Costs do vary, and how much you will pay depends on the place you choose and the outcome of an income and assets assessment. You do not need to understand the system before you reach out — that is exactly what we are here for.
Respite or permanent care?
Respite · short-term
A temporary stay (up to 63 days a year), for example to give a family carer a break or after a hospital stay. You pay only the basic daily fee, with no means assessment and no accommodation cost.
Permanent · ongoing
An ongoing placement, where the costs below apply.
What you might pay
A general guide only, not a quote. Applies to permanent residential care from 1 November 2025.
Current as at March 2026. Not financial advice. Amounts are indexed twice a year, and different rules apply if care began before 1 November 2025. For your exact costs, use the Fee Estimator below or call Services Australia's free Financial Information Service on 132 300.
You do not need to understand the aged care system before you reach out.
The assessment you may need
Services Australia assesses income and assets to work out your contributions.
On a means-tested pension and don't own your home? Services Australia likely has your details, so there is nothing to complete.
Otherwise, you'll need a means assessment. Homeowners on a pension give property details (form SA485); others complete the "Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care" online.
Want help working out the cost?
Tell us your situation and we'll talk you through the likely costs and the options, with no obligation and no cost to your family.
Work out your costs
Get a personalised estimate with the My Aged Care Fee Estimator, or let us walk you through it. Open the Fee Estimator.