Can two people living in the same home both receive CHSP services?
Yes. Two people living in the same home can both receive Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services if each person has been individually assessed and approved. Eligibility is based on each person's own care needs, not on the household as a whole.
Key points
Two people living in the same home can both receive CHSP services.
Each person requires their own assessment and approval.
Household services such as cleaning may be considered differently where support can reasonably be shared.
Eligibility is based on individual needs rather than household status.
Living together does not automatically make one person responsible for all care.
Yes. It is possible for two people living in the same home, such as spouses, partners, siblings or housemates, to both receive CHSP services.
Each person must:
meet the CHSP eligibility requirements
complete their own aged care assessment
receive their own approvals and referrals through My Aged Care.
Being approved for CHSP services does not automatically make another person in the household eligible.
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01Guide sectionCan both people receive the same service?
Sometimes.
If both people have been assessed as needing support, they may both receive services such as:
personal care
meals
transport
social support
allied health services.
However, some household services require additional consideration.
02Guide sectionWhat about domestic assistance?
The CHSP Manual specifically notes that domestic assistance should take account of the household circumstances.
For example, if two eligible people live together, providers should consider:
which tasks benefit both people
whether some support can reasonably be shared
the individual needs and abilities of each person.
This means two people living together would not necessarily receive two completely separate cleaning services for the same household tasks.
The provider should assess what support is reasonable and appropriate for each person's circumstances. (health.gov.au)
03Guide sectionCan both people have different services?
Absolutely.
For example:
one person may receive domestic assistance and meals
the other may receive personal care and transport.
The services should reflect each person's individual goals, health conditions and support needs.
04Guide sectionWill living together affect eligibility?
Not usually.
However, assessors may consider:
whether another person in the household can safely assist
whether some tasks are already being managed by another household member
carer stress and sustainability.
Importantly, family members are not expected to provide unreasonable levels of care simply because they live together.
05Guide sectionWhat if both people have high support needs?
If both people have increasing or complex care needs, a reassessment may be appropriate to determine whether:
additional CHSP services are needed
Support at Home may be more suitable
respite services may be required.
06Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
If both people living in the home require support:
Contact My Aged Care and explain that both individuals need assistance.
Ensure each person has their own assessment and client record.
Ask providers how household services, such as cleaning, may be arranged.
Discuss any concerns about carer fatigue or increasing care needs.
If circumstances change, request a review rather than assuming current services will continue to meet everyone's needs.
07Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
08Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Eligibility and service arrangements depend on individual circumstances and assessments.
Official guidance:
The CHSP Manual specifically recognises that multiple people living in the same household may receive services, while noting that household services such as domestic assistance should consider shared living arrangements and individual circumstances.
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