For Aboriginal Elders across the country the new Aged Care Act has brought on extra financial pressures due to the new client contribution rules. Our Care Partners have been working with Elders to manage their budgets and advise them about the rules. Having spoken with Elders every day throughout this process of change, we empathise with those who have been caused distress and have had to say goodbye to certain services because of these government decisions.
While we advocate for more consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, we wish to provide you with as much information as possible, so our community can understand the position that both of us as an aged care provider and you as a client have been placed in.
How the client contributions work
The client contribution works differently depending on when you were first approved for aged care. If an individual was approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) before the 12 September 2024, it means they will pay no more for the new Support at Home (SAH) program than they did for the HCP, and this applies for the duration of their time under Support at Home.
Individuals who, as at 31 October 2025, were assessed under their HCP as not having to pay an income-tested-fee will not need to make client contributions. On the other hand, those who as at 31 October 2025 were assessed under their HCP as needing to pay an income-tested-fee, will need to pay client contributions based on income only and will have a fortnightly cap applied to their contributions, ensuring they are not paying more than they would have under their HCP.
New clients will be means tested by Services Australia to determine their contribution amount. No two individual’s contribution will be the same because of means testing, and this is why other people you know may be paying more or less than you. These rules have not been put in place by ACS but by the government, and we are responsible for ensuring our operations are compliant.
The client contribution is not only adjusted depending on your income but also the specific services you are utilising. If you are on a full or part-time pension you can use the information on your income and assets that have been provided for your pension assessment. If you are a non-pensioner, you will need to complete an income and assets assessment if Services Australia does not already have your current financial details. After the assessment, Services Australia will send you a fee advice letter that tells you what you will need to contribute towards your aged care services.
What if you are struggling to pay your client contributions?
If you are experiencing financial pressures, the recommended pathway is applying for Financial Hardship Assistance with Services Australia. If your application is successful, you will be eligible for a fee reduction supplement to help pay for your client contributions. Click here to learn more about Financial Hardship Assistance.
Want to help change things for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders receiving Aged Care?
It’s important that we keep using our voices to tell the government that this is not good enough. Our Elders deserve accessible Aged Care that doesn’t discriminate. Now that we are seeing the direct impacts of the new aged care reforms, we must continue to speak up.
Sign this petition put together by the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. Or submit your feedback to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission expressing your concerns about the new rules.
Importantly, please keep communicating with your Care Partner so we can work together to ensure your budget is being used efficiently, and that you are receiving the services you need. Here’s to adapting to change together and being there for one another throughout the process!
