The income tested care fee, commonly known as income tested fee or ITF, is a fee you may need to pay to contribute to the cost of your care and services under your home care package.
The income tested fee is assessed according to you or your loved one’s annual income (including pension), living situation and relationship status. If you’d like to know how much you might have to pay visit My Aged Care fee calculator.
There are a few important facts to know about the income tested care fee:
- the income tested fee is different for everyone and can be assessed by Services Australia, Centrelink, or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
- income tested fee amounts change with indexation on both the 20th of March and September each year
- if your financial situation changes, you may need to arrange for a new income assessment
- the fees are reviewed every 3 months. You will be notified in writing if there are any changes
The income tested fee is payable directly into your chosen Home Care Provider on behalf of Services Australia. It is combined with your basic daily fee and any additional fees but unlike admin fees, it goes straight onto your Home Care Package.