Finances
For all CHSP services, including respite care, it is the direct client’s income (rather than the carer’s income) that is used to determine fees. Means testing is done by reference to your pension status, in order to minimize red tape. Depending on your income, you will be expected to pay:
- The standard fee OR
- The part pensioner discount fee OR
- The full pensioner discount fee
It’s important to bear in mind for your financial planning that any fees paid towards CHSP services do not count towards the annual and lifetime caps on fees payable for Home Care packages and for Residential Care.
Basic fees and costs
Service providers (with your permission) can confirm your income and pension status through an online service. This online service (the CCeS) operates with strict privacy and security standards.
Finally, people who do not hold a pension card or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can still be eligible for a discounted fee – as long as their income is equivalent to that of a pensioner or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder.
You may choose to not inform a service providers of your income or your pension status. You may also choose not to give permission for a provider to check your details online. If so you may end up paying the full standard fee, rather than getting a discount (as happens with other Commonwealth-funded aged care programs).
