Government Subsidised Respite Care Australia: Fees & 63-Day Limits
Caring for an aging family member or a person with complex care needs is a deeply meaningful responsibility, but primary carers require planned breaks to maintain their health and well-being. In Australia, government subsidised respite care ensures that carers can access temporary relief without facing prohibitive financial costs.
This operational guide explains how Australian Government respite subsidies work across My Aged Care, detailing assessment requirements, official day limits, fee structures, and emergency access pathways.
Overview of Subsidised Respite Streams in Australia
Government subsidies are distributed through specific streams depending on whether support is provided at home, in the community, or in an accredited residential facility:
| Subsidised Respite Program | Required Assessment | Subsidised Limits / Fee Rules | Primary Operational Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHSP In-Home Respite | Regional Assessment Service (RAS) | Hourly client co-payment | In-home carer support to provide primary carers with short breaks. |
| Residential Respite Care | Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) | 63 days per financial year (Basic Daily Fee ~$63.82/day) | Short-term 24/7 care in an accredited aged care home without RAD/DAP deposits. |
| Community Cottage Respite | RAS or ACAT | Subsidised daily rate | Group day activities or overnight cottage stays focused on social engagement. |
| Emergency Crisis Respite | Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) | Direct government allocation | Urgent 24/7 placement following sudden carer illness, injury, or emergency. |
Fees and Co-Payment Rules for Subsidised Respite
Understanding fee caps for government-subsidised care prevents unexpected billing during respite stays:
- Basic Daily Fee (Residential Respite): Capped by the Commonwealth Government at 85% of the single basic Age Pension (approximately $63.82 per day). This fee covers meals, laundry, utilities, and 24/7 care.
- No RAD or DAP Accommodation Charges: Temporary residential respite stays are completely exempt from Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RAD) and Daily Accommodation Payments (DAP).
- No Means-Tested Fees: Means-tested care fees do not apply to government-subsidised residential respite stays.
- CHSP Hourly Co-Payments: In-home respite providers charge nominal hourly co-payments negotiated directly under provider fee schedules.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Respite Subsidies
- Contact My Aged Care: Register online or call 1800 200 422 to initiate an eligibility assessment.
- Complete Required Assessment:
- RAS Assessment: For entry-level CHSP in-home respite hours.
- ACAT Assessment: For 24/7 residential respite stays in an accredited aged care facility.
- Select an Approved Care Provider: Connect with an approved provider like Alliance Care Support to schedule respite allocations and manage care rosters.
Discuss Subsidised Respite Options Across SA
Speak with our care coordination team to navigate My Aged Care respite approvals, CHSP allocations, or residential stays.
Contact Alliance Care SupportHow Alliance Care Support Assists
Alliance Care Support coordinates government-subsidised respite services and in-home care across Adelaide and regional South Australia.
Our Support Capabilities:
- In-Home Respite Coordination: Qualified care workers providing hourly relief to primary carers in the home.
- ACAT & RAS Assessment Guidance: Helping families navigate My Aged Care paperwork and assessment scheduling.
- Transparent Pricing: Clear co-payment structures aligned strictly with Commonwealth funding rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days of government subsidised residential respite care can I get per year?
The Australian Government subsidises up to 63 days of residential respite care per financial year. Extensions of up to 21 days at a time can be granted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) in cases of high care needs or carer stress.
How much does government subsidised residential respite care cost in Australia?
The primary cost for subsidised residential respite is the Basic Daily Fee, capped at 85% of the single basic Age Pension (approximately $63.82 per day). Respite residents do not pay accommodation deposits (RAD/DAP) or means-tested care fees.
What assessment is required for subsidised in-home respite vs residential respite?
In-home respite under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) requires a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment. Residential respite stays in an aged care facility require a comprehensive Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment.
How do I access emergency subsidised respite care?
For urgent or unplanned respite care due to sudden carer illness or family crisis, contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 (available 24/7).
Next Steps
- Check My Aged Care Registration: Verify active eligibility for CHSP or ACAT residential respite streams.
- Review Remaining Respite Balance: Track remaining days out of your 63-day annual residential respite limit.
- Contact Our Intake Team: Connect with Alliance Care Support to coordinate in-home care or residential respite stays.
To learn more about accessing subsidised respite care, contact Alliance Care Support today.