“When was the last time you truly took a break?”
If you’re caring for an ageing parent, partner, or loved one, that question might feel impossible to answer. Being a carer is one of the most selfless and demanding roles, but even the most dedicated carers need rest. That’s where respite care services come in.
Think of it as a short, supported holiday, not just for your loved one, but for you too. While they receive professional 24/7 care in a trusted aged care facility, you get the breathing space to rest, recharge, or simply catch up on life.
But here’s the catch: many carers hear about a “respite care grant” and assume there’s a lump sum or cash benefit. The reality is a bit different, and surprisingly better.
In this guide, we’ll break down the actual costs of respite care in Australia, how the government subsidy works, and the support services available to make it all more affordable. Whether you’re planning ahead or urgently need relief, this is everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
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What Is the “Respite Care Grant”?
When people ask “How much is the respite care grant?”, they’re usually asking one of these questions:
- “How much will respite care cost me per day? “
- “How much money does the government give to help with respite care?”
- “What financial support is available for respite care?”
The term “respite care grant” is commonly used, but technically, Australia doesn’t have a direct grant program where the government gives you money for respite care. Instead, the government has created something much better, a subsidy system that makes respite care extremely affordable by paying most of the costs directly to aged care facilities.
So when we talk about the “respite care grant,” we’re talking about how much the government subsidy saves you and what you’ll pay out of pocket.
Need help navigating respite care options? Wise Choice provides expert guidance through government subsidies and care services. Contact us today to get personalised support and make respite care simple and stress-free.
How the Government Makes Respite Care Affordable?
Instead of giving you money directly (a traditional “grant”), the Department of Health and Aged Care makes respite care affordable by:
- Setting a low daily fee that you pay (currently $63.82 per day)
- Paying aged care facilities a much larger amount is needed to provide the care.
- Limiting how much facilities can charge you for extras
What does this mean?
Your family member’s total daily cost in respite care is around $346+ per day, but you only pay about $63.82. The government covers approximately 80% of the cost.
What You Actually Pay for Respite Care?
Your Basic Daily Fee
The maximum amount you’ll pay is $63.82 per day for residential respite care. This fee is set by the government (it’s 85% of the single basic age pension) and is the same regardless of which aged care facility you choose.
Examples
- One week of respite care: $447 (7 days × $63.82)
- Two weeks of respite care: $894 (14 days × $63.82)
- One month of respite care: $1,915 (30 days × $63.82)
This daily fee covers your loved one’s accommodation, meals, personal care, nursing care, and activities, essentially everything they need during their stay.
What the Government Pays
While you pay $63.82 per day, the government pays aged care facilities much more to provide the care. The baseline government payment is $282.44 per day as of March 2025, but this can be higher depending on your loved one’s care needs.
This means:
- You pay: $63.82 per day
- Government pays: $282.44+ per day
- Total daily cost of your care: $346+ per day
You’re only paying about 18% of the actual cost, the government subsidy covers more than 80% of the expense.
How Much Respite Care Grant Can You Get?
Your Annual Allowance
Every person eligible for aged care services gets 63 days of subsidised respite care per financial year (July 1 to June 30). If you need more time due to special circumstances, you can apply for up to another 21 days, giving you a potential total of 84 days per year.
What this means in practice:
- 63 days = about 9 weeks of respite care per year
- 84 days = about 12 weeks of respite care per year
- You can use these days all at once or spread them throughout the year
- Days reset each July 1st
Your Maximum Annual Cost
- Standard allocation (63 days): $4,021 per year
- With extension (84 days): $5,362 per year
These amounts represent the maximum you could spend on respite care fees in a year; many families use far fewer days and spend much less.
Key Respite Care Grant Programs & Funding Amounts
So, what government programs fund respite care? Here are the main ones that support carers and their loved ones:
1. Residential Respite Care Subsidy (via My Aged Care)
This is the primary government-funded program most people access. It’s available through My Aged Care, which provides an assessment and connects you with approved aged care homes offering respite stays.
- Who’s eligible? Older Australians who have been assessed as needing residential care by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
- How much does it cover? The government pays $282.44+ per day directly to the residential aged care provider (depending on care needs), while you only pay $63.82 per day.
2. Carer Gateway (for informal carers)
Carer Gateway provides free and subsidised supports, including emergency and short-term in-home or residential respite care, tailored specifically for unpaid carers.
- Who’s eligible? Unpaid carers looking after someone with an illness, disability, dementia, or who is frail aged.
- What’s covered? In-home respite, residential respite, and emergency care services. The funding is flexible and based on individual needs.
You can access Carer Gateway by calling 1800 422 737 or visiting carergateway.gov.au
Not sure if your loved one qualifies for respite care? Wise Choice helps with eligibility assessments and accessing the right services. Reach out and let us guide you step-by-step through the process.
3. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – For younger people with disabilities
If you’re caring for someone under 65 with a disability, the NDIS may fund respite under the name of “short-term accommodation and assistance” (STA).
Who’s eligible? People under 65 with significant and permanent disability.
What’s covered? Up to 28 days per year of respite care in a supported accommodation setting.
Also read: Understanding NDIS funding packages
What If My Loved One Is Already on a Home Care Package?
If your loved one has a Home Care Package (HCP), it’s simply paused during their respite stay. The residential respite subsidy kicks in, and you just pay the standard daily fee ($63.82). Once they return home, their HCP resumes, so you’re not double-charged or missing out on services.
Additional Costs For Respite Care
Booking Fees (Usually Small)
Some aged care facilities charge a booking fee to reserve your respite care spot. This fee:
- Gets deducted from your daily fees during the stay (so it’s not extra money)
- It is capped by government rules to protect you from excessive charges
- Essentially works like a deposit that secures your booking
Example: If you pay a $200 booking fee for a week’s stay, your first few days will be free until the $200 is used up, then you pay the normal daily rate.
Optional Extra Services (Your Choice)
Some aged care homes offer premium services like:
- Private rooms with better views
- Enhanced meal options
- Additional entertainment or outings
- Premium toiletries or amenities
Important: These extras are completely optional. You can access quality respite care without paying for any extras. Only agree to these costs and fees if you want the additional services and can afford them.
How to Apply for Respite Care Grant or Subsidies?
- Get an assessment: Contact My Aged Care to arrange an ACAT assessment to access respite care and support for your loved one.
- Find approved facilities: My Aged Care will help you locate suitable respite care providers near you.
- Book your respite stay: Work with the facility and confirm availability.
- Understand fees: Confirm daily fees, any booking fees, and optional services.
- Access other supports: Check Carer Gateway or NDIS if applicable.
Wrapping Up!
Australia’s respite care system is designed to support not only older Australians, but also the carers who give so much of themselves every day. With flexible, government-subsidised options and generous care allocations, respite care makes it easier for families to step back temporarily, without stepping away from the person they love.
By understanding how respite care works and what support is available, carers can make informed decisions, reduce stress, and feel more confident about taking time to rest and recharge.
Ultimately, respite care isn’t just a break; it’s a part of a sustainable, long-term care plan. And with the right support, carers don’t have to do it all alone.
Need help organising respite care? At Wise Choice, we can guide you through the My Aged Care process, help you find local respite care options, and even support you with in-home care alternatives. Contact us today to speak with a care advisor.
Note: Fees are accurate as of June 2025. They typically update in March and September in line with the Age Pension.
