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Understanding CHSP Aged Care

The Commonwealth Home Support Program, or CHSP, provides entry-level government-funded aged care services for older Australians who need a little extra help to stay safe and independent at home.

CHSP can support you with approved services such as help around the home, personal care, transport, meals, nursing, allied health and respite.

Who is Eligible for CHSP?

An aged care assessment through My Aged Care determines whether CHSP is the right program for your needs.

You may be eligible to be assessed if you:

Are Aged 65 or Older

And are finding some everyday activities harder to manage independently.

Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and Aged 50 or Older

You can access aged care assessment pathways from an earlier age.

Are Aged 50 or Older and Experiencing Homelessness

Older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may also be eligible.

Your assessment looks at the help you need at home. If your needs are more complex or intensive, you may instead be approved for Support at Home.

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Program?

CHSP is designed for older people who are generally managing independently but could benefit from a smaller amount of support with everyday activities.

Rather than receiving an individual ongoing care budget, you are assessed and approved for specific CHSP services based on your needs.

CHSP is generally suited to people who need a lower level of assistance rather than regular, coordinated or more complex care.

Depending on your assessed needs, CHSP services may be provided on a short-term, episodic or ongoing basis.

The program is designed to help you continue doing as much as possible for yourself, while providing support where you need it.

What Services Can CHSP Cover?

The services available to you depend on what has been approved through your aged care assessment and what CHSP services are available in your area.

Help at Home

Domestic assistance, laundry, shopping support, meals, gardening, home maintenance and repairs.

Personal Support

Personal care, transport, social support and community engagement.

Health Support

Approved nursing, allied health and therapy services, including services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry.

Respite Care

Planned respite services can provide support for you while giving your regular carer a break.

Home Safety & Equipment

Some assistive technology, equipment, home adjustments and home modifications may also be available where approved.

How Does CHSP Work?

1

Apply Through My Aged Care

Start by checking your eligibility and requesting an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.

2

Have Your Assessment

An assessor will talk with you about how you’re managing at home and identify the types of support that may help.

3

Receive Your CHSP Approval

If you’re approved for CHSP, your Notice of Decision and support plan will outline the services you’re eligible to receive. You may receive separate referral codes for different approved services.

4

Find a CHSP Provider

You then need to find a registered provider in your area that is funded to deliver the particular CHSP service you’ve been approved for. You may use different providers for different CHSP services.

Check Your Eligibility

How Much Does CHSP Cost?

CHSP is government subsidised, but it does not necessarily mean your services are free.

You May Need to Contribute

CHSP clients are expected to contribute towards the cost of their services where they can afford to do so.

Costs Vary Between Providers

The amount you pay depends on the service and the provider you choose. Providers must explain their contribution policy and agree fees with you before services begin.

No Income and Assets Assessment

Unlike Support at Home, CHSP does not use the same income and assets assessment process to set participant contribution percentages.

If you’re unable to afford the requested contribution, providers have arrangements in place to ensure financial hardship does not automatically prevent access to services.

CHSP vs Support at Home

Both programs help older Australians remain living at home, but they are designed for different levels of care.

CHSP Support at Home
Type of support Entry-level support Ongoing, coordinated or more complex support
Funding structure Approval for specific services Individual funding classification and budget
Funding levels No individual classification budget 8 ongoing funding classifications
Providers Providers must be funded for the specific CHSP service in your area Choose a registered Support at Home provider
Costs Client contributions set by CHSP providers Participant contributions based on service type and financial circumstances
Best suited to People needing a smaller amount of help People needing broader, ongoing or higher-level care

What if CHSP is No Longer Enough?

Your needs can change. If you’re receiving CHSP and now need more frequent care, additional services or more coordinated support, contact My Aged Care to discuss whether you should be reassessed.

A reassessment may determine that Support at Home is more appropriate for your current needs.

Need More Support Than CHSP Can Provide?

CHSP can be a great option when you need a smaller amount of help at home. But if your needs have increased, you don’t have to stay with the same level of support. HCA Home Care specialises in Support at Home and can help you understand your options once you’ve been approved for broader government-funded home care.

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