The My Aged Care fee estimator tools are free Australian Government calculators that help you understand your potential out-of-pocket aged care costs. There are two separate tools (one for Support at Home and one for residential aged care) that use your income and asset details to estimate your likely contributions. These tools outline your basic daily fees and accommodation costs before you officially apply, helping you plan your finances with a clear understanding of government subsidies and personal fee limits.
Key Takeaways
The My Aged Care fee estimators help you predict costs for government-funded aged care.
There are two different tools: the Support at Home fee estimator and budget planner, and the aged care home fee estimator.
Your results are based on the income and asset details you provide.
The tools are completely free, and you can use them anonymously before officially applying.
Estimates include basic daily fees, means-tested contributions, and accommodation costs.
Actual fees will be determined after Services Australia completes your formal income and assets assessment.
Aged care fees involve several moving parts: care contributions, accommodation payments, means testing and lifetime caps. Getting a reliable estimate early makes it easier to compare providers and plan finances with confidence.
This guide explains how each estimator works, what figures apply under current rules, and what to check before you rely on the results.
What Are The My Aged Care Fee Estimators?
The My Aged Care fee estimator tools are online calculators that help you estimate your likely out-of-pocket costs for government-funded aged care.
There are two separate calculators because Support at Home and residential aged care have different funding and fee structures.
- The Support at Home fee estimator and budget planner calculates your service contributions and quarterly budget.
- The aged care home fee estimator calculates your basic daily fee, means-tested contributions and accommodation costs.
These calculators are planning tools only. They use the information you enter and are not a substitute for a formal income and assets assessment completed by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Depending on the calculator you use, you may need to provide details about:
- Your relationship status (single, partnered or de facto)
- Your pension status (full pension, part pension or self-funded)
- Your annual income, including pensions, investments, business income or rental income
- Your financial assets
- The market value of your home if you are estimating residential aged care costs
Use the calculator that matches your situation. If you are considering both home care and residential aged care, you may need to use both tools at different stages of your planning.
How Support at Home Costs Are Calculated
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s in-home aged care program. It replaced the former Home Care Packages program from 1 November 2025.
If you are approved for Support at Home, you receive a quarterly budget based on your assessed care needs. You then use that funding to pay for approved services that help you live safely and independently at home.
How Support At Home Budgets Work
Your Support at Home budget is based on your assessment and one of 8 classification levels.
The budget can be used for services such as:
- Personal care
- Nursing
- Domestic assistance
- Transport
- Other approved supports
You may also need to pay a participant contribution towards some services. The amount depends on your income and assets assessment and the type of service you receive.
Service Prices
Under Support at Home, providers cannot charge separate package management or administration fees.
Instead, providers must set a single price for each service. This price must include all administration, coordination and travel costs.
For example, a provider’s hourly rate for personal care or cleaning must include the costs involved in delivering that service.
Support at Home providers must publish their standard service prices on the My Aged Care website.
Support At Home Participant Contributions
The amount you contribute towards your in-home care depends on:
- The type of service you receive
- Your assessed income and assets
- Your financial circumstances
Your income and assets assessment determines how much you contribute towards your care. It does not determine whether you can access services.
When using the Support at Home fee estimator, you do not need to include the value of your home in the assets section.
Your out-of-pocket costs depend on your approved budget, your assessed contribution and your provider’s service prices.
- Clinical services are fully funded by the government.
- Independence and Everyday Living services may require a contribution unless you receive financial hardship assistance.
- Full Age Pensioners generally pay a lower percentage than self-funded retirees.
A lifetime cap applies to your total non-clinical contributions. Once you reach the applicable cap, you will not need to make further contributions towards those services.
For more information see the schedule of aged care fees and charges.
Understanding Residential Aged Care Costs
Residential aged care fees are made up of several different charges. These include daily living costs, care contributions, accommodation and optional extras.
The Australian Government updates aged care fees and charges twice a year on 20 March and 20 September.
You can check the current figures in our the schedule of aged care fees and charges.
Basic Daily Fee
Every aged care resident pays the same basic daily fee. This standard fee is not means-tested and covers day-to-day living costs in an aged care home, including meals, cleaning, laundry, and administration.
The basic daily fee is set at 85% of the standard full Age Pension. If you receive a pension, you can arrange for Services Australia to pay this fee directly to your aged care home.
Means-Tested Contributions
Your contribution towards personal and clinical care is based on your income and assets.
This assessment may include the value of your home, depending on your circumstances.
For residents who entered care before 1 November 2025, this is known as the means-tested care fee.
For residents entering care from 1 November 2025, this has been replaced by:
- A hotelling contribution
- A non-clinical care contribution
Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs completes the assessment that determines these fees.
Annual and lifetime caps apply to protect your savings.
Accommodation Costs
Your accommodation cost depends on your financial situation and the agreement you make with your chosen aged care home.
There are two main ways to pay.
- Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
A RAD is a lump-sum payment for your room. It works like an interest-free loan to the aged care home.
For residents entering care under the arrangements introduced from 1 November 2025, providers may retain 2% of the RAD each year for up to 5 years.
This means a maximum of 10% may be retained, with the remaining balance refunded when you leave or to your estate.
Residents who entered care before 1 November 2025 are protected under the no worse off principle.
The government may fully or partially assist with accommodation costs if your income and assets are below certain thresholds. - Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
Instead of paying a lump sum, you can choose to pay a daily rate. This is a non-refundable payment similar to paying rent. It is calculated using a government-set interest rate.
You can also choose a combination of a RAD and DAP. Many families use this approach to reduce their ongoing daily payments while limiting the upfront amount paid.
Additional or ‘Extra’ Service Fees
Aged care homes may offer extra services such as hairdressing, pay TV, specialised menus, or custom furnishings.
If you choose these services or an extra-services room, fees are negotiated directly with the facility. The government does not subsidise any of these costs.
How to Find a Suitable Aged Care Provider
Comparing providers and working out costs is much easier when you have all the information in one place. Aged Care Decisions helps families navigate this process every day. Our custom-built software matches you with Support at Home providers or residential aged care vacancies that suit your needs.
We filter options based on your budget, location, care needs and personal preferences. Providers pay us a set fee on placement, which keeps our service 100% free and independent for families. We do the running around for you, reducing stress and hassle.
Connect with us today for help with finding a suitable aged care provider.
