Make the most of your Support at Home quarterly budget

Your Support at Home funding is there to help you stay healthy, independent and living life your way. Understanding how your quarterly budget works can help you make the most of the care and services available to you.
How does your quarterly budget work?
Under the Australian Government's Support at Home program, your funding is divided into four quarterly budgets, each covering three months of the year.
The amount you receive depends on your assessed care needs and funding classification. Your budget is used to pay for approved services that support your health, wellbeing and independence at home.
Your budget may include both government funding and personal contributions, depending on your circumstances. For ongoing services, 10% of your quarterly budget is allocated to care management, helping you plan, coordinate and review your care.
What happens if you don't use all your funding?
It's important to understand that not all unused funding carries over to the next quarter.
Under Support at Home, you can carry over unspent funds up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater.
For example, if your quarterly budget is $8,000 and you have $2,000 remaining at the end of the quarter, you can carry over $1,000 into the next quarter.
This means it's worth regularly reviewing your services to ensure you're making good use of the funding available to you, rather than missing opportunities for care and support.
What if I was already receiving a Home Care Package?
If you transitioned from a Home Care Package to Support at Home on 1 November 2025, any unspent Home Care Package funds you had at 31 October 2025 are protected and are not subject to the new quarterly carryover limits. These funds can be used for approved assistive technology and home modifications, or additional services once your quarterly budget has been used.
Your Care Partner is here to help
You don't need to navigate your funding alone. Your BlueCare Care Partner can help you understand your budget, review your current services and explore how your funding could better support your needs.
They can help you:
• Make the most of your funding by identifying approved services you may not currently be using.
• Plan ahead to ensure your care and services are spread appropriately throughout the quarter.
• Explore your options, including nursing, allied health, personal care and other supports that may help you remain well and independent.
• Adjust your care plan as your needs or circumstances change.
• Understand your spending and what funding you have available.
You also receive a monthly statement to help you keep track of your budget and services.
A little planning can make a big difference
Your care needs can change over time. Perhaps you'd benefit from extra support with mobility, help around the home or advice from one of our health professionals.
A regular conversation with your Care Partner can help ensure your funding is working as hard as possible for you.
Not sure if you're making the most of your budget?
Talk to your BlueCare Care Partner about reviewing your services and exploring the options available to help you live life your way.
For more information, visit My Aged Care – Managing your Support at Home budget or the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.