5.3.2 Income-tested care fee

Residents with sufficient income can be charged an income-tested care fee.

If the care recipient is a full pensioner (or has an equivalent income), they will pay no income-tested care fees as the Government will pay the full amount of Government subsidy relevant to them. They can be asked to pay the basic fee.

If the care recipient is a part pensioner or self-funded retiree, then the Government subsidy will be reduced. The provider will be able to recoup any reduction in subsidy based on the care recipient’s income by charging an income-tested care fee.

If someone is already receiving a Home Care Package prior to 1 July 2014, nothing will change and they can not be asked to pay an income-tested care fee.

Prisoners of War are exempt from paying an income-tested care fee.