Higher Everyday Living Fee residents and advocates survey

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is undertaking this survey to understand your experience in being offered, or transitioning to, the new Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF). The government wants to understand how the new approach is working for older people and how it can be improved.

The HELF is an optional fee that enables individuals to choose to receive a higher standard of everyday living services in mainstream permanent or respite residential aged care.

A HELF can be charged for services (other than accommodation), that are of a higher level than those on the service list or not already required or listed on the service list. Services must be delivered in accordance with the Aged Care Quality Standards and the Statement of Rights.

The HELF arrangements started on 1 November 2025. The fee replaces the existing Extra Service and Additional Service arrangements. Extra and additional service fee agreements that were current prior to 1 November 2025 may continue up until 31 October 2026, on the same terms and conditions.

To receive services under the new arrangements residents must complete a HELF agreement with their provider. A HELF agreement cannot be entered into until a resident is in care.