At Prestige Inhome Care, we understand that Home Care Package (HCP) clients may accumulated unspent funds from time to time. Perhaps a client’s podiatry needs decreased for a period, or visiting family members cooked and froze meals for a month.
Whatever the reason, there are times when home care package funding isn’t fully utilised, leading to a pool of unspent funds.
How Are Unspent Funds Used?
Many clients choose to set aside these funds for times of higher need or to save for essential home modifications. For example, HCP client George used his unspent funds to purchase an orthopaedic mattress that would have otherwise been unaffordable. Three years after accumulating residual funds, Betty used hers to install handrails in her bathroom and at her front door, making her home safer and more accessible.
These examples highlight the reassurance that having unspent funds can provide. Given this, it’s understandable that one of the most common questions in HCP forums is: “When Support at Home begins, what will happen to my unspent funds?”
What Will Happen to Unspent Funds Under Support at Home?
The Australian Government has introduced a “No Worse Off” policy to ensure that existing HCP recipients do not experience financial hardship or disruption when Support at Home begins on 1 July 2025.
Under this policy, all current HCP clients will retain the unspent funds they’ve already accumulated up to 1 July 2025, and continue to use them as needed when Support at Home begins on 1 July 2025.
If a client’s care needs increase and they require additional funding, they can request a reassessment to move into a higher funding level*.
If approved, they will fully transition to a higher-level Support at Home classification (See case study below).
Will You Need to Use Unspent Funds First?
Yes. If clients have unspent funds, they will be unable to apply for a package upgrade if they have unspent funds in place. This is consistent with the existing home care package upgrade process, whereby participants must use most of their available funding before they are able to access more funding.
There is an expectation that unspent funds will be used before accessing additional government funding streams, such as the Assistive Technology and Home Maintenance funds.
Example Case Study: Using unspent funds when transitioning to higher level
Margaret, 82, had a Level 2 Home Care Package and gradually accumulated unspent funds. When her mobility declined, she was reassessed and approved for a Level 5 package under Support at Home.
With her unspent funds, she was able to arrange extra in-home physio sessions for her immediate need, purchase a shower chair, and increase her cleaning and meal preparation support—adjusting to her higher care needs without delay.
Although additional funding is available under Support at Home’s Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, Margaret cannot access that funding until she has used her unspent funds.
This highlights the flexible use of unspent funds under the No Worse Off policy.
Reviewing Your Unspent Funds and Care Needs
While having unspent funds offers security, it’s important to regularly review your care needs and funding balance. Work with your Case Manager to explore available services and ensure you are making the most of your funding.
If you’re unsure how to utilise your unspent funds effectively, Prestige Inhome Care can help. Our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the best possible support for your individual needs.
To learn more about Support at Home, call Prestige Inhome Care on 1300 10 30 10.
For more government information, see
Support at Home program: A guide for older people in Australia, families and carers
5 Major Changes Under Support at Home – Prestige Inhome Care