Will I lose my funding if I change providers?
You keep your Support at Home approval and funding when you change providers. Arrange the new provider and transfer dates carefully so your budget and essential services move without interruption.
Key points
- No. Your Support at Home approval and available funding do not belong to the provider.
- Local capacity and worker continuity matter as much as branding.
- Important prices and conditions should be in writing before services start.
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01Guide sectionWill I lose my funding if I change Support at Home providers?
No.
You can change Support at Home providers at any time, and your funding moves with you to the new provider. This includes eligible unspent funding from your ongoing quarterly budget.
If you previously had a Home Care Package, any remaining historic unspent HCP funds also transfer. These funds are not subject to the ordinary quarterly carryover limit.
02Guide sectionHow does the transfer work?
You should:
Find a new provider that can meet your needs.
Agree on an exit date with your current provider.
Sign a new service agreement with the new provider.
Coordinate the dates to avoid a gap in essential services.
Your current provider must continue delivering agreed services until the exit date, finalise its claims and provide the new provider with information about your remaining budget.
03Guide sectionCan the old provider charge an exit fee?
No.
A Support at Home provider cannot charge you an exit amount for leaving. Any notice requirements should be clearly stated in your service agreement.
04Guide sectionWhat about AT-HM funding?
If equipment or home modifications are already being arranged, the outgoing and incoming providers should work together so the process continues. Outstanding AT-HM claims may be transferred to the new provider with your agreement.
05Guide sectionCould funding ever be withdrawn?
Changing providers does not cause funding to be withdrawn.
However, if you do not enter into an agreement with another provider and receive no Support at Home services for four consecutive quarters approximately 12 months your ongoing funding may be withdrawn.
06Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Write down the services, times and practical outcomes you need.
Ask at least two providers for written prices and an example service schedule.
Check the agreement, local availability and worker backup arrangements before signing.
07Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
08Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Check providers through My Aged Care. 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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