Making your support at home funding work for you

Our goal at Suncare is to help you live well, your way, with the right support behind you. To do that, we want to ensure you have the most up-to-date information regarding the new Support at Home funding framework, which replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) program on 1 November 2025.

The shift in how funding is managed has become a significant change for many in our community. By understanding these rules, you can ensure that your allocated budget is used to support your lifestyle and goals.

The Quarterly Funding Model: Use it or Lose it

Under the new Support at Home framework, the way funding is managed has changed. We know that many in our community have a “save it for a rainy day” mindset. However, because these funds don’t accumulate anymore, “saving” them might mean you miss out on support that could be helping you stay healthy and independent today.

New Support at Home funding means:

• Funding is allocated for use within a three-month period
• Unspent balances return to the Government at the end of each quarter
• If you are a grandfathered customer, your existing ability to save and carry over unspent remains unchanged.

At Suncare, our priority is to help you use your allocated funding on the things that matter most to you now.

Support That Fits Your Life

Using your full funding doesn’t mean you have to change your entire routine.

Often it’s about the practical, everyday things that help you stay independent at home for longer. This is a wonderful opportunity to look at the “nice-to-haves” that you might have previously put off.

If you have a remaining balance at the end of a quarter, consider how these services could make your daily life feel a bit lighter:

• Allied Health: A visit from a trusted professional, such as a physiotherapist or podiatrist, to keep you moving well.
• Everyday Living: Someone to help with the “heavy lifting,” like spring cleaning, window washing or laundry.
• Social Connection: Joining a group, trying something new, or simply having someone to chat with over a cup of tea.
• Home and Garden Maintenance: Utilising funds to keep things safe, tidy, and comfortable
• Independence Services: Small changes like transport to appointments or social outings that support your daily routine.

How Your Care Partner Can Help

Your Suncare Care Partner is here to take the guesswork out of these rules. We can help see how best to use each quarter’s funding to support your day-to-day lifestyle.

Your Care Partner can work with you to:

1. Review your current budget: So you know exactly what funds have been spent or remain within your current quarter.
2. Identifying gaps: Finding areas where extra support could make your daily life feel more manageable and enjoyable.
3. Adjust your services: Ensuring you are receiving the full value of your quarterly funding before the balance resets.

Is there anything that could make your daily life feel a bit lighter right now?

Reach out to your Suncare Care Partner to look at your balance together and see how your funding can work harder for you today.