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:
- the Home Care Package subsidy (including any supplements the person is eligible for)
- each of the Home Care Package fees, including:
- basic daily fee
- the income tested care fee
- any additional amounts the care recipient has agreed to pay.
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.
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