Do I need to be an Australian citizen to receive CHSP services?
No, not necessarily. You do not have to be an Australian citizen to access Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services. However, you generally need to be an Australian resident and meet the eligibility requirements for government-funded aged care. Permanent residents and some New Zealand citizens may also be eligible.
Key points
You do not need to be an Australian citizen to receive CHSP services.
Permanent residents and some New Zealand citizens may also be eligible.
You generally need to live in Australia and meet aged care residency requirements.
Temporary visitors are usually not eligible for government-funded aged care.
Interpreter services and support representatives are available.
No. Australian citizenship is not a requirement for accessing CHSP services.
To receive government-funded aged care, including CHSP, you generally need to:
meet the age requirements
live in Australia
be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold an eligible visa status
complete an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.
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01Guide sectionWho may be eligible?
You may be eligible if you are:
an Australian citizen living in Australia
an Australian permanent resident living in Australia
a Protected Special Category Visa holder from New Zealand
another person who meets the residence requirements under Australian aged care legislation.
In addition, you generally need to be:
aged 65 years or older, or
an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 years or older, or
homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 years or older.
02Guide sectionWhat if I am on a temporary visa?
People visiting Australia on temporary visas are generally not eligible for Australian Government-funded aged care services.
If you do not meet the residency requirements, you may still be able to access private home care services, but you would usually need to pay the full cost yourself.
03Guide sectionWhat if English is not my first language?
You do not need to speak English to access CHSP services.
My Aged Care can arrange:
telephone interpreter services
translated information
culturally appropriate assessment support where available.
You may also nominate a family member or representative to help communicate with My Aged Care and providers.
04Guide sectionWhat if I am unsure about my residency status?
Residency rules can sometimes be complicated, particularly for:
recent migrants
certain New Zealand citizens
people holding humanitarian or special visa categories
people who spend significant time overseas.
If you are unsure, My Aged Care can discuss your circumstances and advise whether you meet the requirements for an assessment.
05Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
If you think you may be eligible, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask:
Do I meet the residency requirements?
Can I proceed with an aged care assessment?
What documents do I need to provide?
Are interpreter services available?
Before calling, it may be helpful to have:
your passport
visa information
Medicare details (if applicable)
proof that Australia is your usual place of residence.
If you are not eligible for government-funded aged care, ask about private home care options in your local area.
06Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
07Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, age and residency status.
Official guidance:
The Australian Government advises that people who do not meet the eligibility requirements for government-funded aged care may still access services privately.
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