Published by SESI Care Services · Updated October 2026 · 2-minute summary
Quick answer: There is no single price for in-home aged care. What you pay depends on your My Aged Care assessment, the services in your support plan and the contribution that applies to each service. Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. Compare each provider’s published prices before you sign an agreement.
Key takeaways
- Your assessment comes first. My Aged Care works out your needs and the support you can get.
- You may pay a contribution. It depends on the type of service and your own circumstances.
- Different services have different contributions. Care, help at home and everyday tasks are not all treated the same way.
- Providers publish their prices. Compare the price for each task in your plan.
- Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025.
How do I get an assessment?
Government-funded support starts with My Aged Care. Call 1800 200 422 and say what help you need. An assessor talks with you about your goals, your daily routine and the help you need. A family member, friend or carer can come along.
The assessment decides which program and services suit you. It also shapes your budget. Assessments and funding can take a while, so start early.
What is the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an entry-level program. It is for older people who need a little help to live at home. Support at Home is for people with moderate, high or complex needs. Your assessment shows which one fits.
| CHSP | Support at Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | People who need low-level help | People with moderate, high or complex needs |
| How you get it | My Aged Care assessment | My Aged Care assessment |
| Who sets the pathway | Your assessment | Your assessment |
How much will I pay?
Your cost depends on three things:
- the service category, such as care, independence or everyday living
- your income and assets, which may be assessed
- the price your provider charges for each task
Providers may also add a loading to their hourly rate. Ask for the full price before you sign. If paying is hard, ask My Aged Care about financial hardship help.
Home Care Package fees no longer apply to new Support at Home services. People who already had a package when the program changed are protected by a “no worse off” rule.
SESI’s own rates are on our pricing page.
What do I do with my budget?
Your Support at Home budget pays for the services in your support plan. You can use more than one provider if you want to. Clear communication between you, your providers and your family helps keep things on track.
Before you start, write down:
- the tasks that are hard now
- the help you already have
- the things you want to keep doing yourself
This makes it easier to talk with providers.
Where does SESI fit in?
SESI Care Services delivers Support at Home services across Victoria. We work with your Support at Home provider. Your provider holds your service agreement and your budget. Your Support at Home budget pays for our services.
Already have a Support at Home provider? Ask them to add SESI.
We can help with:
- Personal care, such as showering, dressing and grooming
- Help around the house, such as cleaning, laundry and shopping
- Meals, such as planning and cooking at home
- Company and outings, such as going with you to appointments, the shops, a café or a club
Personal care is fully funded when it is in your support plan and there is funding available in your budget.
See how Support at Home works with SESI. You may also like our guide to Support at Home providers in Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
How much does in-home aged care cost?
There is no single cost. It depends on your assessment, the services you use and the contribution that applies to each one. Compare the published price for each task in your plan.
Is care available near me?
It depends on where you live and where the provider works. SESI delivers Support at Home services across Victoria. The My Aged Care provider search also lists providers by location.
What services are available?
Services can include personal care, cleaning, laundry, meals, transport and company. What you can use depends on your support plan.
How do I apply for an assessment?
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or use its website. Explain what help you need. They arrange the assessment for you.
What is the difference between Support at Home and CHSP?
CHSP is entry-level help for people who need a little support. Support at Home is for people with moderate, high or complex needs. Your assessment shows which one fits.
Talk to SESI
You do not need every detail settled to start a conversation. Tell us what you want help with and we will call you back. A family member or carer can call too.
Start here: sesi.com.au/support-at-home · Call: 1800 017 374
This guide is general information based on My Aged Care and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing material, current at October 2026. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. Check your own letters and agreements, or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
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