definitions of ordinary income and assessable assets are the same as the Pension Rate calculator. The income and asset free areas are aligned to the pension income free area and asset free area. Refer to the Pensions income and assets tests for more information. This process is: Calculate the income reduction rate Determine annual ordinary income for care recipient – can be found on Aged Care Income and Asset Summary (ACIAS) screen Less Basic income free area Excess income x 0.50 Equals income reduction rate amount Calculate the asset reduction rate Total assets for care recipient – can be found on ACIAS screen Less Asset Test Free area Excess assets divided by 250 x 19.5 (7.8%) Equals assets reduction rate Determine which is higher – income or asset reduction amount Calculate the Maximum reduction amount Maximum income limit is based on marital status and aligns to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CHSC) taxable income limit Maximum income limit Less Basic income free area Excess income x 0.50 Equals maximum reduction amount Calculate input contribution rate Use the higher amount of income contribution amount or asset contribution amount Divide this by maximum reduction amount x 100 Equals Input contribution rate Calculate percentage for Independence Multiply input contribution rate by 0.45 Add 5 to this amount and round to 2 decimal places Equals Independence contribution rate % Calculate percentage for Everyday living Multiply input contribution rate by 0.625 Add 17.5 to this amount and round to 2 decimal places Equals Everyday living contribution rate %
2	Support at Home – Post 2025 – calculation example Care recipient has ordinary income of $26 000 per annum and assessable assets are $350 000. Income and asset thresholds are as at 20 March 2025. Income reduction rate $26000 - $5512 - $20488 $20488 x 0.50 = $10244 Income reduction rate = $10244 Asset reduction rate $350000 - $314000 = $36000 $36000/250 x 17.5 = $2808 Asset reduction rate = $2808 Maximum reduction amount $95400 - $5512 = $89888 $89888 x 0.50 = $44944 Maximum reduction amount = $44944 Input contribution rate Income reduction rate is higher so used for calculation $10244/$44944 x 100 = 22.792808 Rounded down = 22.79% Independence contribution rate 22.79 x 0.45 = 10.26 (rounded to 2 decimal places) 10.26 + 5 = 15.26% Everyday living contribution rate 22.28 x 0.625 = 13.93 (rounded to 2 decimal places) 13.93 + 17.5 = 31.43 %
3	Support at Home – Post 2014 – means assessment Prior to any rate calculation, a Post 2014 care recipient will have their income assessed under previous home care. If a care recipient was liable to pay an Income Tested Care Fee (ITCF) of $1 or more, they will then have income assessed under Support at Home. If a care recipient was not liable to pay an ITCF, they will have 0% contribution rate for all care categories, for life. A care recipient assessed as Post 2014 under Support at Home, liable to pay an ITCF, will provide income only for a means assessment to be completed. Definitions of ordinary income are the same as Pension Rate calculator. The income free area is aligned to pension income free area. Refer to the Pensions income and assets tests for more information. This process is: Calculate the income reduction rate Determine annual ordinary income for care recipient – can be found on Less Basic income free area Excess income x 0.50 Equals income reduction rate amount Calculate the Maximum reduction amount Maximum income limit is based on marital status and aligns to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CHSC) taxable income limit Maximum income limit Less Basic income free area Excess income x 0.50 Equals maximum reduction amount Calculate input contribution rate Divide income reduction amount by maximum reduction amount x 100 Equals Input contribution rate Calculate percentage for Independence Multiply by 0.25 and round to 2 decimal places Equals Independence contribution rate % Calculate percentage for Everyday living Multiply by 0.25 and round to 2 decimal places Post 2014 care recipients, in addition, will have a fortnightly cap on their costs, this will be the equivalent of ITCF x 14 days.
4	Support at Home Post 2014 – calculation example Home care income assessment – total income including pension = $1500 per fortnight = $7.07 per day ITCF. Care recipient has ordinary income of $26 000 per annum. Income and asset thresholds are as at 20 March 2025. Income reduction rate $26000 - $5512 - $20488 $20488 x 0.50 = $10244 Income reduction rate = $10244 Maximum reduction amount $95400 - $5512 = $89888 $89888 x 0.50 = $44944 Maximum reduction amount = $44944 Input contribution rate Income reduction rate is higher so used for calculation $10244/$44944 x 100 = 22.792808 Rounded down = 22.79% Independence contribution rate 22.79 x 0.25 = 5.70% Everyday living contribution rate 22.79 x 0.25 = 5.70% Additionally, any contributions would be capped at $7.07 x 14 = $98.98 per fortnight

Signature requirements and third party authorisation for Aged Care calculation of your cost of care form

Table 4

Step	Action
1	Signature requirements Signature requirements for Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care differ from Social Security forms. If an Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form is: signed by a care recipient or authorised third party anywhere on the form, the form can be accepted, this includes if care recipient is partnered the form can be accepted as the declaration has been acknowledged that the partner is aware/notified their personal and financial information will be collected by Services Australia for the purposes of the means assessment unsigned, it can be accepted following verbal contact in some circumstances
2	Form is signed and the signatory is a person other than the care recipient Where a person other than the care recipient has signed the form, they must also provide name and contact details to aged care skill tagged staff. This allows staff to determine whether that person is an authorised third party. Where a means assessment is requested by a third party who is not recorded as an authorised third party, they will need to provide documentation before any assessment can be accepted. Documentation needs to confirm that the person is: an Enduring Power of Attorney a Power of Attorney (financial), or holds an administrative or financial order See Accepting information from and disclosing information to a Power of Attorney for identity requirements. A person can apply for a calculation of the cost of care on behalf of someone else if: a letter from a doctor, nurse or similar health professional is provided stating that the care recipient is unable to sign the form, or the application is made by the Director of Nursing (DoN) at the aged care home where the care recipient is a resident and supporting evidence is provided. For example, acceptable supporting evidence may be a stamp of the aged care home details, the DoN’s registration number, or letter attached. If further clarification is required, contact the DoN by phone to confirm details Where the care recipient is deceased: only the executor of the estate or person holding a letter of administration can sign/act on their behalf any previous power of attorney or guardianship orders are no longer valid Where acceptable documentation is received with the form: the form can be accepted in circumstances where a document authorises more than one person jointly, all authorised parties must have signed the form Where acceptable documentation has not been provided with the form: the form cannot be accepted there is no authority to contact the signatory as they are not an authorised third party: An Aged Care Request for Information letter must be sent to the care recipient asking for either their signature, or 1 of the previously listed documents that authorises the third party to sign on their behalf See the Resources page for link to the Request for Further Information letter templates Complete a Progress of Claim DOC with action taken.
3	Form is not signed Where the care recipient or authorised third party has not signed the form, an attempt must be made to contact the care recipient or authorised third party by phone to confirm: they have requested the assessment the details within the form Where phone contact can be made, if the aged care skill tagged officer is satisfied that the information lodged is sufficient for the assessment to be completed correctly: the assessment may be completed they must DOC the record with action taken Where the Aged Care skill tagged officer: is unable to make phone contact, and/or has any concerns about the identity of the person completing the form, and/or has any concerns about the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. The following action must be undertaken: send an aged care request for Information letter asking for the outstanding information or signature to be provided DOC the record with action taken

Calculators

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$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged Care Fee Calculator

Worksheets – Post 1 July 2014 assessment scheme

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Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2025

Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2025

Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2024

Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2024

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2024

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2023

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2023

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2023

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/01/2023

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2022

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2022

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2022

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/01/2022

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2021

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2021

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2021

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/01/2021

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2020

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/09/2020

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2020

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2020

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2019

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2019

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2019

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/01/2019

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2018

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2018

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2018

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/01/2018

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2017

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2017

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2017

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/01/2017

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2016

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2016

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2016

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/01/2016

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2015

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2015

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/03/2015

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 20/09/2014

$\\INTERNAL.DEPT.LOCAL\Shared\NAT\SERDELEXCEL\WORKPRODIMP\Operation Blueprint Migration\RDT Release Icons\32w\icon-hidden-attachment.png$ Aged care fees worksheet 01/07/2014