What happens if I do not use all of my quarterly Support at Home budget?
A limited amount of unspent ongoing funding can carry into the next quarter.
Key points
- The normal rollover is the greater of $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget.
- Retained Commonwealth unspent HCP funds are separate and do not have that quarterly cap.
- Short-term pathway funding has different expiry rules.
At the end of each quarter, unused funds can carry over to the next quarter up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, whichever amount is greater. Any unused funding above that amount does not carry forward.
Services Australia confirms the unspent amount after the quarter-generally once the provider has submitted its final claim, or no later than 61 days after the quarter ends. The approved carryover is then added to your next quarterly budget and can be used for services covered by your assessed needs.
This means participants should plan their services across the quarter rather than deliberately saving large amounts for later. If you regularly cannot use your budget, your care plan may need adjusting. If the budget is regularly insufficient, you may need a reassessment for a higher Support at Home classification.
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01Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Check the monthly statement before the quarter ends.
Ask the provider to identify the amount expected to roll over and any retained HCP funds shown separately.
Use approved services because they are needed, rather than underspending purely to build a balance.
02Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
03Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Check current official Support at Home guidance. Aged care rules, funding amounts and program guidance can change, so check the current official information before making an important care or financial decision.
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