Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF)

What Is the Higher Everyday Living Fee?

The Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) is an additional fee that some residential aged care providers charge residents in Commonwealth regulated Residential Aged Care facilities.

The Higher Everyday Living Fee will now be introduced from 1st November 2025.

Unlike the Basic Daily Care Fee, which is standard for all residents and set by the Australian Government, the HELF is an extra agreed cost for an upgraded standard of everyday living services — things like more diverse meals, better entertainment options, more frequent linen changes, or enhanced lifestyle activities.

Unlike the Extra Service Feed (ESF), which can only be charged in approved Extra Service rooms, the HELF is generally offered under the facility’s general agreement with the resident — so it may apply in both standard and premium rooms if you agree to pay for those extra everyday living services.

Why Do Some Providers Charge a Higher Everyday Living Fee?

The aged care sector is changing. Many older Australians want a more hotel-like, resort-style experience, with more choice in food, amenities and lifestyle activities. The Basic Daily Care Fee, which is tied to 85% of the single Age Pension, often doesn’t cover these upgraded services in full.

So, providers may offer an enhanced level of daily living services and charge residents an additional fee to cover the higher cost. This is known as the Higher Everyday Living Fee.

It helps providers deliver better quality meals, more frequent housekeeping, or additional lifestyle options that go beyond the basics. But it’s crucial that residents understand exactly what they’re agreeing to pay for — and that they know this fee is not compulsory under law, but must be agreed by both parties.

Is the HELF Regulated?

Currently, the HELF is not a regulated fee like the Basic Daily Fee or Means Tested Care Fee.

It must be agreed to voluntarily by the resident and set out clearly in the Resident Agreement.

This means:

• You cannot be forced to pay a Higher Everyday Living Fee unless you agree in writing.
• You have the right to negotiate what services it covers.
• You must receive clear information about how much it costs and what you’re getting in return.

Unlike the Extra Service Fee, which is only allowed in government-approved Extra Service rooms, the HELF can be charged for standard rooms as well — but only if you consent to it.

How Does the HELF Differ from Other Aged Care Fees?

Let’s compare the HELF to other fees to make it clearer:

• Basic Daily Care Fee: Set by the government — covers basic accommodation services like meals, laundry and utilities. Compulsory for all residents.
• Means Tested Care Fee: Assessed based on your income and assets — goes towards your personal and clinical care. Compulsory if your means assessment determines you must pay it.
• Accommodation Payments (RAD/DAP): Covers the cost of your room. Depends on your means assessment and chosen payment method. Compulsory if you are not eligible for full government subsidy.
• Extra Service Fee: Optional — only applies in approved Extra Service rooms. Covers higher standard hotel-type services.
• Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF): Optional — can apply in any room if you agree. Covers extra everyday living services above the basics.

What Can the Higher Everyday Living Fee Cover?

Examples vary from provider to provider, but common inclusions are:

• More varied or restaurant-style meals, including premium ingredients
• Wider choice of meal times or menu options
• Premium tea, coffee, snacks and beverages
• Upgraded room furnishings or décor, if not otherwise covered by the RAD
• More frequent linen changes, housekeeping or laundry
• Personal toiletries or welcome packs
• Additional lifestyle or social activities like group excursions, concerts or on-site hairdressing
• Access to pay TV, Wi-Fi or entertainment subscriptions

Every provider must clearly list exactly what you’re paying for. If you feel you’re being charged for basic services that should already be covered by your Basic Daily Care Fee, you have the right to question it.

Who Pays the Higher Everyday Living Fee?

Only residents who agree to pay it in writing must pay the HELF. If you don’t sign up for a package that includes this fee, you shouldn’t be charged for it.

It’s important to check your Resident Agreement carefully before signing. Make sure it spells out:

• The daily, weekly, or monthly cost of the HELF
• Exactly what services or upgrades are included
• How and when the fee may be increased (e.g., inflation adjustments)
• Your right to cancel the upgraded services and the HELF if you no longer want them

Example: How the HELF May Work

Consider this example:

Tom moves into an aged care facility where the Basic Daily Care Fee is $63.83 per day. He also pays an Accommodation Payment (RAD) of $400,000. Tom chooses an upgraded package (wine with his meal) and additional housekeeping services for an extra $25 per day — the Higher Everyday Living Fee.

His total daily costs are:

• Basic Daily Care Fee: $63.82
• Means Tested Care Fee: (if applicable, based on Tom’s means test)
• Accommodation Payment: (paid as RAD/DAP or combination)
• HELF: $25 per day

If Tom no longer wants the extra services, he should be able to give notice (as per his agreement) and stop paying the HELF.

Is the HELF Refundable?

No. The Higher Everyday Living Fee is a pay-as-you-go cost for upgraded services while you live in care. It’s not refundable when you leave or pass away — it’s the same as paying extra for premium services in a hotel or club.

What Should You Watch Out For?

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Voluntary: The HELF is not compulsory. You must agree to it.
• Inclusions: Read the fine print about what the HELF covers. Should basic services be bundled in the standard Basic Daily Care Fee instead?
• Increases: Check how future fee increases are handled — and get it in writing.
• Transparency: Get a clear breakdown of all fees and charges upfront — your provider must give you a written schedule before you sign anything.

Can the HELF Be Forced on Residents?

No — under the Aged Care Act, providers cannot charge additional fees for everyday living services unless:

• They have your informed consent.
• The services are genuinely above the legislated minimum standard.
• The cost is reasonable and fair.

If you feel pressured to accept extra fees or you think you’re paying for things you shouldn’t be, you have the right to question this and, if needed, escalate your concerns.

Your Rights and Protections

As a resident, you have the right to:

• Receive clear, accurate information about all fees and charges, including the HELF.
• Get a written Resident Agreement that spells out all agreed services and costs.
• Question any fee you think is unreasonable or unclear.
• Change your mind and opt out if your agreement allows it (some notice periods may apply).
• Make a complaint to your provider if you feel your rights are being breached.
• Contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission if you can’t resolve your complaint directly.

Where to Get Help

• Visit My Aged Care for official guidance on aged care fees.
• Use the My Aged Care fee estimator to get a sense of what your standard costs may be.
• Speak with an independent aged care financial adviser before signing any agreement with additional fees.
• Ask your family or a trusted support person to help you read and understand your Resident Agreement.
• If you’re worried about unfair fees, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822.

Key Takeaways

• The HELF is an optional fee for upgraded daily living services in residential care.
• It must be agreed to in writing — you can’t be forced to pay it.
• It’s different from the Basic Daily Care Fee (mandatory) and the Extra Service Fee (which only applies to Extra Service rooms).
• Always check your Resident Agreement to know exactly what you’re paying for and how the fee works.
• Never hesitate to ask questions or seek independent advice before signing.

Understanding the Higher Everyday Living Fee will help you make informed choices about the lifestyle you want in residential aged care — and how to make sure you get value for money without surprises later on.