What your estimate includes
The calculator combines two daily amounts: the DAP on the part of the room price you have not paid as a RAD, and the current basic daily fee. It then shows the same daily estimate as a weekly, average monthly, and annual amount.
- The advertised room price you enter.
- The RAD you choose to enter, from $0 to the full room price.
- The unpaid room balance and estimated DAP.
- The current basic daily fee.
- A separate illustration of possible RAD retention.
How RAD and DAP work
A refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) is an amount paid towards your room upfront. Subject to permitted deductions, the remaining balance is refunded when you leave care. A daily accommodation payment (DAP) is paid on the part of the room price that remains unpaid.
A DAP works like interest: paying it does not reduce the unpaid room balance. A larger RAD leaves a smaller unpaid balance, so the daily DAP is lower. The calculator compares the two ends of that choice with the mix you enter.
How we calculate your estimate
First, we subtract your RAD from the advertised room price. We multiply that unpaid balance by the maximum permissible interest rate (MPIR), then divide by 365. The result is rounded to cents to produce the daily DAP. We add the basic daily fee to get the estimated daily total.
In short: unpaid room balance × MPIR ÷ 365 = DAP per day. Weekly and annual totals use the rounded daily amount; the monthly figure is the annual amount divided by 12.
Read the department’s explanation of accommodation payments and contributions for the official formula and rules.
Retention from your RAD
Under the rules for new entrants, a provider may retain 2% of the RAD balance each year for up to five years. The result panel illustrates one year and the maximum five-year amount by assuming the RAD balance does not change. It is kept separate from the daily totals so it is not mistaken for a daily fee.
Why your DAP may change
A DAP can be indexed on 20 March and 20 September. The calculator displays the current DAP index number but does not predict future indexation. Your actual payment may therefore change after you enter care. See the department’s DAP indexation guidance.
What this estimate does not include
Your complete aged care bill depends on your circumstances and the home you choose. This calculator does not estimate:
- means-tested contributions;
- the hotelling contribution or non-clinical care contribution;
- daily accommodation contributions (DAC) or refundable accommodation contributions (RAC);
- optional extras, additional services, or provider-specific charges;
- fees under rules that applied before 1 November 2025;
- future rate changes, indexation, or changes to your RAD balance.
Check the estimate before deciding
Ask the aged care home for a written fee quote for the room and every optional service. Check your personal fees with the Australian Government before signing an agreement. If you are comparing homes, return to the residential aged care directory.
The government’s aged care costs and fees information explains the personal assessment process.
Sources and rate date
Rates were checked on . The calculator will fail its publishing check after the configured review date rather than silently use a rate that may be out of date.