Government-funded aged care starts with an assessment.
Living independently
What help can I get to stay living at home?
Government-funded support can help with personal care, cleaning, nursing, allied health, transport, equipment, home modifications and other assessed needs.
Practical guidanceUnderstand the options before making the decision.
At a glance
What to know first
CHSP and Support at Home are different programs for different levels and types of need.
Support should be based on what helps you remain safe and independent, not simply your age.
The practical detail
Work through the part that matters to you.
Start with My Aged Care
For most people, the gateway to government-funded aged care is My Aged Care. An assessment looks at what is becoming difficult, what support is already available and what services may help.
CHSP can provide entry-level support
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides entry-level help for people who need a smaller amount of support to stay independent at home. Services and availability vary by area.
Support at Home is for ongoing assessed needs
Support at Home provides government-funded services based on an assessed support plan and classification. It can include clinical support, independence services and everyday living assistance.
Equipment and home changes can be part of the plan
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme sits within Support at Home and provides separate funding for approved equipment and home modifications based on assessed need.
Check the current rules
Official sources used for this guide.
Government rules and thresholds can change. These links take you to the source material used to prepare this page.
My Aged Care
My Aged Care
Check the current government information before relying on eligibility, rates or rules.
Open official source →Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and AgeingSupport at Home
Check the current government information before relying on eligibility, rates or rules.
Open official source →Related Later Life guides
Keep going only where it is useful.
Care & support
Government help with home modifications and equipment
If changes to your home or equipment would make daily life safer or easier, the Support at Home Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme may help when the need is assessed and approved.
Read guide →Care & supportWhat support is available for carers?
If you provide unpaid care for an older family member or friend, there are supports for you as well as for the person receiving care.
Read guide →When general information is not enough
Talk it through with Liz.
Liz can help connect the general rules to the care and support questions in your own situation. For legal, tax or financial decisions, she will point you back to the appropriate professional or government source.