Waiting for a means assessment: accommodation payment choices
From 31 October 2026, residents awaiting a residential aged care means assessment can choose a refundable lump-sum deposit, daily payments, or a mix of the two for their accommodation. Previously, only daily accommodation payments were available during that wait. The Department announced the change on 4 November; CaresLink checked it on 6 November. Providers must not charge more than the accommodation amount agreed with the resident. The choice does not require someone to pay a deposit or establish their final assessed fees.
What to check
- Review admission information that still says a resident must use daily payments while awaiting a means assessment. Explain all three options without recommending a particular financial choice.
- Check the resident's choice and agreed accommodation amount in the provider's authorised records; refer individual payment or assessment questions to the appropriate official service or qualified adviser.
- Schedule 3 Part 7 applies from commencement to accommodation agreements made before, on or after commencement. Review existing agreements as well as new admissions; this does not itself require every agreement to be rewritten.
Who may need to review this
- Residents awaiting a residential aged care means assessment and their supporters
- Residential provider admission and finance teams
Impact areas
- Accommodation payment choice
- Agreed payment amount
- Admission information and agreement review
Team review question
Who will check admission information and discuss the resident's payment choice?
Usage boundary
This is a source-linked process reminder, not financial or legal advice, a fee calculation or an assessment decision. Do not enter resident, bank or financial information into CaresLink. Use current official guidance for individual circumstances.