10 Common Myths About Support At Home – And What You Really Need to Know

The Australian Government’s new Support At Home program will begin on 1 July 2025, replacing the current Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.

With any big change it’s common that myths and confusion can start circulating. That’s why we’re breaking down 10 of the most common myths — and sharing the facts — so you can feel confident and informed about what’s coming next.

Myth 1: “You should wait until 1 July 2025 to sign up & start services.”

Truth: 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.

Waiting simply delays you getting the help you need— and means missing out on the time when you can receive care with no co-payment required!

Myth 2: “You should spend all your funds before the new program starts.”

Truth: There’s no need to rush. In fact, any unspent Home Care Package funds will carry over when you transition to Support At Home.

And the good news is you can keep that money for as long as you need.

While it is true under the new system you’ll no longer be able to save up funds, the reality is that any funds you have now will NOT be lost— allowing you to put them to good use when the time is right.

Myth 3: “Support At Home will cost more for everyone.”

Truth: Not exactly.

Anyone approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024 — including those still on the waitlist — will be ‘grandfathered’ into the new system.

That means you’ll be no worse off under Support At Home. If you're not paying fees now, you won't pay fees later. And if you’re currently paying an income-tested fee, you’ll pay no more — you might even pay less.

If you were approved for funding after 12 September 2024, you will transition onto the new system on 1 July and will begin to contribute towards the costs of care, depending on your income and services required.

Myth 4: “Care Managers will have even less time each month for clients now they’re fees are being cut.”

Truth: No, this isn’t true. Monthly care management is a requirement for Care Providers, and under Support At Home, there is a stronger focus on structured, goal-oriented activities. While the time is more defined, it remains regular and purposeful.

We actually expect our Care Managers will spend more meaningful and high-impact time with clients.

Myth 5: “Support At Home will no longer pay for home modifications or equipment.”

Truth: Incorrect. One of the great changes under Support At Home is that there are now more funding types available.

So, while it is true that you will no longer pay for home modifications out of your home care package, that’s because you can now access up $15,000 in additional funds for home modifications for safety improvements to your home.  

And you may receive up to $15,000 in additional funding for Assistive Technology and Equipment

Myth 6: “Clients will lose out every month if they don’t spend their allocated funding in time.”

Truth: Under Support At Home, budgets are allocated quarterly, so it allows for you to be able to spend more one month, for example, and less in other months if you need.

It is true that you’ll no longer be able to save up funds under Support At Home. Instead, only an amount of about $1000 or 10% of your quarterly funding can be rolled into the next quarterly budget.

Myth 7: “There is no point getting a funding upgrade because I’ll need to start making co-payments for my services.”

Truth: Not at all. The good news is that if you are a grandfathered participant, you’ll always retain your grandfathered status!

Even if your needs change and you receive a package level upgrade, you will continue to be grandfathered, so if you aren’t paying fees now, you still won’t be asked to pay fees.

If you are a transitional participant, a funding upgrade will provide more funding to ensure you get the care you need, and the same co-payment rules will apply.

Myth 8: “Wait times will be even longer under Support At Home.”

Truth: The government expects that Support At Home will help wait times come down significantly compared to current Home Care Package wait times, which see some participants waiting up to 15 months for level 4 packages to come through, for example.

Instead, the aim is that wait times should be no longer than 3 months by July 2027. So, while we won’t see an immediate shift, things will improve over time.

Myth 9: “I’ll have less choice about which services I chose under Support At Home”

Truth: Not exactly. Support At Home does have new service categories, including Clinical, Independence and Daily Living, and your funding will be dedicated to providing you with the help you need.

But there remains a large range of services available in each category to help improve life and your wellbeing at home – such as hydrotherapy, assisted shopping, allied health, IT equipment and training, and more!

Working with your Care Manager, you’ll develop a plan that is right for you.

Myth 10: “Home Care providers can’t help right now because the government is still working out the details.”

Truth: This just isn’t true. While some finer details are still being finalised, the key features of Support At Home have been announced — including rules for both grandfathered participants and transitional participants (those approved between 12 September 2024 and 1 July 2025).

At Sai, we already have clear, easy-to-understand factsheets and resources to help guide you through what’s coming. If your current provider isn’t talking about Support At Home yet… maybe it’s time you talked to us.