Costs And Fees
Aged Care Fees Explained In Australia
A plain-English overview of the main residential aged-care fees Australian families may see.
Short answer
Residential aged-care fees can include a basic daily fee, accommodation payment, means-tested care fee, and optional extra service fees. From 20 March 2026, the maximum basic daily fee for residents on the 1 July 2014 or 1 November 2025 fee arrangements is $66.80 per day. The exact mix depends on the person's assessment, assets, income, room price, and provider agreement.
The main fee buckets
It can help to separate aged-care costs into daily living costs, accommodation costs, assessed care contributions, and optional provider extras.
- Basic daily fee for everyday living costs.
- RAD, DAP, or a combination for accommodation.
- Means-tested care fee where applicable.
- Extra service or additional service fees if agreed.
Current basic daily fee
The maximum basic daily fee is $66.80 per day under the government schedule effective from 20 March 2026 for residents on the 1 July 2014 or 1 November 2025 fee arrangements. This fee is indexed in March and September, so confirm the current schedule when comparing costs.
What to check before signing
Ask the provider for every fee in writing and check which fees are refundable, non-refundable, optional, or dependent on a government assessment.
Turn this into a family decision.
Folra can help model RAD/DAP scenarios and turn the numbers into calmer questions to discuss before anyone signs.
Start the free calculatorCheck the current rates
Folra keeps a separate rates page for the MPIR and basic daily care fee currently used in calculator examples.
View current ratesCommon questions
Are all aged-care fees refundable?
No. Some accommodation deposits are generally refundable, but daily payments and many service fees are not.
Can fees change after entry?
Some fees can change over time, especially government-set rates or fees linked to assessments. Check current rates before relying on an estimate.
Sources
Rate and fee claims are checked against Australian Government sources where applicable.
Related guides
Disclaimer: Folra guides are educational only. They do not provide financial, legal, tax, or aged-care advice. Confirm current rules and consider independent advice before making decisions or signing agreements.