Getting the Most Out of Your Home Care Funding
Managing your care shouldn’t feel complicated, and you shouldn’t have to figure it all out on your own.
With recent changes under the Support at Home program, the way funding is managed has shifted. While some clients still purchase items and claim reimbursements, many others now have supports arranged and approved before anything is purchased.
This guide is here to help you understand how things work today, what to be mindful of each quarter, and how to make the most of your funding without unnecessary stress.
Understanding Your Funding Type
Before we get into the details, it’s helpful to understand how your funding is set up, as this will affect how your services and purchases are managed.
Grandfathered Clients
If you were assessed for government funding through My Aged Care on or before 12 September 2024, you are considered a “Grandfathered Client.” In many cases, this means you still have some flexibility to purchase approved items or services yourself and claim the cost back from your funding, as long as everything aligns with your care plan.
Transitioned Clients
If you have joined the program after this date, your funding will be managed under the new Support at Home model that came into effect on 1st November 2025. In this case, services and supports are typically arranged and approved in advance through your provider. This means you usually won’t need to purchase items yourself or worry about being reimbursed. Instead, your Care Partner will guide you and organise the most appropriate supports for your needs.
No matter which category you fall into, the most important step is to check in with your Home Care Provider before making any purchases. This helps ensure everything is approved, processed correctly, and covered by your funding.
Understanding Quarterly Funding and Deadlines
One of the most significant changes under the Support at Home program is the way funding is managed.
Under the previous Home Care Package system, funding was allocated on a daily basis and accumulated over time, allowing unspent funds to build up in a participant’s account.
With Support at Home, funding will instead be allocated in quarterly budgets, providing participants with a set amount of funding to access approved services and supports throughout each three-month period.
For costs to be applied to a specific quarter, the service must be delivered or the item must be purchased within that quarter, and the invoice must clearly show the date of delivery or purchase within that period.
It’s important to note that the invoice itself does not need to be submitted by the end of the quarter. There is a short period after each quarter where providers finalise and submit claims to the government. At Home Care Assistance, we follow best practice by ensuring all invoices are submitted within 30 days of the end of each quarter.
This means:
- Funds must be used within each quarter
- Services and purchases must be delivered within the quarter and properly documented
- Invoices should be provided as soon as possible after the service or purchase
- Delays in providing invoices may impact our ability to claim the cost against your funding
In simple terms, as long as your pre-approved service or purchase happens within the quarter and is correctly documented, it can be claimed. Providing invoices promptly helps ensure everything is processed smoothly and your funding is used as intended.
This is why planning ahead and staying connected with your Care Partner is so important.
What Expenses Can You Claim?
Depending on your situation, eligible supports may include things like allied health services, gardening or cleaning services, equipment, or items that help you remain safe and independent at home.
If you are purchasing an item or arranging a third-party service for yourself, it is essential that:
- It has been approved in your care plan, and
- You have checked with your Home Care Provider before making any purchases yourself
For many clients, we can organise these supports for you, ensuring the right item is selected and funded correctly without you needing to manage the process yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide
The process can look slightly different depending on your situation.
If you are a grandfathered participant and would like to organise approved items or services directly:
- Keep all receipts and documentation for any third-party services provided or items purchased
- Ensure items are pre-approved and confirmed by your Home Care Provider
- Ensure that all documentation is submitted before the quarterly cut-off date, including third-party service provider invoices. Your Home Care Provider can confirm these cut-off dates for you.
If you are receiving services funded as a transitioned client:
- Speak with your Care Partner before purchasing anything
- We will help organise and approve the right supports including any third party service providers
- We manage invoicing so everything is processed on time
Either way, the key is to plan ahead and avoid leaving things until the last minute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some of the most common issues we see include:
- Purchasing items without prior approval
- Leaving invoices or receipts too late in the quarter
- Assuming funds will automatically roll over
- Not checking whether something is eligible before buying
These can all lead to delays or, in some cases, missed funding altogether.
Simple Ways to Make Things Easier
The best way to stay on track is to stay connected.
- Check in with your Care Partner regularly
- Plan ahead for any equipment or services you may need
- Avoid leaving approvals or purchases until the end of the quarter
A quick conversation early can save a lot of stress later.
How Home Care Assistance Sunshine Coast Can Help
At Home Care Assistance Sunshine Coast, we are here to make this simple.
We take the time to:
- Explain your funding in clear, easy terms
- Help you plan ahead each quarter
- Arrange supports on your behalf wherever possible
- Ensure everything is approved and processed on time
So you can feel confident you are using your funding in the best possible way, without the worry.
FAQs
Q1: How often do I need to submit claims or organise services?
Funding is managed quarterly, so it is important to plan and organise supports within each three-month period.
Q2: What happens if I miss a deadline?
If documentation or invoices are not submitted before the quarterly cut-off, the funding cannot be claimed and may be returned to the government.
Q3: Do I always need to pay upfront?
Not always. Many services are arranged and paid directly through your provider, especially under Support at Home.
Q4: How do I know if something is eligible?
The best way is to check your care plan or speak with your Care Partner before making a purchase.
Q5: Can someone help me with this?
Absolutely. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.