The Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) is a new optional charge in Australian residential aged care, set to replace the previous Extra Service Fee (ESF) and Additional Service Fee (ASF) arrangements. This reform, introduced under the new Aged Care Act, is designed to increase transparency, fairness, and consumer protection for residents who choose to pay for upgraded services.

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What is the HELF?

The HELF is an optional fee for people in permanent or respite residential aged care who choose to receive services that are of a higher quality or are in addition to what the provider is already required to deliver.

This fee is specifically for everyday living services and amenities, such as:

• Premium dining options and additional meal choices.
• Lifestyle extras, special activities, and entertainment.
• Wellness programs.
• Upgraded amenities.

Crucially, the HELF cannot be charged for accommodation costs or for services that a provider is already obligated to provide as part of the standard care required under the Aged Care Quality Standards.

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Key Consumer Protections Under HELF

The HELF introduces significant protections to ensure residents are not forced into paying for unwanted or unused services. Providers must adhere to the following standards:

• Voluntary Choice: The fee is optional and cannot be a condition of entry to an aged care home.
• No Service Before Entry: The higher everyday living agreement cannot be agreed upon before a person has entered care.
• Written Agreement: A separate, written agreement must be in place, outlining:
  
  • The cost of each higher service to be delivered.
  • The standards and frequency at which the service will be delivered.
  • How the service will be charged.
• No Payment for Unused Services: People cannot be asked to pay for a service they cannot or will not use.
• Bundles and Packages: Services can be offered as a package or bundle, but they must also be available separately, and the resident cannot be financially worse off than if they paid only for the services they can use.
• Fee Increases: Once agreed upon, the charges can only be increased in line with indexation (Consumer Price Index or CPI).
• 28-Day Cooling-Off Period: Residents have a 28-day cooling-off period after signing the agreement to cancel or vary any services without incurring a cancellation fee.
• Annual Review: The HELF agreement must be reviewed at least once a year to confirm the resident still wants and is able to use the services.

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Transition from Old Fees

The HELF will be introduced from November 1, 2025.

• New Residents (From 1 Nov 2025): Will only enter into the new HELF agreements.
• Existing Residents (With ESF/ASF Agreements): Existing Extra Service Fee and Additional Service Fee arrangements can continue until October 31, 2026. Providers are required to discuss a transition to the new HELF agreement with these residents prior to this date. No new ESF or ASF agreements can be made from November 1, 2025 onwards.

Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) FAQs

Q: What is the effective date for the Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF)?

A: The HELF will replace the old arrangements starting November 1, 2025.

Q: Can a provider force me to pay the HELF as a condition of entry?

A: No. The HELF is an optional, voluntary fee. It cannot be agreed upon before you have entered care and cannot be a condition of entry to an aged care home.

Q: What fees does the HELF replace?

A: The HELF replaces the Extra Service Fee (ESF) and the Additional Service Fee (ASF).

Q: What happens if I sign a HELF agreement and change my mind?

A: You have a 28-day cooling-off period from the date of signing your HELF agreement to cancel or vary any services without penalty.

Q: Can the provider include services I can't use in a HELF bundle?

A: While a service you can't use may be included in a bundle, you must not be worse off than if you had only paid separately for the services you can use. You cannot be asked to pay for a service you cannot or will not use.

Q: How often can the fee be increased?

A: The fee can only be increased in line with indexation (CPI increases).

Q: Does the government approve the cost of HELF services?

A: No. Residential aged care homes can determine the cost of their higher everyday living services and do not have to seek approval from the government or the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA).

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