Australian Retirement & Aged Care Knowledge Base
Comprehensive guidance for planning and navigating retirement in Australia
Last Updated: December 2025 | Covering: All major 2025 system changes and updates
Welcome to Your Retirement Planning Hub
This knowledge base provides comprehensive, accurate information about retirement and aged care in Australia. Whether you’re planning for retirement, currently retired, or helping someone navigate the system, you’ll find detailed guides based on official government sources.
🆕 What’s New in 2025:
- Support at Home program replaces Home Care Packages (November 2025)
- Updated Age Pension asset and income thresholds (September 2025)
- New Aged Care Act implementation and system reforms
- Enhanced funding levels and improved waiting times
Quick Start Guides
🎯 New to Retirement Planning?
Start here if you’re 50+ and planning for retirement
- Age Pension Complete Guide - Everything about eligibility, payments, and asset tests
- Superannuation Access - When and how to access your super
- Housing Decisions - Keep your home or downsize?
🏠 Need Care at Home?
Essential information about getting support to stay at home
- Support at Home Guide - New system replacing Home Care Packages
- ACAT Assessment Process - What to expect and how to prepare
- Respite Care Options - Support for carers and families
👤 Planning as a Single Person?
Specialized guidance for single people’s unique needs
- Single Person Retirement Guide - Complete guide for singles
- Emergency Planning - Essential backup plans
- Social Support Networks - Building your support team
Age Pension & Government Support
Current Rates (September 2025)
- Single pensioners: $1,178.70 per fortnight ($30,646 per year)
- Couples: $888.50 each per fortnight ($23,101 per year)
Asset Test Thresholds (2025 Updates)
Full Pension Eligibility:
- Single homeowner: Assets under $321,500
- Single non-homeowner: Assets under $579,500
- Couple homeowner: Combined assets under $481,500
- Couple non-homeowner: Combined assets under $739,500
Income Test Benefits
- Work Bonus: First $300 per fortnight from employment is exempt
- Higher thresholds: More generous limits before pension reduction
- Deeming rates: Reduced to reflect current market conditions
Support at Home (Replaces Home Care Packages)
Major System Change - November 2025
New Features:
- ✅ Eight funding levels (expanded from four)
- ✅ Up to $78,000 annually (increased from $56,000)
- ✅ Three budget categories: Clinical care, independence support, everyday living
- ✅ Single provider model: Better coordination
- ✅ Reduced wait times: Significant improvement targeted
If You Currently Have HCP
- Your services continue without interruption
- “No worse off” protection guarantees
- Automatic transition to equivalent or higher level
- Existing providers can continue if they meet standards
Assessment Process
Register with My Aged Care
- Online: myagedcare.gov.au (10-15 minutes)
- Phone: 1800 200 422 (24/7)
- Through healthcare professionals
ACAT Assessment
- Duration: 1-3 hours, usually at home
- Wait times: Currently 2-6 weeks nationally
- Support person: You can have family/friends present
- Language support: Interpreters available
Residential Aged Care
Major Fee Changes (July 2025)
New Contribution Structure:
- Hotelling Supplement: Up to $12.55 daily
- Non-Clinical Care Contribution: Up to $101.61 daily
- Lifetime cap: Increased to $130,000
- Basic daily fee: 85% of single Age Pension rate
Room Pricing
- Maximum without approval: $758,627 (indexed annually)
- RAD/RAC retention: 2% annually for maximum 5 years
Superannuation Access
Key Ages
- Preservation age (55-60): Limited access while working
- Age 60: Access when leaving employment
- Age 65: Unrestricted access regardless of work status
Tax Benefits
- 60+ years: Super payments generally tax-free from taxed sources
- Transition to Retirement: 4-10% withdrawal annually while working
Special Focus: Single Person Planning
Unique Advantages
- Higher individual Age Pension: $1,178.70 vs $888.50 (coupled rate)
- Better asset thresholds: Especially for non-homeowners
- Complete financial control: All decisions are yours
- Individual assessment: Partner’s assets don’t affect you
Key Challenges
- Single income vulnerability: No backup if job loss or illness
- Care coordination: Must arrange all support independently
- Emergency planning: Need robust backup plans
- Social isolation risk: Higher without built-in companion
Essential Planning Areas
- Legal documents: Will, power of attorney, advance directives
- Emergency contacts: Multiple people in different locations
- Support networks: Professional and personal
- Financial backup: Emergency funds and insurance
- Care preferences: Document your wishes clearly
Crisis Support & Emergency Resources
24/7 Support Lines
| Service | Phone | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Services | 000 | Life-threatening emergencies |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Crisis support and suicide prevention |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | Depression and anxiety support |
| My Aged Care | 1800 200 422 | Aged care information and services |
| Services Australia | 132 300 | Government payments and services |
Specialized Support
- Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737 (emergency respite available 24/7)
- Aged Care Quality Commission: 1800 951 822 (complaints)
- Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 353 374
- Older Persons Advocacy: 1800 700 600
Financial Planning Tools
Government Calculators
- Age Pension Calculator: Services Australia website
- Super Calculator: Australian Taxation Office
- Aged Care Fee Calculator: My Aged Care portal
Professional Support
Free Services:
- Financial Information Service (Services Australia)
- Community financial counseling services
- Legal Aid services
Professional Advice:
- Licensed financial advisers
- Elder law specialists
- Accountants specializing in retirement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Age Pension Applications
❌ Waiting too long: Applications can take 6-12 weeks ❌ Incomplete documentation: Delays processing significantly ❌ Not understanding asset tests: Missing opportunities for optimization ❌ Forgetting about deeming: Investment income assumptions affect payments
Home Care Planning
❌ Waiting for crisis: Register early with My Aged Care ❌ Not knowing your options: Many services available beyond basic care ❌ Underusing respite: Most people don’t use their full entitlement ❌ Poor provider choice: Research and compare before committing
Estate Planning
❌ No will: Especially critical for single people ❌ Outdated documents: Review after major life changes ❌ No power of attorney: Essential for singles ❌ Forgetting digital assets: Include online accounts and cryptocurrencies
Recent Policy Updates
November 2024
- New Aged Care Act passed Parliament
- Rights-based approach to aged care
- Implementation date: November 1, 2025
September 2025
- Updated Age Pension rates and thresholds
- Asset limit increases across all categories
- Enhanced Work Bonus provisions
- Improved deeming rate structure
December 2025
- Support at Home full implementation
- Single Assessment System operational
- Enhanced provider standards in effect
Getting Started Checklist
Immediate Actions (This Week)
- Calculate your Age Pension entitlement using official calculator
- Register with My Aged Care (even if not needed immediately)
- Locate and organize important documents
- Identify three emergency contacts in different locations
Short-term Goals (Next 3 Months)
- Review and update legal documents (will, power of attorney)
- Assess your current superannuation and investment strategy
- Research aged care options in your area
- Build or strengthen your support network
Long-term Planning (Next 12 Months)
- Optimize your financial position for retirement
- Consider housing modifications or downsizing options
- Develop comprehensive emergency and care plans
- Create or update your estate plan
Additional Resources
Government Websites
- Services Australia: servicesaustralia.gov.au
- My Aged Care: myagedcare.gov.au
- Australian Taxation Office: ato.gov.au
- Department of Health: health.gov.au
Professional Organizations
- Financial Planning Association: fpa.com.au
- Law Institute: Contact your state’s law society
- Institute of Chartered Accountants: charteredaccountants.com.au
Support Organizations
- National Seniors Australia: nationalseniors.com.au
- COTA Australia: cota.org.au
- Carers Australia: carersaustralia.com.au
This knowledge base provides general information based on official government sources. Individual circumstances vary, and professional advice should be sought for specific situations. Information is regularly updated to reflect current policies and rates.