Receiving quality in-home care is notoriously expensive. While there are plenty of grants up for grabs, they are no good unless you can access them. Angel Assist specialises in helping you receive every possible cent that you are entitled to. Here we present the top grants that can help you get quality in-home care:
Table of Contents
Grant #1: Commonwealth Home Support Program
This is an entry level grant offered by the federal government offering heavily subsidised care services. While it does not offer the same levels of funding as the Home Care Package, it is a useful starting point when you are looking for support, as it can be assessed and granted in a relatively short amount of time. It is usually recommended for those who only need one or two services in order to keep living independently.
Eligibility:
Seniors aged 65+
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin aged 50+
People aged 50+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or on a low income
Have a disability, dementia, or other care needs that are not being met through other specialist services
Requires some assistance with everyday tasks to maintain independence at home
Funding
An average of $3,096 per person was given in 2019-20, but this can vary greatly depending on your needs.
Out of Pocket Costs
The residual cost to you will depend on the service you receive and the provider, however, as an indication could be $10 per hour for domestic help and $35 per day for respite care.
Waiting Period
You will normally find out the outcome immediately when you are assessed.
Types of Services Available
Domestic assistance
Allied health and therapy services
Social support
Home maintenance
Transport
Nursing
Meals
Respite
Personal care
Home modifications
How it Works
Check your eligibility on the My Aged Care website.
If eligible, you will need to apply for an assessment. Most assessments during the pandemic have been undertaken over the phone or by video. You will usually be told during the assessment whether you are going to be approved for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
If you have been approved, your assessor will provide you with a Home Support Plan. This will include referral codes for each service that you are eligible for. This referral code allows providers to view your client record, accept the referral, and start organising services for you.
Armed with these referral codes, you can now find and connect with approved aged care providers. You can either look for your own or ask your assessor to refer you to a provider. While the services are subsidised by the Commonwealth Home Support Program, each provider may have different residual fees for each service that you will need to pay, so it is up to you which provider you wish to use. The government has created a tool to help you create a shortlist of the best providers for your needs.
Once you've decided on a provider, you will develop a care plan together. This care plan will include the costs, schedule of services and when they start. Acceptance of this care plan may be either verbal or in writing, depending on the provider.
Grant #2: Home Care Package
This grant offered by the federal government is for those requiring more complex care needs on an ongoing basis. Like the Commonwealth Home Support Program, it once again offers heavily subsidised care services up to a predefined limit depending on which level you have been approved for. These packages are flexible, so other services can be provided if it improves your well-being, conforms to the rules and is within your Home Care Package budget.
Eligibility:
Seniors aged 65+
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin aged 50+
People aged 50+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or on a low income
Have a disability, dementia, or other care needs that are not being met through other specialist services
Requires a greater degree of assistance with everyday tasks to remain in the home
Funding
Level 1 - Basic care needs - $9,179.75 a year
Level 2 - Low care needs - $16,147.60 a year
Level 3 - Intermediate care needs - $35,138.55 a year
Level 4 - High care needs - $53,268.10 a year
Out of Pocket Costs
Unlike the Commonwealth Home Support Program which requires contributions to the hourly costs of services, Home Care Packages require a daily basic fee of up to $11.02 per day depending on the level of your package. Some providers may not ask for this fee but will deduct it from your total package budget.
In addition, if you earn more than $28,472.60 per annum you may be required to pay an additional income-tested fee of up to $31.63 per day. This is capped at $69,101.75 across your lifetime. There may also be additional fees required that are not covered by your package, so this will have to be discussed with your provider.
While these contribution fees are consistent across the board, the cost of services within your package can vary enormously between providers and will determine how many hours of help you ultimately receive. This government guide indicates the average cost of each service that you can expect. As part of our service, Angel Assist can help you find the best value providers to ensure you get the maximum value from your package.
Waiting Period
Level 1 packages are usually approved within 3 to 6 months, while all other levels generally take between 6 to 9 months.
Types of Services Available
Bathing, hygiene & grooming
Nursing
Allied health services including podiatry & physiotherapy etc
Meals and food preparation
Help with impairments and continence
Cleaning, laundry and other chores
Home or garden maintenance
Home modifications to aid safety and mobility
Independence aids to help with mobility, communication, reading & personal care
Transport
Social outings, groups and visitors
How it Works
Apply for an assessment on the My Aged Care website. An assessor will then contact you 2 to 6 weeks later to arrange for an assessment.
If it sounds like you have complex needs, a comprehensive assessment will be undertaken by a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This will require referrals from your doctor and paperwork including identification. The assessor will discuss your needs and help determine a support plan.
Once you have been approved, you will need to wait in a queue for your funding at your approved package level. This process can take many months.
When your funding comes through, you can nominate a provider to co-ordinate your care. Your care needs will be negotiated with the provider and a plan will be developed, called the Home Support Plan. The provider may deliver some or all of your care needs or broker other providers if they don’t have those services, or if you want a different provider. The Home Support Plan will include referral codes for each service that you are eligible for. This referral code allows providers to view your client record, accept the referral, and start organising services for you.
If you like you can manage your own package, which may save you some money. Armed with these referral codes, you can now find and connect with approved aged care providers. While the services are paid for within your Home Care Package, each provider may have different hourly rates for each service that you will need to pay that will determine how many hours of care you will ultimately receive, so it is up to you which provider you wish to use. The government has created a tool to help you create a shortlist of the best providers for your needs.
Once you've decided on a provider, you will develop a care plan together. This care plan will include the costs, schedule of services and when they start. Acceptance of this care plan may be either verbal or in writing, depending on the provider.
Grant #3: Carer Payment, Supplement & Allowance
It is possible for someone other than a family member or spouse to receive the Carer's Pension if they are looking after you, as long as both you and your carer meet certain criteria. Between the Carer Payment, Carer Supplement and Carer Allowance (depending on eligibility), this amounts to nearly $26,000 per annum of funded care that most people are unaware that they can obtain!
Many families find themselves making impossible choices because they feel they have no other alternative. By nominating an alternative caregiver to receive the carer's pension, however, it is possible to come to an arrangement that suits all parties, at virtually no expense to yourself. The carer may either live in or out of your home, depending on your mutual preferences. Free food and board may be offered as an additional enticement. Many people find comfort in having a live-in carer, as they offer round-the-clock companionship, safety and support. For people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease who can't be left alone, finding 24/7 support becomes essential. Angel Assist specialises in recruiting carers for this purpose and would love to assist you through this entire process.
Eligibility:
Both the carer and the person receiving care must be Australian residents who have been in Australia for at least 2 years
The carer must provide care for a significant period each day and must spend no more than 25 hours a week away for other study or work purposes
The carer must not have assets (excluding their home) of more than $270,500 if they own a home or $487,000 if they don't own a home
The carer can earn $180 per fortnight before their payments will start to be reduced
The person being cared for must require constant care and have severe needs (whether for advanced age, mental illness, disease or disability) as assessed by a doctor
The person being cared for must not have income above $120,605 a year or assets above $744,000 (excluding the home)
Funding
If single and meeting the income and assets requirements, the carer can receive up to $967.50 per fortnight from the Carer Payment, $136.50 each fortnight for the Carer Allowance plus $600 per annum for the Carer Supplement. Altogether, this amounts to $29,304 per annum for your carer.
Waiting Period
This depends on Centrelink's processing times, but usually varies between 3 and 12 weeks.
Types of Services Available
The type of help you receive from your Centrelink-paid carer depends on your needs and preferences and their abilities. If arranging for this type of care with this type of financial arrangement, it is not reasonable to expect that your carer will necessarily be trained in disability or aged care. Instead, the types of services may include:
Domestic assistance
Companionship
Home maintenance
Transport
Meals
How it Works
Check your eligibility on the Services Australia website.
If both you and your carer are eligible, your carer will need to make a claim with Centrelink through their MyGov account. They will need documentary evidence from your health professional of your need for care.
Grant #4: Essential Medical Equipment Payment
The Essential Medical Equipment Payment provides an annual allowance to cover the cost of essential medical equipment and heating and cooling for your medical needs. To obtain this grant, you will need a referral from a suitable health professional.
Eligibility:
Spinal cord injury at or above the T7 level
Stroke
Brain injury
Neurodegenerative disorder
Muscular dystrophies
Full thickness burns on more than 20% of your body
Rare sweating disorders including congenital absence or mal-development of sweat glands
Chronic erythrodermas
Anyone requiring essential medical equipment as defined below
Funding
$164 per year for each piece of eligible medical equipment you require and/or $164 per year towards the cost of heating/cooling if you fit the eligibility criteria above.
Waiting Period
Paid immediately upon approval, then on an annual basis according to the government schedule.
Types of Equipment that Can Be Funded
Home dialysis machine
Home ventilator
Home respirator
Home parenteral or enteral feeding device
Oxygen concentrator
Heart pump
Suction pump
Infant apnoea monitor, medically prescribed
Nebuliser, used daily
Positive airways pressure device
Phototherapy equipment
Air bed vibrator
Electric wheelchair
Insulin pump
How it Works
Obtain proof of your needs by supplying a letter from your doctor. If you are eligible for heating/cooling costs you will also need an electricity bill in you/your carer's name.
Submit your claim through MyGov by following these steps.
Grant #5: Continence Aids Payment Scheme
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) provides an annual allowance to cover the cost of continence aids. To obtain this grant, you will need a referral from a suitable health professional such as your general practitioner, a physiotherapist, registered nurse etc.
Eligibility:
Anyone requiring continence aids
Funding
The CAPS payment rate for 2021–22 is $635.10.
Waiting Period
Paid immediately upon approval, then on an annual or bi-annual basis according to the government schedule.
Types of Services Available
Annual or bi-annual payment to assist with continence aids.
How it Works
Fill in the application form on the Continence Payments Scheme website.
Get your health professional to fill in their part of the form.
Submit your application and wait for the result. If approved, you will receive either an annual payment or bi-annual payment (depending on your preferences) to cover the costs of your continence aids.
Grant #6: Veterans' In Home Care Supplement
This is a supplementary grant that is paid directly to the Home Care Package Provider if you are a veteran, in recognition of the additional mental health conditions you may be suffering.
Eligibility:
Any veteran in a Commonwealth-subsidised Home Care Package who has a mental health condition accepted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) as related to their service is eligible.
War widow/ers and dependents are not eligible to receive this supplement.
Funding
The Veterans' In Home Care Supplement adds 10% to your relevant Home Care Package, enabling you to have more funds available for services. The payment will be ongoing for the period of your care.
Waiting Period
The Veteran's In Home Care Supplement will be implemented at the same time as your Home Care Package.
How it Works
This supplement will be automatically applied when you receive the Home Care Package.
Grant #7: Dementia and Cognition Supplement
This supplement is paid directly to the Home Care Package Provider if you are assessed as being moderately or severely cognitively impaired.
Eligibility:
Any care receiver who scores 10 or higher on the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scales (PAS), as assessed by a registered nurse, psychologist or medical practitioner.
Funding
An additional allowance will be added to your Home Care Package at the following daily rates:
Level 1- $2.84 per day
Level 2- $5.00 per day
Level 3- $10.89 per day
Level 4- $16.50 per day
Waiting Period
when approved, this supplement will be backdated to the application date.
How it Works
Your Home Care Provider needs to arrange an assessment, and then will record and store your results.
They will send the application form to Services Australia, who will assess the claim and increase your Home Care Package accordingly if you are approved.
Grant #8: Transition Care Programme
The Transition Care Programme provides short-term care of up to 12 weeks for older people following a hospital stay. State and territory governments are responsible for managing the delivery of this program, but as the client you are given the choice and flexibility to decide how this care is delivered. The program is designed to try to avoid longer term care and may be administered either in the home or in a residential care facility.
Eligibility:
Seniors aged 65+ or people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin aged 50+ who are a patient in a hospital and have been told they are ready to be discharged
Funding
After assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) whilst still in hospital, the basic subsidy amounts are allocated according to the assessed level of need, as per the schedule below:
Level 1- $24.73 per day
Level 2- $43.50 per day
Level 3- $94.66 per day
Level 4- $143.50 per day
Some providers may request additional fees if you can afford to contribute to the cost of your care.
Waiting Period
Care must commence within 48 hours of discharge from the hospital.
Types of Services Available
Social work
Nursing support
Personal care
Allied health care (including podiatry, physiotherapy and occupational therapy)
Low intensity therapy
Medical support such as GP oversight
How it Works
While in hospital and when nearing discharge, you must be referred to the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for an assessment. This referral may be undertaken by a medical professional, a carer or family member or even by yourself.
ACAT will then conduct a comprehensive assessment while you are still in the hospital and notify you of whether you have been approved. They will take account of your medical, social, psychological and physical needs, in consultation with the hospital staff who have been looking after you.
ACAT will create a care plan for you and make the necessary referrals to the appropriate service providers through the My Aged Care system or by issuing a referral code to you that you would then give to the service provider.
If needed, it is possible to request an extension of the program for up to 42 days if you apply within your first 12 weeks of care.
Grant #9: Respite Care
Respite care allows you and your carer to have a break for a short period of time. It may be planned in advance or can be accessed in emergencies if your carer suddenly is unavailable. Community respite is provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for eligible recipients. The subsidised respite is available in addition to support received from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or the Home Care Package (HCP).
Eligibility:
Older people who have a carer to help with their day-to-day care needs
The criteria are the same for those requiring permanent residential care
Funding
It is possible to access up to 63 days of subsidised care in a financial year including both planned and emergency respite care. This can be extended by 21 days at a time if approved by your aged care assessor.
Waiting Period
You will normally find out the outcome immediately when you are assessed.
Types of Services Available
Centre-based respite offers day respite, providing care from 10am to 3pm.
Cottage respite is available overnight or over a weekend and can take place in the home of a host family or in the community.
Flexible respite is available in the day or overnight and involves a paid carer coming to your home so your usual carer can take a short break.
How it Works
Check your eligibility on the My Aged Care website.
If eligible, you will need to apply for an assessment. You will be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) who will take their time to review your case and later advise you of the outcome.
If you have been approved, your assessor will provide you with a Support Plan. This will include referral codes for each service that you are eligible for. This referral code allows providers to view your client record, accept the referral, and start organising services for you.
Armed with these referral codes, you can now find and connect with respite care providers. You can either look for your own or ask your assessor to refer you to a provider. The government has created this tool to help you find providers and create a shortlist.
Once you've decided on a provider, you will need to apply for a place for the length of your stay/care.
Grant #10: Back to Work Program
The Back to Work Program doesn't fall into the traditional category of what you might imagine when looking for grants to cover the cost of your home care, but it could provide you with a substantial contribution.
The Queensland government offers support payments of up to $20,000 for employers who hire eligible unemployed job-seekers. The program is available to employers throughout regional Queensland and in select areas of South East Queensland including Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset. If you hire an eligible person to be your carer, you can be considered their employer and therefore be eligible for this grant.
The job must be ongoing and at least 20 hours a week for a part-time position or 35 hours a week for a full-time position. The payments are broken into lump sums of $4,500 after 4 weeks employment, $5,250 after 26 weeks employment and $5,250 after 52 weeks continuous employment.
It is possible to receive a maximum of 4 of these grants if you employ 4 people, so theoretically if you have substantial needs and want around-the-clock care from multiple carers, it is possible for you to receive $80,000 from the Queensland government towards this cost.
If you would like to take advantage of this grant, Angel Assist can take care of everything on your behalf to help you comply with the legislative requirements including taxation, superannuation, workplace health and safety, industrial relations and insurance.
Eligibility of employees:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (minimum unemployment period of 8 weeks)
People with disability (minimum unemployment period of 8 weeks)
Long term unemployed people (minimum unemployment period of 52 weeks)
Funding
$15,000 for full-time employment of a suitably unemployed person, 75% of $15,000 for the part-time employment of a suitably unemployed person and $20,000 if the person meets the above criteria and is aged 15-24.
Waiting Period
You will normally find out the outcome immediately when you are assessed.
How it Works
Check the eligibility of your employee on the Back to Work website.
Hire your employee and ensure you comply with the necessary legislative requirements.
After 4 weeks of successful continuous employment of that employee, apply through the QGrants website.
Grant #11: Wage Subsidy
The federal government offers a number of different wage subsidies for employers depending on the nature of the employee that can be up to $10,000. Like the Back to Work program mentioned above, you may be eligible to receive this if you hire someone to take care of you. Angel Assist can help you take care of all the legislation requirements.
The job must be expected to be on-going and must offer at least 20 hours of work per week over the 6 months of the wage subsidy agreement.
Eligibility:
New employees who are:
15 to 29; or
Aged 50+; or
Parents; or
Indigenous Australians; or
Registered with an employment services provider for 12 months plus.
Funding
Between $6,500 to $10,000 depending on your employee. The payment schedule can be negotiated and may even be on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
Waiting Period
You will normally find out the outcome immediately when you are assessed.
How it Works
Check the Department of Education, Skills and Employment for details of how to apply or ask us here at Angel Assist to apply on your behalf.
Grant #12: Short Term Restorative Care Program
The Short Term Restorative Care program is intended to help you restore functionality so you can avoid or delay the need for longer term care. You can receive short-term restorative care for periods of up to 8 weeks, twice in any 12-month period. This program can be used in conjuction with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) as long as they provide different and complementary services. The Short-Term Restorative Care is not applicable if you are receiving a Home Care Package or Transition Care.
Eligibility:
Seniors aged 65+
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin aged 50+
People aged 50+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness or on a low income
Have a disability, dementia, or other care needs that are not being met through other specialist services
If you have noticed a recent decline in your health or functionality or you have experienced a change in your family care arrangements.
Funding
This can vary greatly depending on your needs. You will be asked to make a maximum contribution of $11.02 per day towards your care. You do not have to complete a means assessment to access this program.
Waiting Period
You will normally find out the outcome immediately when you are assessed.
Types of Services Available
Aids and equipment (including mobility aids)
Audiology
Chiropractic services
Continence management
Cooking assistance
Home maintenance
Nursing
Nutrition, meal preparation and diet advice (dietetics)
Personal care and assistance
Podiatry (foot care)
Psychologist or counsellor support
Social work
Speech therapy
Support services including cleaning or laundry, medication management, emotional support therapy groups
Transport
Accommodation in residential care
How it Works
Check your eligibility on the My Aged Care website.
If eligible, you will need to apply for an assessment. Most assessments during the pandemic have been undertaken over the phone or by video. You will usually be told during the assessment whether you are going to be approved.
If you have been approved, your assessor will provide you with a Home Support Plan. This will include referral codes for each service that you are eligible for. This referral code allows providers to view your client record, accept the referral, and start organising services for you.
Armed with these referral codes, you can now find and connect with approved aged care providers. You can either look for your own or ask your assessor to refer you to a provider. The government has created a tool to help you create a shortlist of the best providers for your needs.
Once you've decided on a provider, you will develop a care plan together. This care plan will include the costs, schedule of services and when they start. Acceptance of this care plan may be either verbal or in writing, depending on the provider.
Grant #13: Queensland Community Support Scheme
The Queensland Community Support Scheme offers Queensland residents help to keep or regain your independence so you can continue living safely in your home and actively participate in the community.
Eligibility:
Aged under 65
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin below the aged of 50
Have a disability, dementia, or other care needs that are not being met through other specialist services
Have a chronic illness, mental health or other condition
Have other circumstances that impact your ability to live independently in the community.
Funding
This can vary greatly depending on your needs.
Waiting Period
You will normally find out the outcome immediately when you are assessed.
Types of Services Available
Shopping
Recreational activities such as local social groups or the library
Visits to the doctor or another health professional
Meal preparation
Cleaning and household chores
Personal care, such as showering and dressing
Basic home maintenance like mowing, cleaning windows or helping you with your garden
How it Works
Register online with the QCSS Access Point Assessors for an assessment.
The assessors will talk to you about how you are coping with daily living and will help you determine the supports you need.
Grant #14: Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (Queensland)
The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme helps Queensland residents pay for medical aids and equipment.
Eligibility:
Must be a permanent resident of Queensland
Have a permanent disability or stable condition
Hold a pensioner concession card, health care card or Queensland Government Senior Card
Meet specific clinical eligibility criteria relevant to the aid.
Funding
Aids and equipment are subsidy funded on a permanent loan basis, through private ownership or the supply of consumables. If you pay for more than 50% of the cost for an item, you can choose to take ownership, rather than having a permanent loan. However, this means that you are responsible for all repairs to that item.
Waiting Period
You will normally find out the outcome immediately when you are assessed.
Types of Aids / Equipment Available
Communication aids
Continence aids
Daily living and mobility aids
Heat moisture exchangers
Home oxygen
Medical grade footwear
Orthoses
Spectacles
How it Works
Click on the MASS link to learn more about the type of aid / equipment you need.
Visit the approved provider and ask them if you are eligible.
They will apply on your behalf.
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Where to from here?
As you can see, there are tens of thousands of dollars worth of grants available for those needing care in their homes. Although the system may seem difficult to navigate, we are here to make the process as simple as possible for you. Please get in touch with Angel Assist to find out how we can help you.
Did you find this ultimate guide helpful? Are there any grants that we have missed or that need to be updated? Please leave your comments below.
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