CSSA, the Old Age Living Allowance and care home costs (2026)
Facts checked 18 Oct 2026. Written by our editors from the official sources below; not yet reviewed by a social worker or nurse. Not medical, legal or financial advice.
Monthly amounts from 1 February 2026
| CSSA standard rate: elderly, able-bodied / 50% disabled, single | $4,345 |
| CSSA standard rate: elderly, 100% disabled, single | $5,245 |
| CSSA standard rate: elderly, requiring constant attendance, single | $7,385 |
| Residential care supplement (recipients in non-subsidised places) | $415 |
| Old Age Living Allowance | $4,345 |
| Old Age Allowance | $1,675 |
When moving into a home
- How CSSA covers a private home's fee and rent depends on the case: ask your SWD Social Security Field Unit, and check before signing that the home's fees are within what CSSA will pay.
- CSSA, OALA and the voucher each have their own means test; ask how switching to a voucher affects existing payments first.
- SWD sets the fees for subsidised places (subvented, contract, EBPS): see the fee guide.