What ISN'T funded under Support at Home?

Support at Home funding is designed to help you live safely, independently, and confidently in the home you love. 

But like any government-funded program, there are clear rules about what your quarterly budget can and cannot be used for. 

Understanding Support at Home exclusions helps you: 

• Avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs 

• Plan your services more effectively 

• Make every care hour matter 

• Use your full quarterly budget wisely 

Let’s clear up what is not funded under Support at Home, why these exclusions exist, and what you should know before planning your services. 

1. General household expenses 

Support at Home funding cannot be used for general living costs that are not directly related to assessed care needs. 

Examples include: 

• Utility bills (electricity, gas, water) 

• Rent or mortgage payments 

• Council rates or land tax 

• Internet, mobile or landline phone bills 

• Groceries or food delivery services (unless tied to prescribed nutrition plans) 

• Home or contents insurance 

• Car registration, petrol, or private vehicle maintenance 

Even if these expenses help you remain comfortable at home, they are considered general living costs and must be paid privately. 

2. Services already covered by Medicare or other government schemes 

You cannot use your Support at Home budget for services that are already subsidised or covered under other programs. 

Examples include: 

• GP visits, specialist consultations (covered under Medicare) 

• Hospital care 

• X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or pathology services 

• Allied health services accessed via a GP Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan 

• Medicines subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 

• Vaccinations 

If a service can be claimed through Medicare or PBS, it cannot also be paid for using your Support at Home quarterly budget. 

3. Items or services not on the Support at Home service list 

Only services and supports listed under the official Support at Home service list can be funded. 

If something is not on the list, it must: 

• Be clinically justified through assessment 

• Be necessary for your safety or independence 

• Be included in your support plan and care plan 

• Be approved through the Single Assessment System where required 

Items that are usually not funded (unless specifically approved): 

• Air conditioners or heaters 

• Household appliances (washing machines, microwaves) 

• Kitchen renovations 

• Furniture such as recliners, dining tables or TVs 

• General home upgrades not related to accessibility 

Assistive equipment like mobility walkers or grab rails may be approved if on the AT-HM list, but new whitegoods or furniture will not be unless specifically approved. 

4. Entertainment and leisure costs 

Support at Home may fund services that support social participation but it does not pay for general entertainment expenses. 

Not funded: 

• Movie, theatre or concert tickets 

• Club memberships (e.g. RSL, gym, golf) not prescribed in a care plan 

• Streaming subscriptions (e.g. Netflix, Spotify) 

• Holiday travel or accommodation 

• Hobby equipment not linked to therapy (e.g. painting sets, puzzles, books) 

Transport to social activities may be funded, but the cost of the outing itself is not. 

5. Gifts, cash payments or informal arrangements  

Support at Home funding must be used for formal, approved services. 

It cannot be used to: 

• Purchase gifts for others 

• Give cash to family, friends or workers 

• Offer bonuses or tips to support workers 

• Pay family members for informal care unless registered and approved under special arrangements 

All services must be delivered through a registered provider arrangement and properly documented. 

6. Food and groceries (with some exceptions) 

Routine food shopping is not covered. The exception is prescribed nutrition as part of a medical care plan. 

Examples of excluded items: 

• Woolworths, Coles, or IGA online grocery orders 

• UberEats or takeaway 

• Pet food or household supplies 

Can be funded (if prescribed): 

• Nutritional supplements like Ensure or Fortisip, if clinically required and approved 

• Delivered meals (e.g. Meals on Wheels), where only the preparation portion is covered, not the food ingredient cost 

The program can help you access food but not buy the food itself unless it's prescribed.

7. Retrospective payments or reimbursements 

Support at Home funding is not back-paid. 

You cannot claim reimbursement for: 

• Services arranged before approval 

• Equipment purchased without prior approval 

• Workers paid before verification 

• Services not included in your care plan 

All services must be pre-approved, documented, and delivered under proper arrangements. 

Still not sure what’s in or out? 

Support at Home is designed to fund care and services that directly support your assessed needs. It won't cover everyday expenses, entertainment, or anything that falls outside the defined service list, unless it’s been approved in advance as part of your care plan. 

If you're still unsure about what your funding covers or how to plan your services, we're here to help. Contact Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190 or email [email protected] for clear advice and friendly support.