The Australian Government is introducing a major change to in-home aged care. From 1 July 2025, the new Support at Home program will take the place of both the Home Care Package (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.
Naturally, big changes can lead to confusion. At Harbour at Home, we’re here to make sure you get the right information.
We’ve unpacked 10 of the most common myths we’re hearing and explained what’s actually happening, so you can plan ahead with confidence.
Myth 1: “You’re better off waiting until July 1st to choose a provider.
Fact: Not quite. The deadline to be approved under the old Home Care Package system was 12 September 2024.
If you were approved before that date, you’re considered a grandfathered participant and won’t be asked to pay more when Support at Home begins.
But if you're applying now, you'll be entering the system as a transitional participant, which means you may need to contribute to the cost of your care based on your income and the services you receive. While care is still available, earlier access would have meant better fee protections.
Myth 2: “I need to spend all my funds before Support at Home starts.”
Fact: Unused Home Care Package funds will carry over with you.
You won’t lose your balance if you haven’t spent it before the transition. Under Support at Home, you won’t be able to stockpile funds the same way moving forward, but everything already in your account will remain available for your care.
Myth 3: “Support at Home will be more expensive.”
Fact: For many people, fees will stay the same - or even decrease.
If you're already receiving care or were approved before 12 September 2024, you’ll move to the new system with your existing fee setup intact.
You won’t pay more than you do now. In some cases, people may even pay less. Those approved after this date will contribute toward care based on their financial situation, but it’s designed to be fair and means-tested.
Myth 4: “Care Managers won’t be as involved anymore.”
Fact: Regular care management is still required and will be more targeted.
Support at Home keeps monthly care coordination in place but places more focus on setting and reviewing your goals.
The aim is to make each conversation count.
Our Harbour at Home team is committed to spending time on the things that matter most — helping you live safely and comfortably at home.
Myth 5: “You won’t be able to get equipment or home modifications.”
Fact: You’ll have access to more targeted funding.
Support at Home separates these items into their own funding streams. You could receive up to $15,000 for home modifications, and another $15,000 for assistive technology or mobility equipment, depending on your needs.
This gives you greater access to practical supports without affecting your core care budget.
Myth 6: “If I don’t use all my funds every month, they’ll be taken away.”
Fact: Funding will be set quarterly, with more flexibility to spend when needed.
Under the new system, you’ll receive your budget in three-month blocks. That means you can use more of it one month and less the next, depending on what’s happening in your life.
You’ll also be able to roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly funds into the next period.
Myth 7: “Upgrading my care package means I’ll have to pay more.”
Fact: Your grandfathered status stays with you, even if your needs change.
If you start care before the cut-off date and later need a higher level of support, your fees will stay the same.
That protection remains in place no matter what level of package you move to. For those approved later, fees are determined based on your income, not your care level.
Myth 8: “Wait times for services will get worse.”
Fact: The aim is to significantly reduce delays.
Right now, wait times for higher-level care can stretch to over 12 months. Support at Home has been designed to address this.
The Government has stated its goal is to bring average wait times down to three months by July 2027 through improved funding and service planning.
Myth 9: “There will be fewer options for support.”
Fact: You’ll still have a wide choice of services, grouped into clear categories.
The new system organises services under headings like Clinical, Daily Living, and Independence, but the range of options will stay broad. This includes things like allied health, personal care, IT support, shopping assistance, and more.
With your Care Manager, you’ll create a plan that suits your needs and your lifestyle.
Myth 10: “There’s nothing providers can do until it launches.”
Fact: A good provider is already helping clients prepare.
At Harbour at Home, we’ve been keeping up with the program changes and creating simple, clear guides to help you understand what to expect.
The key program rules - including how grandfathering works and what transitional participants can expect - are already public.
If your current provider hasn’t talked to you about Support at Home, now’s the time to ask.
