
Costs and eligibility
From eligibility to fees, we simplify the complex so you can make informed, confident decisions for yourself or a loved one.

Who is eligible for residential aged care?
- Be aged 65 years or older, or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have care needs that make it difficult to live independently at home.
The first step is to undergo a free assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This team of health professionals will evaluate your physical, medical, psychological and social needs to determine if residential care is appropriate.
You can start the process by contacting My Aged Care or calling 1800 200 422.
- Paid by all residents
- Covers everyday services like meals, cleaning, laundry and heating
- Set at 85% of the basic Age Pension (updated twice yearly).
- An additional fee based on your income and assets
- Helps cover the cost of clinical care and support
- Subject to annual and lifetime caps to protect affordability.
- Depends on your financial situation and the room you choose
- A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD): a lump sum that is fully refundable
- A Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP): a rental-style payment
- A combination of RAD and DAP.
- Optional fees for upgraded services like premium meals, entertainment or hotel-style amenities
- These are not subsidised and must be agreed upon with your provider.
You can estimate your fees using the My Aged Care fee estimator.
See how aged care costs work at Corpus Christi Clayton
Use this example from our Corpus Christi Clayton residence to explore how costs work. For accurate pricing, please view your preferred VMCH location.Corpus Christi Clayton
Select the room type you are interested in
$500,000
$750,000
$550,000
$450,000
$400,000
Corpus Christi Clayton
Select payment option
Pay upfront
Pay the full accommodation cost as a lump sum (refundable when you leave, minus any outstanding fees).
Pay a daily fee
Pay a daily amount based on the unpaid balance, using a government-set interest rate.
Pay a combination
Combine a lump sum with a daily fee to suit your budget.
Corpus Christi Clayton
Estimated cost based on your selections

Financial hardship support
If you’re unable to afford aged care costs due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for financial hardship assistance. This can help cover basic daily fees, means tested care fees and accommodation costs.