What supplements can I apply for using my Home Care Package?
If you have a Home Care Package, you might be eligible for extra funding through specific supplements. These can help cover costs for your care needs, each with its own criteria and application process.
Service Australia offers financial supplements to help eligible care recipients cover the costs of specific care needs. These supplements make it easier for approved providers to support you. Have a look at the list below to find out which ones you might qualify for and how to get started!
What type of supplements can I get with my Home Care Package?
Dementia supplement
This supplement supports Home Care Package providers by covering some of the expenses involved in caring for individuals with moderate to severe cognitive impairment.
How much will I get?
How do I apply?
If you identify as any of the following, please find the form you will need to have completed by your GP, nurse, clinical nurse consultant, clinical psychologist and nurse practitioner.
- Culturally and linguistically diverse
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- All other care recipients
- Veterans: If you qualify for both the veterans’ supplement and the dementia and cognition supplement, you’ll only get the veterans’ supplement.
PlanCare can assist with applying for this supplement on your behalf. Once it is approved, your budget will be adjusted accordingly.
Viability supplement
This supplement assists in covering the expenses of delivering services in rural and remote regions.
How much will I get?
How do I apply?
If you are eligible the payment will be processed automatically. Services Australia will inform you via letter or email.
If you believe this supplement is right for you, PlanCare will review your address and postcode, comparing it with the Modified Monash Model (MMM) suburb and locality classification. If you are eligible but have not received the supplement, PlanCare can apply on your behalf.
Oxygen supplement
This supplement is to help with a long-term medical requirement for continuous oxygen therapy qualify for this supplement. However, those seeking assistance for emergencies or short-term conditions, such as bronchitis, do not meet the eligibility criteria.
How much will I get?
- $14.59 a day will be added to your Home Care Package
How do I apply?
- You will require a certificate from a medical professional, such as a doctor or a nurse practitioner. This letter needs to outline and state the continuous need for oxygen.
- This certificate should be sent to your provider, and they will apply for the supplement on your behalf.
- Once approved this supplement will be added to your HCP and your budgets will be adjusted.
Enteral feeding supplement
This supplement is to help with the costs of enteral feeding. The supplement does not cover dietary formulas that are consumed orally, used as food supplements, or taken alongside food by mouth.
How much will I get?
- Enteral feeding supplement – Bolus $23.13
- Enteral feeding supplement – non-bolus $25.98
How do I apply?
You will need:
- a doctor’s (not a dietician’s) written certification that the care recipient has a medical need for enteral feeding
- a doctor’s or dietician’s written certification that the dietary formula prescribed is nutritionally complete
- details of the care recipient’s particular enteral feeding requirements, which can be in their written certification, care plan or hospital discharge papers, or dietician’s enteral feeding instructions.
PlanCare can assist with applying for this supplement on your behalf. Once it is approved, your budget will be adjusted accordingly.
Veteran supplement
This supplement assists in covering the expenses associated with caring for veterans who have a mental health condition linked to their service.
How much will I get?
How do I apply?
You must be:
- A veteran
- have a mental health condition that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) accepts is related to their service
Once you have a Home Care Package, Service Australia will grant you this subsidy.
Understanding which supplements you qualify for can make a big difference to your care and budget. You can also read more about supplements here!
If you have anymore questions, speak with us at 1800 024 000 or email homecare@plancare.com.au if you want help in exploring your options and get help with the application process, so you can make the most of your HCP funding.
Other topics you might be interested in
How do I access care at home?
Help at home can support you with everyday tasks and personal care. Learn how to access the right care to stay comfortable and independent in...
What is self-management in home care?
When it comes to getting the most from your Home Care Package, having choice and control is key. One way to take greater ownership...
Helpful numbers and resources
As we get older, there’s a good chance that we’ll need a little extra help along the way. If you or a loved one are currently receiving aged care, knowing where...