Learn about accommodation payments, means testing, and payment options for Australian aged care facilities. Expert guide to understanding your.
Key areas covered:
- What types of accommodation payments are available in aged care?
- How is my accommodation payment amount determined?
- What information must aged care providers give me about accommodation costs?
What types of accommodation payments are available in aged care?
Accommodation costs can be paid in three ways: as a daily payment (DAP), as a lump sum refundable deposit (RAD), or as a combination of both. The amount you pay depends on your means testing assessment. The accommodation payment amounts must be published by the aged care provider and expressed as both a refundable deposit amount and an equivalent daily payment amount.
How is my accommodation payment amount determined?
Your accommodation payment amount is determined by your daily means tested amount, which is assessed based on your income and assets. If you have the financial means, you may be required to pay either an accommodation payment or accommodation contribution. The exact amount will depend on your financial assessment and the published accommodation prices for your chosen aged care home.
What information must aged care providers give me about accommodation costs?
Before entering into an accommodation agreement, providers must give you: 1) a copy of the proposed accommodation agreement, 2) written information about their published accommodation payment amounts for the facility, including both the refundable deposit amount and daily payment options, and 3) any other information required by the rules. All accommodation prices must be published and approved by the relevant authorities.
