The Australian Government is rolling out a new in-home aged care model called Support at Home, which will officially begin on 1 July 2025. This program will replace both the Home Care Package (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.
Whenever a big change is introduced, it’s easy for rumours to spread.
So we’ve broken down 10 of the most common misunderstandings about Support at Home.
Myth 1: “It’s better to wait until the new system begins before applying.”
Fact: Not true! If you begin receiving services now under the current Home Care Package system, you won’t need to pay anything towards to cost of your care in co-payments.
Under the new system, all people approved for funding after 12 September 2024 will be required to contribute towards the cost of care, depending on your income and the services required.
Myth 2: “Unspent care funds will disappear when the new system starts.”
Fact: You’ll keep any balance you’ve built up.
If you have unused funds in your current Home Care Package, they will carry across to Support at Home. The only change is that, moving forward, you won’t be able to build up a large surplus. But there’s no need to spend quickly - the money you’ve already set aside is safe and can still be used for your care.
Myth 3: “Support at Home will cost more for everyone.”
Fact: Many people will pay the same, or even less.
Anyone approved before the 12 September 2024 cut-off date will continue under their current fee setup. If you’re not paying fees now, you won’t start later.
And if you’re paying something already, it won’t increase. This grandfathered status stays with you, even if your care needs grow.
Those approved after this date will enter the new fee structure, which is based on income and services used.
Myth 4: “There won’t be enough time with Care Managers anymore.”
Fact: You'll still get to talk with your Care Manager, with more structured support.
Support at Home doesn’t reduce the role of Care Managers - it strengthens it. The system puts more focus on purposeful, goal-oriented planning.
At 365 Care, we expect our team will spend more meaningful time with clients, focusing on what matters to you: staying safe, independent, and connected.
Myth 5: “Home upgrades and equipment won’t be covered anymore.”
Fact: Dedicated funding streams are being introduced to support these needs.
You’ll no longer use your general care funds for things like grab rails, ramps or mobility aids.
Instead, you could receive up to $15,000 for home modifications that improve safety, plus another $15,000 for assistive technology or equipment, depending on your situation.
Myth 6: “If I don’t spend my budget each month, I’ll lose it.”
Fact: Budgets will be allocated every three months, not monthly.
You’ll have more flexibility to spend when you need to. Support at Home uses quarterly funding, so you can vary your spending month to month.
You’ll also be able to roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly allocation into the next period, in case your needs change or you have a quieter month.
Myth 7: “If I get a care upgrade, I’ll lose my fee protection.”
Fact: Your grandfathered status stays with you, even if your package changes.
If you're approved before the cut-off and your care needs grow later, you’ll still keep your existing fee rules.
Your fees won’t increase. For people joining the system after September 2024, care upgrades will still be available, with contributions based on your income and the support you need.
Myth 8: “Wait times for care will get worse.”
Fact: is to reduce delays - not extend them.
Some people currently wait over 12 months for higher-level packages. But the government has committed to reducing average wait times to three months by July 2027 through new funding models and better prioritisation. The changes are designed to help people get the support they need, faster.
Myth 9: “Support at Home limits the types of services I can access.”
Fact: You’ll still have plenty of choice, just under new categories.
Instead of listing services individually, Support at Home groups them into three broad areas: Clinical, Daily Living, and Independence. But you’ll still be able to access a wide variety of supports — like physiotherapy, allied health, IT training, social outings, and more. You and your Care Manager will work together to build a care plan that fits your life.
Myth 10: “Nothing can be done until the new system officially begins.”
Fact: The best providers are already helping clients get ready.
Although some details are still being finalised, the government has shared the key parts of the program - including what’s happening for people approved before and after the 12 September cut-off.
At 365 Care, we’ve already prepared clear resources and support to help you make sense of the changes and prepare for what’s next.
