Where Does the Money Go? Understanding Unspent HCP Funds & Supplements

As Australia transitions to the new Support at Home program which has been deferred to commence on 1st November 2025, many Home Care Package (HCP) clients and their families are asking: “What happens to my unspent funds?” Whether you're currently receiving care or planning for the future, understanding how unspent funds and supplements are managed is key to making informed decisions. 

What Are Unspent Funds?

Unspent funds are the leftover dollars in your Home Care Package budget that haven’t yet been used for services or care. These funds can build up for many reasons — delays in starting services, changes in care needs, or difficulties accessing providers.

Unspent funds include both:

• Your government subsidy

• And your contributions, such as the basic daily fee or income-tested care fee

Will My Unspent Funds Transfer to Support at Home?

Yes — Unspent funds will transfer for all transitioned HCP clients, both grandfathered and non-grandfathered. 

If you're receiving a Home Care Package before the Support at Home program starts, any unspent HCP funds in your account will roll over into the new Support at Home system. This includes any supplements you’re eligible for, such as:

• Dementia and cognition supplements

• Veterans’ supplement

• Oxygen and enteral feeding supplements

However, for new clients entering Support at Home after 1 November 2025, only quarterly unspent funds up to $1000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) will be rolled over to the next quarter. 

Not sure if you’re a grandfathered client? Read our blog: Support at Home: Grandfathering and Co-Contributions Explained.

How Will I Know What’s Unspent in My HCP Funds?

Each month, your provider is required to issue a Monthly Care Statement, which includes:

• Your budgeted care funds

• What services you received

• What remains in your account

This helps you keep track of your balance and plan ahead for changes in care or unexpected expenses.

Why Do Unspent HCP Funds Matter?

Unspent HCP funds can:

• Provide a safety net if your care needs increase for use on extra services

• Be used for future extra ongoing services under Support at Home

• Be used to purchase equipment and modifications if approved as an assessed need, under the HCP program and under the Support at Home Program.

It is important to note that unspent funds that are too high may also suggest under-utilisation of services, delayed assessments, or missed opportunities for reablement. It’s important to work closely with your care provider to make sure your care plan and service delivery reflects your actual needs and ensure you are meeting your wellness goals.

Navigating the Transition

If you’re unsure whether you’ll be grandfathered or non- grandfathered and or wish to utilise some of your unspent funds now, speak to your provider now.

At Right at Home, our care managers and care partners are here to help:

• Explain your monthly statements
• Review your care plan and funding balance
• Prepare for the transition to Support at Home
• Make sure you get the most out of your care budget

Still Have Questions?

Book a free consultation with your local Right at Home team to review your funding and care plan. We’re here to help you navigate in-home aged care and home care and support with confidence. If you know of someone who needs help navigating the home care system, get them to call their local Right at Home office to organise a free in-person consultation in their home, where our friendly Care Managers will sit with them and explain the aged care system and talk through their  options and help them get registered with My Aged Care during the free consultation.  

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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