Individualised budgets for Home Care Packages

An individualised budget sets out the funds available in a care recipient’s Home Care Package and how the provider will use the funds. Find out what you need to include in the budget, how to develop it with your care recipient, and when to review.

About individualised budgets

An individualised budget is a record of: 

  • the funds available in a care recipient’s Home Care Package 
  • how you will use the funds to pay for services. 

What to include in a budget

You must set out the total funds available in a care recipient’s package. Include, as separate items: 

You must also: 

  • show how you will use the funds to pay for each service listed in the care recipient’s care plan 
  • include a copy of your pricing schedule

How to prepare a budget

To prepare an individualised budget, you must: 

  • work with the care recipient 
  • consider their goals and assessed care needs – you can find these in their care plan 
  • help them to understand the budget. 

Make sure there are enough funds to cover the cost of the services in their care plan. 

If needed, use the Translating and Interpreting Service

When to provide a budget

You must provide a copy of the individualised budget to the care recipient as soon as possible after they have agreed on the budget. 

You must also provide a Home Care Agreement and a care plan

Reviewing the budget

Care needs can change over time. You must review an individualised budget, as part of your ongoing care discussions with the care recipient. 

Find out more about updating individualised budgets.  

Date last updated:

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