What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
As we get older, a little extra help can make a big difference. Whether it's support with housework, getting to appointments, or staying socially connected, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is designed to help older Australians live safely and independently at home for longer.
If you or a loved one are beginning to find some daily tasks a little harder, this guide will help you understand what CHSP is, what it offers, and how to get started.
What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is a government-subsidised service that provides entry-level support for older Australians. It’s designed for people who are mostly able to manage on their own but may need a bit of help with everyday activities.
The CHSP is available to:
· People aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
· Those who are living at home and need some assistance to stay safe, active and connected
It can offer either short-term help (for example, after an illness) or ongoing support, depending on your needs.
What Support Can You Get?
The CHSP includes a wide range of practical services to help you at home and in the community. Some of the most common services include:
· Domestic assistance – help with cleaning, laundry or grocery shopping
· Personal care – assistance with showering, dressing or grooming
· Meals and food services – meal delivery or help with preparing food
· Transport – getting to medical appointments or social outings
· Social support – friendly visits, phone calls, or group activities
· Home maintenance – minor repairs, safety checks, or garden help
· Allied health – access to physiotherapists, podiatrists, and more
You can choose the types of support that suit your needs, and services are delivered by local aged care providers in your community.
Who is CHSP For?
The CHSP is best suited for older people who:
· Are mostly independent
· Need help with a few everyday tasks
· May be recovering from an illness or hospital stay
It’s also a great first step for people who aren’t ready for a Home Care Package but want to start receiving some support.
There’s no income test for CHSP, but you may be asked to contribute a small fee towards the services you receive. The goal is to make support affordable and accessible to everyone who needs it.
How is CHSP Different from a Home Care Package?
The CHSP and Home Care Packages both offer help at home—but they’re designed for different levels of need. Here's a simple comparison:
CHSP Home Care Package (HCP)
Entry-level support For more complex or ongoing care
Pay-as-you-go Set budget for services
Choose services as needed Services coordinated by a provider
Quick access May involve a waiting period
May involve a waiting periodMay involve a waiting periodIf your needs change over time, you can move from the CHSP to a Home Care Package if eligible following an ACAS assessment.
How to Get Started
Getting support through the CHSP is easier than you might think. Here's how:
1. Register with My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to talk about your situation and arrange an assessment.
2. Have a Home Support Assessment
A friendly assessor will visit you at home (or talk with you over the phone) to understand your needs and goals.
3. Get matched with services
After your assessment, you can either:
o Be matched directly to a local provider, OR
o Be given a referral code to use later when you’re ready to start services
This means you can begin support straight away or wait until the time is right—the choice is yours.
What Will It Cost?
The CHSP is subsidised by the Australian Government, which means the cost to you is kept as low as possible.
You may be asked to pay a small fee for the services you receive. Each provider sets their own fees, and they should always explain costs upfront.
What’s Changing – and What’s Staying the Same (for now)
You might have heard that Australia’s aged care system is changing. From July 2025, a new program called Support at Home will begin to replace Home Care Packages and some other programs.
However, the CHSP will continue as it is until at least July 2027. That means if you’re eligible, you can still apply for CHSP services and receive support under the current system. There’s no need to rush—help is still available now and into the future.
Final Thoughts: A Helping Hand When You Need It
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is all about giving you the right help, at the right time—so you can continue living in your own home and community for as long as possible.
Whether it’s for yourself or someone you care about, taking the first step is simple and there’s support available every step of the way.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with a call to My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
You don’t have to wait until things get harder—help is available now. We’d love to help!
