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Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line, our national team of advocates is available Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 10am-4pm 

Notice: We’re updating this website to reflect changes under the new Aged Care Act, commencing 1 November 2025

Self-advocacy toolkit

What you need to know for better aged care

Self-advocacy or speaking up means having the right information to get the care and support you need. Explore the topics below to start.

Home Self-advocacy toolkit Aged care costs Residential care costs

Residential care costs

Before you decide to go into an aged care home, you should complete a means assessment at Services Australia. This establishes your eligibility for government assistance with care fees and administration costs.

Everybody is required to pay a basic daily fee – which is set at 85 per cent of the basic age pension. Depending on your income and assets, the provider may also ask you to pay a means-tested care fee.

To get an estimate of how much you will need to pay, use My Aged Care’s fee estimator tool below. If you can’t afford your aged care home costs, you might be entitled to financial hardship assistance.

Watch OPAN's webinar on Residential costs and fees

Our panel of experts unpack the changes under the Aged Care Act 2024. Learn more about how ‘no worse off’ arrangements impact older people currently in the aged care system, including those currently receiving in-home care.

Documents and external links

Learn more about residential care costs. These documents and websites offer help, strategies, and practical information. Brief descriptions are provided for each document or link.

How the new Aged Care Act will affect what you pay for - Residential aged care

Learn more about how the changes under the Aged Care Act 2024 affect what you pay for residential aged care. 

Screenshot of the My Aged Care website

My Aged Care fee estimator tool

The My Aged Care fee estimator tool can give you an estimate – to help you plan how much you might have to pay towards your residential aged care. The tool asks for a few details (about your income, assets and household) to calculate what your fees might be.
Screenshot of the My Aged Care website

Residential aged care costs and fees

Explore the My Aged Care website to understand the different costs associated with aged care homes, how much you might have to pay, and what the government will contribute to help you find the best option for your care needs and financial situation.

Screenshot of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website

Understanding fees for aged care homes factsheet

Download this handy summary factsheet from the Australian Department of Health, Disability and ageing to help you understand the different types of fees associated with residential aged care.

Need more support?
Call 1800 700 600