Residential Aged Care Cost Calculator
Breakdown
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Understanding Residential Aged Care Costs
Residential aged care fees in Australia are complex and means-tested. There are three main components: the basic daily fee, a means-tested care fee and accommodation costs.
Basic Daily Fee
Everyone pays the basic daily fee — currently 75% of the single person Age Pension rate ($63.57/day in 2025-26). This covers daily living costs including meals, laundry and cleaning.
Means-Tested Care Fee
An additional fee based on your income and assets assessment by Services Australia. Maximum currently around $250/day but capped over a lifetime.
Accommodation — RAD vs DAP
A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a lump sum payment that is fully refundable when you leave. A Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is a daily charge based on the MPIR (currently 8.55% p.a.). You can also split between RAD and DAP.
Estimates only based on 2025-26 fee structure. Actual fees require formal means assessment by Services Australia. Always seek specialist aged care financial advice.