Client Contributions and Fees Policy

Commonwealth Home Support Program

1. Policy:

As outlined in the national Client Contribution Framework, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) clients who can afford to contribute to the costs of their package of care or support are required to make financial contributions to that package.

The contributions made shall be based on a set of principles :

Principles:

The following principles must be applied when determining the amount of contribution to be made by a client:

• All clients who can afford to make contributions to their package of care should do so.
• Clients shall be advised of the need to make contributions when they make enquiries about services, and prior to the commencement of service.
• Clients shall be advised exactly what their contribution will be. If the contribution is revised, the client must be advised of the revised contribution prior to the change.
• In the case of financial hardship, clients ability to contribute shall be assessed and either reduced or waived depending on the particular circumstances. The method of assessing the contribution will be determined in conjunction with the client using Ozcare’s financial assessment tools.
• Where a client indicates that an extended period of financial hardship is reducing their capacity to contribute, this capacity will be assessed and for a defined period, the clients contribution shall either be maintained, reduced or waived depending on the particular circumstances.
• Contributions made by clients will only subsidise the costs of the service – contributions made will not meet the full costs of that particular service. The revenue raised by contributions shall offset the ongoing operational costs of Ozcare.

Please Note: This Policy does not apply to clients on the Assistance with Care and Housing (‘ACH’) program.

2. Relevant Legislation / Standards:

Department of Social Services – CHSP Client Contribution Framework.