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Support at Home pricing

Self-Managed Membership

More choice, more control, and more hours of care. Manage your own team while CareLinc handles the essential government compliance and financial reporting.

You’re in the Driver’s Seat

What is Self-Managed Membership?

Self-management allows you to act as the coordinator of your own care. You choose the support workers who enter your home and decide exactly when they visit. CareLinc acts as your “Financial Intermediary”—we provide the platform to pay your staff, manage your government budget, and ensure you are meeting all safety regulations, but the daily decisions are yours.

Why Choose Self-Managed?

  • Lower Management Fees: Because you handle the coordination, your management fees are significantly lower, leaving more money in your budget for actual care hours.
  • Personalized Selection: Hire carers from your own local community or people you already know and trust.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Change your routine instantly without waiting for a care manager’s approval.
  • CareLinc “Back-Office” Support: We handle the complex stuff—tax compliance, insurance verification, and government claiming—so you stay legally protected.
  • Easy-to-Use App: Use our digital portal to track your spending and approve invoices in seconds.

Maximizing Your Budget

By choosing to self-manage, you reduce the overhead costs associated with professional care coordination.

Classification

Annual Budget

Self-Managed Fee (Estimated)

Class 1

Up to $29,696

~5% - 7%

Class 2

Up to $29,696

~5% - 7%

Class 3

Up to $29,696

~5% - 7%

Class 4

Up to $29,696

~5% - 7%

Class 5

Up to $78,106

~5% - 7%

Class 6

Up to $78,106

~5% - 7%

Class 7

Up to $78,106

~5% - 7%

Class 8

Up to $78,106

~5% - 7%

The CareLinc Advantage: While Full-Service fees are capped at 10%, our Self-Managed fee is even lower, typically ranging between 5% to 7%. This small fee covers your access to our payment platform, annual audits, and mandatory government reporting.

Pay for What You Need

When you self-manage, you have the flexibility to negotiate rates with independent contractors or use CareLinc’s “On-Demand” network at competitive prices:

 

  • Domestic & Personal Care: Negotiable with your chosen worker (typically $65 – $85/hr for independent contractors).

  • CareLinc Verified Staff: If you need a backup from our pool, our standard rates apply (~$99 – $109/hr).

  • Equipment & Home Mods: Access your budget for walkers, rails, or tech with zero “brokerage” markups from us.

Is Self-Management Right for You?

A Simple Checklist

Self-management is a great fit if:

 

  • You are comfortable using a computer or smartphone app to track spending.
  • You or a family member can spare 1–2 hours a week to manage worker schedules.
  • You prefer to interview and select the specific people coming into your home.
  • You want the maximum possible hours of care from your government subsidy.

How Your Contribution is Calculated

Your contribution is not a flat fee. It is calculated as a percentage of the service price. This percentage is determined by two factors: Service Category: Clinical, Independence, or Everyday Living. Financial Status: Your income and assets assessment (similar to the Age Pension means test).

Contribution Rates by Category

Service Category

Typical Services

Full Pensioner

Part Pensioner / CSHC

Self-Funded Retiree

Clinical

Nursing, Physio, OT

0%

0%

0%

Independence

Personal care, Transport

5%

5% – 50%

50%

Everyday Living

Cleaning, Gardening

17.5%

17.5% – 80%

80%

Because you are self-managing, you can often negotiate lower hourly rates with independent contractors. Since your contribution is a percentage of that rate, lower service prices mean lower out-of-pocket costs for you.

Example: If a cleaner charges $100/hr and your rate is 17.5%, you pay $17.50. If you find a self-managed worker for $80/hr, your contribution drops to $14.00.

You may be interested in

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. You can switch models with CareLinc at any time as you become more confident in managing your plan.

If you hire through our platform, we ensure that the workers meet specific insurance and police check requirements to protect you.
Even with Self-Management, CareLinc is only a phone call away. You can purchase “Ad-Hoc” care management sessions if you need professional advice for a specific situation.

Let’s get you the right support.
What do you need?