Blog
20 April 2026
What families need to know about co-contributions under the End-of-Life Pathway
When someone you love is nearing the end of their life, the focus should be on comfort, time together, and support — not unexpected costs.
Since Australia’s Support at Home program launched in November 2025, some families are discovering that end-of-life care at home may come with significant out-of-pocket costs they hadn’t anticipated.
Understanding how co-contributions work under the End-of-Life Pathway means you and your family can plan ahead, ask the right questions, and access the care you deserve – without any surprises.
What is the End-of-Life Pathway?
The End-of-Life Pathway is a dedicated funding stream within the Support at Home program, designed for older people who have been diagnosed with three months or less to live and who want to remain at home.
Funding of $25,000 is available over 12 weeks, with flexibility to extend that funding to 16 weeks if needed. That budget can be used across a range of support services tailored to individual needs and circumstances, from nursing and allied health to personal care, meals, domestic assistance, and assistance with daily activities.
Where co-contributions come in
Under the End-of-Life Pathway, not all services are funded in the same way.
- Clinical care (such as nursing and allied health) is fully funded by the government
- Everyday support services may require a co-contribution
These everyday services can include:
- Personal care (showering, dressing)
- Help with meals
- Cleaning and household tasks
- Transport or shopping
The amount you may need to contribute depends on your income and assets assessment through Services Australia.
A full pensioner contributes 5% toward independence services (like personal care) and 17.5% toward everyday living services (like cleaning and meal preparation). A self-funded retiree without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card contributes 50% toward independence services and 80% toward everyday living services.
For a self-funded retiree accessing a meaningful level of everyday and independence supports across 12 weeks, those percentages can add up to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.
Who is most affected?
The co-contribution rules apply to anyone who entered the Support at Home program on or after 1 November 2025 under the standard contribution arrangements. If you were already receiving, or approved for, a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you may have “no worse off” protections, meaning your previous fee arrangements are largely maintained.
(Note: It is important to confirm how this applies in your individual circumstances, particularly for End-of-Life Pathway access.)
For people new to the system, including those who may have been managing well without formal aged care support and are now suddenly facing an end-of-life diagnosis, the standard contribution rates apply in full.
It is also important to note that the $25,000 End-of-Life Pathway budget does not count toward the lifetime contribution cap for ongoing Support at Home services. What that means in practice is that contributions made during this pathway period are separate from the lifetime $130,000 cap that applies to ongoing care.
What services are (and are not) affected?
All clinical care is fully government-funded. Clinical supports delivered under the End-of-Life Pathway – such as nursing, allied health and other clinical services that are part of your approved end-of-life plan – attract no contribution at all.
Co-contributions apply to Independence services (such as personal care, transport, and respite) and everyday living services (such as cleaning, gardening, shopping, and meal preparation). Any contributions are set by Services Australia based on personal income and assets, and are only charged for services delivered.
These can often be services families value most during this time. A caregiver who helps with a morning shower, who prepares a nourishing meal, or who keeps the home calm and manageable – these supports are deeply meaningful. Knowing in advance that they may carry a cost is important.
What you can do
If you or someone you care about has a life-limiting illness and wishes to remain at home, it’s helpful to take a few early steps:
- Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422)
Ask about the End-of-Life Pathway and eligibility. Urgent assessments can be arranged.
- Complete an income and assets assessment through Services Australia
This ensures your contribution rate is accurate and avoids being charged the maximum default rate.
- Speak with your provider about costs
Ask for a clear explanation of:
- Which services are fully funded
- Which may require a contribution
- An estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs
- Ask about financial hardship support (if needed)
If paying contributions would cause financial difficulty, you can apply for assistance. If approved, the government may reduce or cover some costs.
The care you deserve
End-of-life care should be guided by what matters most to you and your family.
Understanding how funding and contributions work can help you make informed choices and focus on what’s most important — comfort, dignity, and time together.
Dovida’s team is here to help you navigate the system, understand your options, and plan care that supports you at home.
If you would like to talk through your situation, please visit dovida.com.au or call 1300 008 018.