If you’re finding it difficult to pay aged care fees, applying for Financial Hardship Assistance can help you stay in control of your aged care, maintain your wellbeing and make decisions based on your needs.
What is Financial Hardship Assistance?
Financial Hardship Assistance is a government program that helps older people who cannot afford their aged care fees. It can assist with Support at Home fees and Residential Aged Care fees. It is not a loan and you do not have to repay it.
Who can apply?
You may be eligible for financial help if you’re receiving Support at Home, if you’re in an aged care home for permanent care or residential respite care if:
- you are finding it difficult to pay your aged care fees
- you rely mostly on the Age Pension or other low income
- you have few assets or savings
- you have very little money left after paying your essential living expenses
- you’ve had a recent change in your circumstances (such as illness, separation or death of a partner, loss of income or unexpected expenses)
Everyone’s situation is different. Services Australia will look at your circumstances and assess whether you meet the criteria.
How Financial Hardship Assistance works
If your application is approved, the government may pay some or all of your aged care fees. This may mean you pay a lower amount or do not have to pay some fees.
How to apply
You can seek help at any stage:
- Contact Services Australia to speak with an Aged Care Services Officer. They can guide you through the claim form and help you get started
- Complete an application through Services Australia. This includes providing information about your income, assets and living expenses
- Provide documents if requested. Services Australia will let you know if evidence, such as bank statements or bills, is needed.
- Let your aged care provider know. Inform them that you’ve lodged a hardship assistance application. While your application is being assessed, your aged care provider must continue delivering your care and must not invoice you for your fee contributions.
Once Services Australia receives your application it will be assessed within 28 days. You will find out if you are eligible for assistance by letter.
If needed, Services Australia may ask you for more information to support your application. Try to provide that information to them as soon as possible to avoid delays.
If your application is not approved you can contact Services Australia on 1800 227 475 to discuss it.
Tip: Before filling out the form, list your regular spending on groceries, bills and medical expenses. You don’t need exact numbers, just a rough idea. This shows how much you have left after covering the essentials and makes the form easier to complete.
Further Support
If you need help at any point an aged care advocate can support you, explain your rights and guide you through the process to make sure your voice is heard. You can call us on 1800 424 079 for free, independent and confidential advice.
Services Australia
Aged Care Line: 1800 227 475
Older Australians Line: 132 300
My Aged Care: 1800 200 422
Financial hardship assistance
Financial Counselling
National Debt Helpline: 1800 200 422
Mob Strong Debt Helpline
(First Nations support): 1800 808 488
