Search plain-English answers to common aged care questions. You do not need to learn the whole system first. Find the issue in front of you and start there.
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Usually not, but there are limited exceptions. A Support at Home participant may also receive certain CHSP services, such as an existing CHSP social support group, additional respite, vision advisory services, short-term emergency support, or help with hoarding and squalor. Approval and assessment requirements apply.
Yes, in limited circumstances. If waiting for an assessment would create a significant risk of harm, My Aged Care, an assessment organisation or an Aged Care Specialist Officer may refer you directly to a CHSP provider for urgent services. You must still complete an aged care assessment afterward.
A CHSP referral code is a unique code issued by My Aged Care after you have been assessed and approved for Commonwealth Home Support Program services. It allows an approved provider to view your referral details and begin arranging services.
Yes. You can use more than one Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider if different organisations provide different services or if one provider cannot meet all of your needs. You will usually need a separate service agreement with each provider.
Yes. CHSP providers can place people on a waiting list if they do not currently have capacity to deliver services. Being approved for CHSP services does not guarantee immediate access to a provider or immediate commencement of services.
Usually, yes. Most people receiving Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services are asked to make a contribution toward the cost of their care if they can afford to do so. However, CHSP services are heavily subsidised by the Australian Government, and you will not be asked to pay the full cost of your approved services.
If CHSP no longer provides enough support for your needs, you can request a review or reassessment through My Aged Care. You may be approved for Support at Home, which is designed for people who need more coordinated, intensive or complex care.
Wellness and reablement are approaches used under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to help people maintain or improve their independence, rather than simply doing tasks for them. The focus is on helping you continue doing as much as possible for yourself for as long as possible.
Your CHSP provider may encourage you to do some tasks yourself because the program follows a wellness and reablement approach. The aim is to help you maintain your independence, confidence and abilities for as long as possible, rather than becoming dependent on support where it may not be necessary.
Yes. If you are assessed and approved for these services, CHSP may help fund eligible equipment, assistive technology and home adjustments that support safety and independence. Equipment and products are capped at $1,000 per client per financial year, while the government contribution toward home adjustments is capped at $15,000 per client per financial year. You may need to pay a client contribution and any cost above the applicable cap.
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.
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.
If your needs become urgent while waiting for CHSP services, contact My Aged Care as soon as possible and explain what has changed. You may be eligible for an urgent reassessment, additional referrals or temporary support services.
Yes, CHSP may help with entry-level support after you leave hospital if you are assessed and approved for suitable services. However, CHSP is not a hospital discharge or rehabilitation program. If you need coordinated short-term recovery support, the Transition Care Program may be more appropriate.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level support services to help older people remain independent and continue living safely at home. Services may include cleaning, meals, personal care, transport, allied health, nursing, social support, respite, equipment and home modifications.
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.
Yes. In most cases, you can choose which Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider delivers your services. You are not required to accept the first provider you are referred to and may compare providers before deciding which organisation best suits your needs.
Start by raising the issue with your CHSP provider and asking them to resolve it. Making a complaint should not affect your services. If the problem continues, you can seek free advocacy support, complain to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, or change providers.
Yes. You can change CHSP providers at any time if another provider is a better fit. Your current provider must support the change, although you may need new or reactivated referral codes before the new provider can begin 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.
