Growing older should never mean facing life alone, or going without the care you need because money is tight. Yet many older Australians worry that they can’t afford aged care, or feel isolated because of their background, language, housing situation, or health.
The good news is that in Australia there is strong support for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged, and you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Government programs, advocacy services, and local providers such as Premier Home Care work together to make aged care safer, fairer, and more accessible.
Below, we’ll answer common questions families ask and explain where real, practical help is available.
What Does “Financially or Socially Disadvantaged” Mean?
You may be considered financially disadvantaged if you:
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Have very low income or savings
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Struggle to pay everyday bills or rent
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Can’t afford regular care fees without hardship
You may be considered socially disadvantaged if you:
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Live alone or are socially isolated
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Have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity
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Face barriers because of culture, language, disability, trauma, or discrimination
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Have limited family support or no one to advocate on your behalf
Being in one or more of these situations does not reduce your right to safe, high-quality care. As the Australian Government explains on the My Aged Care website, extra support is available when people are financially or socially at risk:
How Are Poor Patients Financially Supported?
If you’re finding it hard to pay for aged care or day-to-day living, several types of help may be available:
1. Government Income Support
Through Services Australia, older people may receive:
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Age Pension – income support plus access to concessions
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Disability Support Pension – for people with a permanent disability that affects their ability to work
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Carer Payment or Carer Allowance – financial help if you’re providing daily care to a frail, ill, or disabled person
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Rent Assistance and Concession Cards – to ease living costs
These payments can make it easier to afford home support, medications, and essentials while remaining in your own home.
For older people living at home but needing help with daily tasks, Premier Home Care’s Home Care services can complement government support with tailored personal care, domestic assistance, and social visits.
2. Aged Care Financial Hardship Assistance
If you genuinely can’t pay your aged care fees, you may be able to apply for financial hardship assistance. In these cases, the government may cover some or all of your aged care costs after a detailed hardship assessment.
This is particularly important for people moving into residential aged care or using higher-level in-home packages.
What Is a Financial Assistance Scheme?
A financial assistance scheme is any structured program that helps people meet costs they couldn’t otherwise afford. In aged care, these schemes might include:
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Government subsidies for home care, respite care or residential care
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Hardship assistance to reduce or waive certain fees
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Concessions on medical and transport costs
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Programs like the Home Equity Access Scheme, where eligible homeowners can receive a government-backed loan against their property to boost income in retirement
These schemes are designed so that financial stress doesn’t become a barrier to accessing support, safety, and dignity in later life.
How Can You Support Someone Financially?
Family members, carers, and community organisations all play a role in supporting financially vulnerable older people. Ways you can help include:
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Helping them understand their options – My Aged Care, Services Australia, and community organisations provide free information, but the system can feel overwhelming. Sitting with them during phone calls or online applications can make a huge difference.
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Encouraging an aged care assessment – This is the gateway to government-funded services. Once approved, your loved one may be able to access subsidised care at home through providers like Premier Home Care’s Aged Care and Disability Services.
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Connecting them with debt and emergency support – The National Debt Helpline and services listed on “Ask Izzy” offer confidential help with bills, food, and housing when money runs out.
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Choosing providers that respect their budget – A good provider will be transparent about fees, explain costs in plain language, and help you get the most from government funding.
Financial support doesn’t always mean paying someone’s bills yourself. Often, it’s about helping them access the many supports that already exist.
What Financial and Legal Help Is Available?
People who are financially or socially disadvantaged may face extra barriers when dealing with contracts, fees, or housing. Support includes:
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National Legal Aid – offers information and, in some cases, representation if there’s a legal issue related to housing, elder abuse, contracts, or family matters.
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Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) – provides free, independent advocacy for older people using government-funded aged care. They can help you understand your rights, lodge complaints, and apply for hardship assistance.
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Financial Information Service (FIS) – a free, confidential service from Services Australia that explains how different financial choices affect your situation in retirement.
Can I Get Aged Care That Caters for My Specific Needs?
Yes. Aged care providers are required to respect your:
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Culture and language
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Identity, spirituality, and relationships
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History, trauma, or lived experience
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Preferences around food, routine, and social life
If you’re financially or socially disadvantaged, that should never be used as a reason to deny service or reduce quality.
Local providers like Premier Home Care focus on person-centred support – taking the time to understand your story, your goals, and your financial situation so your care plan feels realistic and sustainable.
We can help you:
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Remain at home with flexible Home Care
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Access short-term relief through Respite Care
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Manage complex needs with our Aged and Disability Care team
Who Can Help Me Navigate the Aged Care System?
If all of this feels confusing, you’re not alone. Many older people and carers feel overwhelmed at first. You can get help from:
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Care finders – specialised workers who assist vulnerable, isolated, or disadvantaged older people to understand and enter the aged care system.
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Services Australia staff and Aged Care Specialist Officers – available in selected service centres for face-to-face advice.
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Local care providers – organisations like Premier Home Care can explain how funding works, what you may be eligible for, and how to combine government support with tailored services.
Moving Forward: You’re Not Alone
Being financially or socially disadvantaged shouldn’t shut you out of quality care, safety, or dignity. Australia’s aged care system offers a range of payments, hardship assistance, advocacy, and legal support to ensure you’re not left behind – and local providers like Premier Home Care are here to walk beside you through every step.
If you or someone you care for is struggling to afford care, worried about isolation, or unsure where to start:
👉 Begin with a conversation.
Reach out to Premier Home Care to discuss your situation, explore government funding options, and design a support plan that respects both your needs and your budget.
You deserve to age well — regardless of your bank balance or background.
