Support at Home
Support at Home worker cost calculator
Select a service type and SCHADS classification level to see the estimated worker cost for a shift, the indicative market rate for that service, and the margin left after wages and on-costs. A starting point for understanding the economics of each service type under Support at Home.
Service type
Assistance with showering, dressing, grooming, and mobility. The most common home care service type.
Worker details
Base rate: $29.13/hr | Casual rate: $36.41/hr
Casual rate includes 25% loading in lieu of leave entitlements.
Shift length
0.5 to 12 hours.
Estimated worker cost
$145.64
$36.41/hr (casual, incl. 25% loading) × 4h
Market rate (mid-point)
$88.00/hr
Indicative — not a price cap
Max billable (mid-point)
$352.00
Estimated margin (before on-costs)
$206.36 (58.6%)
Before on-costs. See breakdown below.
Cost breakdown
Worker cost (wage only)
$36.41/hr × 4h (casual rate, incl. 25% loading)
$145.64
Estimated on-costs
Super (11.5%) + workers comp (~2%) + payroll tax (~4.85%)
$26.72
Total worker cost (with on-costs)
Wage + on-costs. Does not include travel or admin.
$172.36
Provider market rate (mid-point)
$70.00 – $115.00/hr range. Not a government cap.
Proposed cap (metro, from July 2026): $98.00/hr
$352.00
Margin after on-costs
Before travel, admin, and indirect costs.
$179.64
Indicative only. Worker cost uses SCHADS Award MA000100 weekday rates (effective 1 July 2025). Market rates are indicative ranges from published provider price lists and the Department of Health and Aged Care guidance (October 2025) — they are not government price caps. Mandatory price caps apply from 1 July 2026. On-costs are estimates; actual figures depend on your state, payroll tax threshold, and insurance arrangements. Does not include travel, allowances, or indirect overheads. Verify at health.gov.au.
How this calculator works
Worker cost uses SCHADS Award rates
Most workers delivering home care services under Support at Home are employed under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award MA000100. The calculator uses SCHADS weekday ordinary-hours rates effective 1 July 2025. Weekend, evening, and public holiday penalty rates are not included here — use the SCHADS pay calculator for those.
Market rates are not government price caps
The Support at Home program launched on 1 November 2025. Until 1 July 2026, providers set their own prices and are required to publish them on their website and through My Aged Care. The “market rate” shown here is a mid-point of indicative ranges published by the Department of Health and Aged Care in October 2025, based on what providers in the market were charging. It is not a price cap or a recommended price. Mandatory price caps will apply from 1 July 2026.
The margin is what remains after the worker is paid
The margin before on-costs is the difference between the market rate and the worker wage. The margin after on-costs deducts estimated superannuation (11.5%), workers compensation (~2%), and payroll tax (~4.85%). For permanent employees, annual leave loading (17.5%) is also included. What remains must still cover travel time, rostering staff, admin, insurance, and any other indirect costs. Most providers need at least 20–30% of revenue to cover these after the direct wage.
Clinical services are fully government-funded
Nursing care and allied health services are clinical supports. Participants pay no co-contribution for these. The full service cost is covered by the government. The margin calculation for clinical services shows what a provider retains from the government payment after the worker cost. Note that clinical workers (registered nurses, physiotherapists) are typically employed at higher SCHADS levels or under enterprise agreements above the award.
Rates are indicative only. Market rates vary significantly by provider, location, and how services are packaged. Providers in remote and regional areas typically charge more. The proposed price caps from July 2026 include geographic loadings for regional and remote areas. Before making pricing or rostering decisions, verify current rates at health.gov.au and the My Aged Care Find a Provider tool.
Manage Support at Home rosters and compliance with Teiro
Teiro is workforce management software built for disability and aged care providers. Rostering, worker compliance tracking, shift records, and client documentation work the same way whether you are delivering under the NDIS or Support at Home.