Make the most of your Support at Home funding
Support at Home helps you live well at home and stay connected with your community. There can be a lot to understand when you first start receiving care, from the services available to how your funding works. For ongoing services, your funding is allocated in three-month periods called quarters, based on your assessed need. Funding not used for approved services is called unspent funds.
What is underspend?
Underspend, also called unspent funds, is the part of your Support at Home quarterly funding that has not been used for approved services and supports.
A balance can build up when services pause, your needs change or you are still arranging support. It may also mean you are unsure what your funding can cover. Only a limited amount can carry over to the next quarter, so planning and reviewing your care plan helps.
How to check your unspent funds on your statement
Your monthly statement helps you see how your funding is being used and what remains. Start with these simple checks:
1. Find your available balance.
Look for the section showing your remaining budget or unspent funds. If you cannot find it, ask your Care Partner to point it out.
2. Check what has been used.
Review the services and products listed, their charges and any contributions you have paid. Check these against the support you received.
3. Understand the different balances.
Ask your Care Partner to explain your current quarterly funding, any funding carried over and any retained Home Care Account funds. Different rollover rules apply.
Before planning extra support, ask: “How much funding is still available after allowing for services already received or scheduled, and how much can carry over?” Your statement balance may not yet reflect every charge, so your Care Partner can help confirm what is available to use.
What happens to unspent funds?
Since Support at Home began on 1 November 2025, a limit applies to the ongoing funding you can carry into the next quarter. You can carry over unspent funds up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is higher. Government guidance includes supplements when calculating the quarterly budget for this limit (Example: Oxygen Supplement).
Any unspent Support at Home funds above the limit are returned to the government and cannot be used for your future services. Ask your Care Partner to explain your available balance and the rollover limit that applies to you.
Government funding timelines: dates to remember
For ongoing Support at Home services, funding is released at the start of each quarter: July, October, January and April. The quarter-end dates to keep in mind are:
- 30 September: end of the July–September quarter.
- 31 December: end of the October–December quarter.
- 31 March: end of the January–March quarter.
- 30 June: end of the April–June quarter.
Plan approved support before the quarter ends rather than waiting until the last few days. Your closing balance may take time to finalise while your provider completes claims for services already delivered.
Our planning tip:
Set a reminder to review your balance with your Care Partner a few weeks before each quarter ends. This is a practical planning suggestion, not a government deadline.
Moved from a Home Care Package? Different rules apply
If you are a grandfathered client who transitioned from a Home Care Package, your unspent funds are kept in a Home Care Account. These are separate from your Support at Home quarterly funding and are not subject to the quarterly rollover cap.
Home Care Account funds can help pay for approved assistive technology and home modifications, or extra ongoing services once your quarterly budget is fully used. Your Care Partner can explain which balance you have and which funding source to use.
Separate short-term funding, such as the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme, has its own time limits. The quarterly rollover rule does not apply to those budgets.
How to maximise your funds for the support you need
Getting the most from your funding means choosing care that supports your goals, not simply spending your balance.
1. Check your monthly statement — Understand your balance:
Look at the funding available, services received and contributions paid. Ask your Care Partner to explain anything unclear, including any retained Home Care Account funds.
2. Review what matters to you — Match support to your needs:
Talk about daily tasks that are becoming harder, changes in mobility or opportunities to feel more connected. Your Care Partner can review whether your current plan still meets your assessed needs.
3. Explore approved services — Know your options:
Ask which services could help you now, what they cost and whether participant contributions apply. Confirm suitability, approval and availability before arranging support.
4. Plan across the quarter — Avoid a last-minute rush:
Discuss holidays, medical appointments, family visits or periods when your usual support may be unavailable. Arrange suitable services early and keep checking that your budget is on track.
Support worth asking about
Depending on your assessed needs and approvals, your funding may help with:
- Personal care: support with showering, dressing and grooming.
- Allied health: support for mobility, balance, pain management or recovery.
- Help around the home: approved assistance with household tasks, shopping and meal preparation.
- Health and Wellness: including Mind + Move and Stepping On, help you feel good, stay active and socially connected through movement, falls-prevention and group activities.
- Social outings: opportunities to enjoy activities and stay connected with your community.
- Centre-based respite: provides a welcoming environment where older people can enjoy social activities, nutritious meals and meaningful time with others while their carer takes a break.
Your Care Partner can help you choose suitable services and explain availability, prices, funding and any contributions before you decide.
Let’s make your funding work for you
You do not need to work out your budget alone. Catholic Healthcare can help you understand your statement, review your services and plan care around your needs and goals.
Talk to your Care Partner team about your unspent funds. Ask: “What approved support could help me now, and how much of my balance can carry into the next quarter?”
Call 1800 225 474 and ask Customer Care to connect you with your Care Partner team, or email customercare@chcs.com.au for a non-urgent enquiry.
This information relates to ongoing Support at Home funding. Services depend on assessed needs, approvals, availability and funding. Government rules may change; your Care Partner can explain how they apply to your circumstances.