How do I apply for Commonwealth Home Support Programme services?
To apply for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services, you need to contact My Aged Care and complete an aged care assessment. If you are found eligible, you will receive approval for specific services and can then choose a suitable provider.
Key points
You apply for CHSP through My Aged Care.
An aged care assessment is required before services can be approved.
If approved, you will receive a support plan and referral codes.
You can choose your own provider and compare different organisations.
Provider waiting lists may affect how quickly services begin.
If your needs are more complex, Support at Home may be more appropriate.
Applying for CHSP services usually involves four main steps.
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01Guide sectionStep 1: Contact My Aged Care
The first step is to contact My Aged Care.
You can:
call 1800 200 422
apply online through the My Aged Care website
ask a family member, friend, GP or healthcare professional to help you.
My Aged Care will ask questions about:
your health
daily activities
living arrangements
support from family or carers
the difficulties you are currently experiencing.
02Guide sectionStep 2: Complete an aged care assessment
If it appears that government-funded aged care may help, an assessment will be arranged.
The assessment considers:
what tasks you can manage independently
areas where support may help you remain living safely at home
your personal goals and preferences
whether CHSP or another program, such as Support at Home, may be more appropriate.
During the assessment, you may be asked about:
cleaning and household tasks
meals and nutrition
mobility and falls
personal care
memory or cognition
social isolation
support available from family members.
03Guide sectionStep 3: Receive your assessment outcome
If you are approved for CHSP services, you will receive:
a Notice of Decision letter
a support plan
information about the services you have been approved for
referral codes for each approved service.
Approval does not automatically mean services will start immediately, as providers may have waiting lists.
04Practical actionStep 4: Choose a provider
Once approved, you can:
ask your assessor to refer you to providers
search for providers yourself
compare providers based on fees, waiting times and services offered
choose the provider that best suits your needs.
You do not have to accept the first provider you speak with.
05Guide sectionWho can apply?
You may be eligible if you are:
aged 65 years or older
an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 years or older
aged 50 years or older and homeless or at risk of homelessness.
You must also meet Australia's residency requirements for government-funded aged care.
06Guide sectionWhat information should I have ready?
It can be helpful to have:
your Medicare card
contact details for your GP
information about your medications and health conditions
details of any support you currently receive
information about family members or representatives involved in your care.
07Guide sectionWhat if my needs are urgent?
If there is an immediate risk to your health or safety, tell My Aged Care when you make contact.
In some situations, urgent referrals or priority assessments may be available.
08Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
If you think you may need support:
Make a list of the everyday tasks that have become difficult.
Consider what goals are most important to you, such as remaining independent, reducing falls or getting help with meals.
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online.
If you are helping a parent, partner or friend, ask whether they would like you to be recorded as a representative so you can assist with future conversations.
09Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
https://www.localhomehelp.com.au/lizquestions/how-do-i-apply-for-an-aged-care-assessment
10Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Application processes and eligibility rules can change. Always confirm your circumstances with My Aged Care.
Official guidance:
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