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What Happens to My Unspent Funds When Transferring from Another Provider?

Updated

What are unspent funds?

Unspent funds are funds from a person’s previous Home Care Package that were not used before they moved into Support at Home or changed providers. These funds remain available to support the person’s assessed care needs under Support at Home.

Do unspent funds transfer when I change providers?

Yes. If you change to a new Support at Home provider, your funding moves with you. This includes any unspent Home Care Package funds that are available for ongoing services.

The government-held portion of your unspent funds is available to your new provider immediately through your home care account. If your previous provider holds any portion of your unspent funds, they are required to finalise this and transfer the funds to your new provider.

How long does it take for all unspent funds to transfer?

The government-held portion is available to the new provider immediately. However, if your previous provider still holds some of your unspent funds, they may need to complete a final reconciliation first. This may include checking outstanding invoices, service charges, adjustments, or final statements. This means the full final balance may not be confirmed straight away.

Can Local Guardians see my exact unspent fund balance straight away?

Local Guardians may be able to see the government-held portion once you transfer. However, if your previous provider holds any unspent funds or still has invoices to process, the final balance may not be confirmed until their exit reconciliation is completed. Any previous statement can be helpful as a guide, but the final amount may change if there are outstanding invoices or adjustments.

Will I lose my unspent funds if I transfer providers?

No. You do not lose your unspent Home Care Package funds simply because you change providers. Unspent HCP funds are retained and can be used under Support at Home, provided they are used in line with Support at Home rules and your assessed care needs.

Is there a carryover limit on unspent Home Care Package funds?

No. The normal Support at Home quarterly carryover rule does not apply to retained Home Care Package unspent funds. For regular Support at Home quarterly budgets, unused funds can usually only carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, whichever is higher. However, retained Home Care Package unspent funds have no carryover limit.

What can unspent HCP funds be used for?

Unspent HCP funds can be used under Support at Home for:

  • Approved Support at Home services
  • Additional services once the quarterly budget has been used
  • Assistive technology
  • Home modifications
  • The supports still need to be reasonable, necessary, and linked to your assessed care needs, goals, safety, wellbeing, or independence.
  • Some items or services may require supporting evidence, such as an OT, RN, GP, physiotherapist, or other allied health recommendation.

Can I use unspent funds before using my quarterly budget?

Generally, Support at Home quarterly funding is used first for ongoing services. Retained Home Care Package unspent funds may then be used for extra services once the quarterly budget has been spent, or for approved assistive technology and home modifications. Local Guardians will help you understand what funding is available and how it can be used appropriately.

Can unspent funds be used for Assistive Technology or Home Modifications?

Yes, retained Home Care Package unspent funds may be used for assistive technology and home modifications under Support at Home. This may include items or modifications that support safety, independence, mobility, personal care, or daily living. Depending on the item or cost, an assessment, recommendation, quote, or approval process may be required before the purchase or work can proceed.

Can services start while we are waiting for the previous provider to finalise the balance?

Yes, services can usually commence once you have transferred to Local Guardians and a service agreement and budget are in place. If the final unspent fund amount has not yet been confirmed, services may need to be planned carefully around the funding that is currently available. Local Guardians will work with you to prioritise essential care needs and reduce the risk of overspending.

Why does Local Guardians still need to budget carefully if I have unspent funds?

Even when unspent funds are available, they still need to be managed carefully. Care needs can change, and some supports such as nursing, personal care, allied health, equipment, or home modifications can use funds quickly. Budgeting helps make sure funding is used appropriately and that priority care needs can continue to be supported.

Will I receive statements showing my funds?

Yes. Support at Home providers must provide monthly statements showing available funds, how funds have been spent, and any unspent amounts. Statements help clients and representatives keep track of spending and understand what funding remains available.

What should I do if I think the previous provider has not transferred my unspent funds?

You can contact your previous provider and ask for:

  • Your final statement
  • The final unspent fund balance
  • Confirmation of any provider-held unspent funds
  • Details of any outstanding invoices or adjustments

When the funds will be transferred to your new provider, Local Guardians can also monitor the balance from our end once you have
transferred to us.

Key points to remember

  • Your funding moves with you when you change providers.
  • The government-held portion of unspent HCP funds is available to the new provider immediately.
  • Any provider-held funds may depend on the previous provider completing their final reconciliation.
  • Retained HCP unspent funds have no carryover limit.
  • Unspent funds must still be used in line with Support at Home rules and assessed care needs.
  • Local Guardians will help you budget carefully so your priority supports can continue.