What Happens to Unused Support at Home Funding?
- 6 min read
A Quick Snapshot
- Your Support at Home funding is there to help you live safely, independently and well at home.
- You don’t have to spend every dollar of your quarterly budget.
- Up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) can carry over.
- Equipment and home modifications have a separate funding pathway.
- If you’re unsure how to get the best value from your funding, My Guardian can help.
Your funding is there to support you
Support at Home gives you an ongoing budget for approved care and support services. You don’t have to spend every dollar each quarter. A limited amount can carry over into the next quarter.
That means making sure you’re receiving the support you need to maintain your independence, wellbeing and quality of life.
You can carry over some unused funding
The carry-over rule is simple:
$1,000 or 10% You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater.
But be aware, excess of these amounts may be returned to My Aged Care as unused funds.
For example:
So there is some flexibility if you don’t use all your funding in a quarter. But it isn’t designed to be an unlimited savings account.
Get value from the support you need
Your funding can be used for approved services based on your assessed needs and care plan. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
If you’re going without the services you need because you’re worried about using up all your funding, talk to My Guardian.
Equipment and home modifications are different
You don’t need to save your regular Support at Home budget for a future wheelchair, mobility equipment or home modification.
These are covered through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) funding pathway.
Two funding pathways
ONGOING SUPPORT AT HOME
Your regular quarterly budget
→ Care and support services
AT-HM FUNDING
Separate approved funding
→ Equipment and home modifications
If you think you need equipment or modifications, ask your provider about the appropriate funding pathway rather than simply going without services to save your quarterly budget.
Unspent old Home Care Package funds are different
If you moved from a Home Care Package to Support at Home, you may have had eligible unspent HCP funds carried across. These funds are treated separately from your regular quarterly Support at Home budget.
The $1,000 or 10% carry-over limit does not apply to eligible unspent HCP funds.
These can be used for certain approved services and may also be used for assistive technology and home modifications. If you have an old HCP balance, ask My Guardian to explain exactly what you have and how it can be used.
Don't go without support you need
It’s understandable to want to make your funding last.
But if you’re putting off physiotherapy, domestic assistance, personal care or other support because you’re trying to save your funding, you may not be getting the benefit you’re entitled to.
The goal isn’t to spend more. It’s to make better use of the funding you already have.
If your needs have changed, tell My Guardian. Your care plan and support may need to change too.
My Guardian can help you make the most of your funding
Understanding Support at Home funding isn’t always straightforward.
My Guardian can help you:
- Understand your available funding
- Work out what services could best support your needs
- Explain the different funding pathways
- Identify whether equipment or home modifications may be available
- Review your support when your needs change
You don’t have to work it all out yourself.
If you’re unsure whether you’re getting the best value from your Support at Home funding, talk to My Guardian.
Call My Guardian on 02 9336 7555
Your funding is there for you. Let’s make the most of it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to spend all my Support at Home funding?
No. A limited amount of unused funding can carry over into the next quarter.
How much can I carry over?
Up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater.
Should I save my funding?
Not if it means going without support you need. Your funding is there to support your needs.
Will I lose unused funding?
There is a limit to how much regular quarterly funding can carry over.
Can I save my funding for a wheelchair?
Equipment and home modifications have a separate funding pathway.
What happens to my old Home Care Package funds?
Eligible unspent HCP funds are treated separately and have different rules from your regular Support at Home funding.
What if my needs have changed?
Tell your provider. Your care plan and support may need to be reviewed.
My Guardian can help you understand your funding and make the most of the support available to you.
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You’ve been assessed. You’ve received your letter confirming your Support at Home funding.
Aged Care fees can feel complicated, especially when you’re trying to understand.
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