More information about fees
What is the WA HACC Fees Policy?
The policy provides a consistent and fair process for client contributions towards support services.
Who will pay fees?
All HACC clients are expected to contribute to their care. Capacity to pay is based on income levels. If you are a carer, the person you care for will be assessed.
- Where a person is living alone, that person’s income is assessed (single)
- Where one member of a couple is a HACC client, the couple’s income would generally be assessed (couple)
- Where a couple are both HACC clients, their combined income is assessed (couple)
Who will identify what I will contribute?
Assessors from HACC Regional Assessment Services will identify your capacity to pay fees based on your level of income, for example whether you are on a full pension (Income Level 1), a part pension (Income Level 2) or have some other form of income (Income Level 3).
HACC Regional Assessment Services will also advise you of the fees charged for support services by the WA HACC Program.
When will I find out how much my contribution will be?
Once your support plan has been finalised and the amount of support that is to be provided is known your service provider will inform you of the fees to be charged.
What if I can’t pay the assessed fees?
You will be requested to fill out an Income Assessment Form and identify the contribution you can afford and the fees may be reduced.
A family member or a service provider can assist you to complete the form.
What if I have more than one Service Provider?
If you receive support services from one or more service providers you are protected from paying excessive fees by a ‘fees cap’. This will ensure that you will pay up to a maximum amount per week and no more, regardless of how many support services you receive.
What support services does the fees cap cover?
The fees cap applies to most HACC support services including domestic assistance, home maintenance, centre based day care, respite care, allied health, nursing care, personal care and some social support services.
The fees cap does not apply to the following support services and separate fees will be charged for each of these services.
- Meals on Wheels (full cost of the meal)
- Transport (according to the kilometres travelled)
- Home modification (a negotiated fee linked to the cost of the job)
- Podiatry (subsidised cost) - basic foot care is provided through personal care
What happens if I am unable to pay my contribution?
If there is a particular reason you cannot afford to make your contribution, explain this to the service provider. In some circumstances your contribution may be temporarily reduced.
What happens if I cannot afford to contribute anything?
A client will not be refused HACC funded support services because of their inability to contribute to the cost of their care. You will receive the same standard of care regardless of your contribution.
Where can I get additional information?
HACC Regional Assessment Services and service providers will provide information in more detail.