How long can I receive CHSP services?
There is no fixed time limit for receiving CHSP services. You can continue receiving services for as long as you remain eligible and the support continues to meet your needs. Some people receive CHSP services for a short period, while others may receive support for many years.
Key points
There is no fixed time limit for CHSP services.
Some people receive support for months, while others receive services for many years.
Your services should be reviewed if your circumstances change.
CHSP may no longer be suitable if your needs become more complex.
CHSP currently continues for lower-level support needs and is expected to remain in place until at least July 2027.
Unlike some short-term programs, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme does not automatically end after a set period.
How long you receive CHSP services depends on:
your ongoing support needs
whether CHSP remains the most appropriate program for you
changes in your health or circumstances
whether your services continue to help you achieve your goals.
Many people receive CHSP services for several years, particularly where they only need help with one or two everyday tasks, such as cleaning, meals, transport or social support. Others may only need support for a short period following illness, injury or hospitalisation.
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01Guide sectionWill my services be reviewed?
Yes.
CHSP providers are expected to regularly review whether the services you receive are still appropriate.
Reviews may occur if:
your health changes
you experience falls or hospital admissions
your support needs increase
your family circumstances change
your goals or preferences change.
The aim is to ensure you are receiving the right level of support at the right time.
02Guide sectionCan CHSP services stop?
Possibly.
CHSP services may cease if:
you no longer require support
your circumstances improve and services are no longer needed
you choose to stop services
you move into residential aged care
your needs become too complex for CHSP and another program becomes more appropriate.
For example, if you begin needing multiple coordinated services, regular nursing or more intensive support, you may be reassessed for Support at Home. This does not mean you have done anything wrong or that support is being taken away. It simply means another program may better meet your needs.
03Guide sectionIs CHSP intended to be temporary?
Not necessarily.
CHSP can provide:
short-term support, such as help after illness or hospitalisation
ongoing support, where a person continues to benefit from entry-level assistance.
The program is designed to help people maintain independence and remain living safely at home for as long as possible.
04Guide sectionWill CHSP end because of Support at Home?
No.
Current government policy is that CHSP will continue for current and new clients with lower-level support needs until at least 1 July 2027, with transition arrangements to be determined in the future. Current clients should continue receiving services during this period.
05Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Talk to your provider if you are unsure whether your current services remain appropriate.
Ask questions such as:
Are my needs changing?
Should I request a reassessment?
Would additional services help me remain independent?
Is CHSP still the right program for me?
If your circumstances have changed significantly, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss whether a review or reassessment is appropriate.
06Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
07Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
How long you receive CHSP services depends on your individual circumstances and ongoing eligibility.
Official guidance:
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-programs/commonwealth-home-support-program
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/booklet-your-guide-commonwealth-home-support-program
The Australian Government states that CHSP can provide both ongoing and short-term assistance, depending on a person's circumstances and support needs.
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