July 16, 2025
Support Coordination
What Happens to Unspent Funds in My Home Care Package?
If you’ve ever looked at your monthly home care statement and wondered about the closing balance, you’re not alone. That final figure often reflects unspent funds—support dollars that haven’t been used yet.
These can include:
Government subsidies depending on your care level (Level 1–4)
Your personal contributions like the daily fee or income-tested care fee
It’s great to have a balance, but it’s even better to know how to use it to improve your daily life and independence.
Where’s My Care Money Going?
You might think, “I haven’t skipped services—so why are these funds still sitting unused?”
It turns out, there are a few common reasons:
Planning ahead – Some people with disability hold onto funds to pay for future needs like home modifications or new assistive technology.
Temporary care gaps – Maybe you were in hospital or received help from family for a while.
Low support usage – Sometimes the support people receive doesn’t match their full package value.
Service availability – Delays in arranging personal care, mental health services, or allied health support can result in a growing balance.
Whatever the reason, the goal remains the same: using your funds to live safely, comfortably, and independently at home.
Where Unspent Funds Can Help Most?
Your Home Care Package is there to support you. That means those unused funds can be put towards a wide range of approved services, such as:
Get help with daily activities—like bathing, grooming, or dressing—with dignity and respect.
Caring for someone full-time is no small task. Respite options ensure that carers and the individuals they support both get the downtime they deserve.
From house cleaning to meal preparation, small things make a big difference in maintaining your quality of life.
Tap into services like physiotherapy or occupational therapy to support your mobility and well-being.
✅ Mental Health Support
Whether it's emotional check-ins or counselling referrals, good mental health is part of holistic care.
✅ Disability Gateway Resources
Unspent funds can help you access tools and services listed through the National Disability Gateway, guiding people with disability to relevant and approved support.
Need a ride to the doctor or a social outing? Use your funds to arrange comfortable, safe travel.
Keep your home safe and welcoming with outdoor maintenance, small repairs, or home modifications.
You don’t need to spend it all at once—but you should spend it wisely.
What If You Don’t Spend Your Home Care Funds?
It might feel like a good thing to have a balance, but there are a few important reasons not to let your funds sit idle.
⛔ Unmet Needs
Unspent funds might mean you’re not accessing all the support you’re entitled to—whether that’s more personal care, a home upgrade, or allied health check-ins.
⛔ Government Assumptions
If your package stays mostly untouched, the national disability or aged care program may assume you don’t need as much support—impacting future care levels or reassessments.
⛔ Lost Funds
If your situation changes—moving into residential care or the passing of a loved one—those unused funds may go back to the government or estate. They’re not personal savings, after all.
What Changes with the Support at Home Program?
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government is introducing the Support at Home program, replacing the current Home Care Package structure.
Here’s what that means for your unspent funds:
They’ll be automatically carried over to your new budget
You won’t lose access to them
Your services will continue, just under a new system
At Abled Care and Nursing Services, we’re already preparing for this change, so you can rest assured you’ll transition smoothly without service disruption.
Get the Support You Deserve with Abled Care Services
Understanding your entitlements is one thing—making the most of them is another.
That’s where Abled Care and Nursing Services comes in.
Whether you need help tweaking your care plan, accessing more support hours, or figuring out what your next step looks like, we’re here. From personal care in Central Coast to SIL (Supported Independent Living) in Gosford, our team works hard to ensure your plan evolves with your life.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re sitting on unspent funds, it’s the perfect time to ask:
What support would make life easier for me right now?
Let’s talk about that.
Reach out to Abled Care and Nursing Services and let’s explore how you can put your funding to good use—before it goes unused.
