Paying Privately for a Support Worker: How to Arrange It

A private support worker is someone you engage directly and pay yourself, instead of receiving support through an agency or a funded program. This guide covers what to settle before the first visit, how to put the arrangement in writing and what to ask about the worker's status, so there are no surprises later.

What paying privately means

Paying privately means you fund home support yourself and agree the details with the support worker, rather than relying on a government program to cover the cost. People pay privately for a few hours a week of company, help around the house or a short-term gap in other support.

If you are still deciding how to find someone, how to hire a support worker walks through the full process. If the real question is whether to go direct or use an agency, independent support worker vs agency sets the two side by side.

Who you are dealing with

CareVicinity is an Australia-wide care marketplace connecting people with independent support workers. Availability of specific services and workers may vary by location.

Independent support workers on CareVicinity are independent contractors; CareVicinity does not employ or assign them as staff. Care seekers pay no additional CareVicinity platform fee. CareVicinity's platform fee is 12.5%, charged to the support worker.

That matters when you pay privately, because it shapes who agrees the rate, who sets the working arrangement and who is responsible for what.

What contractor status means

The Fair Work Ombudsman says independent contractors provide services for another business or person instead of being employed by them. It says they usually negotiate their own fees and working arrangements.

It also says contractors aren’t entitled to the same pay and conditions as employees.

In practice, that means the rate and the working arrangement are things you and the support worker agree between you. You are not looking up a fixed price. Ask the worker what they charge and what that covers, and write the answer down.

The Fair Work Ombudsman also says that whether a worker is a contractor or an employee depends on a number of factors, including who supplies the tools and equipment and how hours of work are set. It says it can’t decide if someone is a contractor or an employee, and that if you need confirmation you should consider seeking legal advice.

It also says sham contracting is illegal.

Agree the details before the first visit

A short written agreement is the simplest way to avoid misunderstandings. Setting up agreements with support workers explains what a plain-words agreement can record. Before the first visit, settle these points:

• The tasks: what the worker will do, and what they will not do.

• The hours: which days, the start and finish times, and what happens if a visit runs over.

• The rate: the hourly amount you both agreed, and what it includes.

• Payment: how and when you will pay, and who sends the invoice.

• Review: when you will check in and update the arrangement.

If a task goes beyond everyday help, such as anything clinical, talk to the person's GP or another health professional first rather than assuming a support worker can take it on.

Paying privately alongside funded support

Some people receive funded support and also want extra hours.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's guidance for Support at Home providers says a provider can enter into a private agreement with a participant for additional services outside their budget. It also says participants pay the total cost of those extra services. If this applies to you, check the details with your provider before booking extra hours.

Questions to ask a private support worker

• What experience do you have with the tasks on my list?

• What is your hourly rate, and what does it cover?

• How do you prefer to be paid, and how will I receive invoices?

• What will you do if you cannot make a visit?

• Can you put what we agreed in writing?

For more questions worth asking, questions to ask before choosing a home support platform covers the platform side. When you are ready to look at who is available, Receive Care is the place to start. Care seekers and coordinators can browse and search the support-worker pool.

FAQ

What should I put in writing with a private support worker?

Put the agreed tasks, hours and rate in writing so you both have the same record. The checklist above lists the other points worth settling before the first visit.

Who sets the rate when I pay privately?

The support worker sets their own hourly rate; that is the amount the client/coordinator pays. It is reasonable to ask what the rate covers.

Do I need a lawyer to set up the arrangement?

If you are unsure whether someone is a contractor or an employee, the Fair Work Ombudsman says it can’t decide that, and that you should consider seeking legal advice.

Sources

• Fair Work Ombudsman, page for independent workers, read through a captured copy on 25 October 2026.

• Department of Health, Disability and Ageing guidance for providers.