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Australian Aged Care Means-Test Calculator (2026)
Estimate the basic daily fee, means-tested care fee, and Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) for residential aged care in Australia. Built from the official Health.gov.au schedule of fees and charges as at 1 January 2026. This is an indicative estimate — final fee assessment is via a Centrelink Income & Assets Assessment (form SA457).
Next step
The official means-test is run by Services Australia using your Income and Assets Assessment (SA457) form. Submit it before agreeing to a place — the assessment determines what subsidy you receive and how the RAD/DAP is calculated. Form SA457 (Services Australia)
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Browse aged-care directory →Methodology + data sources
Basic daily fee: $63.57/day (regulated, set at 85% of the single age pension; updated quarterly). Means-tested care fee: combines an income-tested amount (50% of income above the income-free area) and an asset-tested amount tiered at 17.5%, 1% and 2% of assets above the asset-free area. Annual cap: $33,575. Lifetime cap: $80,584. DAP equivalent of RAD: RAD × MPIR (currently 5.83%) ÷ 365. All thresholds as at 1 January 2026; published by Health.gov.au and indexed quarterly.
Important: this is an estimate. The official assessment uses additional inputs (deeming rates on financial investments, gifts, granny-flat arrangements). Always submit form SA457 before signing anything. For complex situations (couple where both enter care, business assets, overseas property), consult a financial adviser specialising in aged-care advice.
If you're a publication or blog citing this calculator, please link to https://bestagedcareaustralia.com.au/calculator/ and credit Best Aged Care Australia. Underlying methodology is sourced from publicly available Health.gov.au schedules and reproduced with attribution.