What Happens to Unspent Funds in My Home Care Package?

At Just Better Care, we know how important it is to feel confident in how your Home Care Package is being managed. Whether you’re new to aged care or reassessing your services, understanding what happens to unspent Home Care Package funds can help you plan and get the most from your support. 

What Are Unspent Funds?

Unspent funds are the portion of your Home Care Package funding that has not yet been used to deliver services or supports. These funds may include:  

  • Government subsidies based on your approved package level (Level 1–4)
  • Your personal contributions, such as the basic daily fee or income-tested care fee

Your monthly Home Care Package statement shows your available funds, services delivered, and total spend. The closing balance represents the unspent funds you have available to support you to live independently at home and in the community. 

Why Do Unspent Funds Build Up?

Unspent funds can accumulate for a range of reasons, including:  

  • Planning for future aged care needs – such as home modifications, equipment or respite 
  • Temporary changes in care – like hospital stays or informal family support 
  • Low current service usage – where your needs don’t require the full budget
  • Delays in service availability – including waiting times for allied health or transport 

Our local support teams monitor your services and can proactively adjust your care plan as your situation evolves.  

How Can I Use Unspent Funds?

You can use your unspent funds for a range of services and supports, in line with the guidelines set out in the Home Care Package rules set by the Department of Health. These services include: 

Nursing Services: In-home health care including wound care, medication management, and monitoring of health conditions.  

Domestic Care: We can provide extra help around the home with tasks like cleaning or preparing meals.  

Personal Care: Assistance with daily activities such as showering, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene. 

Social Support: We can assist you in staying socially connected, including transport, companionship, or participation in social activities. 

Transport: We can arrange to drive you to and from appointments.  

Respite Care: Short-term relief for carers, including support for both you and your primary carer.  

Shopping: Do you need some assistance with grocery or running errands? We can arrange for your Support Worker to accompany you to lend a pair of hands.

Home Maintenance: Tasks like cleaning, gardening, and small home repairs to ensure your living environment is safe and comfortable.

Allied Health Services: Services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or podiatry.  

Assistive Technologies: Purchase of items like mobility aids, home modifications, or other equipment to support your independence and quality of life.

What are the potential consequences if I do not use my unspent funds?

If you do not use your unspent Home Care Package funds, there are several important risks and missed opportunities to consider: 

Unmet Care Needs 

Unspent funds can indicate that you're not receiving the level of support you’re entitled to. This can result in: 

  • Delayed care or support at home
  • Increased risk of hospitalisation or falls
  • Missed opportunities for equipment, therapies, or services that improve your quality of life

Funds May Be Reclaimed 

While the funds in your package are held for your care, they are not your personal savings. If: 

  • You move to residential care
  • You no longer need the package
  • You pass away

Any unused funds are returned to the government or your estate, minus contributions. 

Reduced Government Perception of Need 

If your package remains largely unspent, the government may assume you don't need that level of care. This could impact: 

  • Your chances of being reassessed for a higher level of support
  • How future funding is prioritised

Risk of Care Gaps 

If your care needs suddenly increase, you may struggle to arrange services quickly if you've not already been using your funds to build consistent care. 

Missed Opportunities 

You might be missing out on helpful services such as extra support hours for your current services or additional services not included in your care plan, like  

- Cleaning, gardening, or meal preparation 

- Personal care or allied health 

- Home modifications and mobility aids. 

How Unspent Funds Work Under the Support at Home Program  

From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will replace the current Home Care Package program with the Support at Home program.

If you have unspent funds:

  • They will be automatically transferred to your new Support at Home budget 
  • You won’t lose access to funds you’ve accumulated
  •  Your services will continue under the new structure Just Better Care is Support at Home–ready and here to help you understand what the changes mean. 

We Help You Make the Most of Your Package  

Unspent funds are an opportunity to re-engage with your care plan and ensure your services reflect your goals. Whether you're preparing for future needs or looking to enhance your current support, Just Better Care will guide you every step of the way.

What can I do about my Unspent Funds?

Contact your local office and speak to your Care Manager if you would like to explore your options for extra services or new services to support you to remain independent at home.  

If you have unspent funds, we are available to assists you to understand how you can use these funds to your advantage. We can support you to change your care plan to reflect any changes to your support needs or preferences. 

Contact your local office today to schedule an appointment about your unspent funds