Significant changes are on the way for aged care, with new rules taking effect from 1 July 2025. While these changes aim to create a more sustainable and equitable system, they also introduce added complexity, particularly in understanding aged care fees and making informed financial decisions.
Here are five key things you need to know:
1. Aged care will cost more, but it is still subsidised
If you or a loved one is moving into residential aged care after 1 July 2025, the amount you’ll need to contribute will be higher. While the Government will continue to fund a large share of care costs, around 73% on average, the changes will impact cash flow considerations and thus need to be accounted for.
2. There is some new terminology and fee calculations
The language is changing. Instead of the current “means-tested care fee,” you’ll now see new names like Hotelling Contribution and Non-Clinical Care Contribution. How much you are asked to pay will still be based on your income and assets, but new formulae may result in higher contributions than under the current rules.
3. Lifetime caps remain, but at a higher level
A lifetime cap will continue to apply to limit how much you can be asked to pay as a non-clinical care contribution over your total stay in residential care. This cap is increasing to $130,000, but with a new safeguard: regardless of the amount you pay, you will only need to pay this fee for a maximum of four years. This helps ensure fairness between residents with different levels of wealth.
4. Retention amounts are being reintroduced
If you choose to pay a lump sum for your room (known as a refundable accommodation deposit – RAD), aged care providers will deduct a “retention amount” of up to 2% per year (capped at 10% over five years). While this increases the cost slightly, it may still be better value than paying the daily accommodation payment.
5. Good advice can prevent costly mistakes
Navigating these new rules can be confusing, especially when you need to make big decisions about the family home, assets or pension entitlements. The cost of getting good advice is often small compared to the cost of getting it wrong. That’s why seeking qualified aged care financial advice is more important than ever.
If you’re considering aged care for yourself or a family member, now is the time to start planning and seeking expert advice. As specialists in aged care advice, we can help you to make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind. Click here to find out more about our Aged Care Advice specialist adviser. Or call us on (08) 9200 3123.