What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)? A Simple Guide for Older Australians

LHH Admin
4 days ago
5 min read

What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is the Australian Government’s entry-level aged care program, designed to help older people stay independent at home for longer.

If you or a family member only need a small amount of help with daily tasks, CHSP is often the first place to start.

This guide explains:

What CHSP actually includes
Who it’s for (and who it’s not for)
How much it costs
How it compares to Support at Home
How to access it

What Is CHSP? (Plain English Explanation)

CHSP provides basic, low-level support services to help with everyday living.

It’s designed for people who:

Are mostly independent
Need occasional or light assistance
Want to stay in their own home

Think of it as “a little bit of help, a few times a week”, rather than ongoing or complex care.

What Services Does CHSP Cover?

CHSP services vary by provider and location, but typically include:

Help Around the Home

Cleaning
Laundry
Minor home maintenance

Personal Care

Showering
Dressing
Basic hygiene support

Meals & Food Support

Meal delivery
Help with preparing food

Transport

Trips to appointments
Shopping assistance

Social Support

Companionship
Group activities

Allied Health & Wellness

Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Exercise programs

Who Is CHSP For?

CHSP is generally suitable for:

Older Australians (typically 65+, or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
People who need low-level support only
Those not yet requiring coordinated or ongoing care

Who CHSP May Not Suit

CHSP may not be enough if someone:

Needs daily or intensive personal care
Has complex medical needs
Requires multiple services delivered regularly

In these cases, Support at Home is usually more appropriate.

CHSP vs Support at Home (SAH)

This is one of the most important distinctions to understand:

Feature	CHSP	Support at Home
Level of support	Low	Low, Medium, High
Structure	Individual services	Coordinated package
Flexibility	Limited	High
Funding	Small subsidies	Larger government funding
Best for	Occasional help	Ongoing care needs

Simple way to think about it:

CHSP = a few services when needed
SAH = a structured care plan with ongoing support

How Much Does CHSP Cost?

CHSP is government subsidised, but it is not completely free.

You may be asked to contribute a small fee per service, depending on:

The provider
The type of service
Your financial situation

These fees are usually:

Modest
Transparent
Much lower than private services

Importantly, you are not managing a budget, unlike Support at Home.

How to Apply for CHSP

Accessing CHSP starts through My Aged Care.

Step 1: Contact My Aged Care

Phone or online application

Step 2: Assessment

A simple in-home or phone assessment
Focused on your needs and daily living

Step 3: Referral to Providers

You’ll be connected with local service providers

How Long Does It Take?

CHSP is generally faster to access than Support at Home.

However, wait times can still vary depending on:

Your location
The service required
Local provider availability

When CHSP Is a Good Option

CHSP works well if:

You want light support without complexity
You’re just starting to need help
You want to stay independent with minimal intervention

When to Consider Moving Beyond CHSP

Over time, needs can change.

You may want to consider Support at Home if:

You need support more frequently
Care becomes more complex
Managing multiple services becomes difficult

A Common Mistake to Avoid

Many people wait too long to get assessed.

Even if you only need minimal help now, getting into the system early:

Makes future transitions easier
Helps you understand your options
Reduces stress later on

Finding the Right Support

Choosing the right provider matters, even for simple services.

If you’re unsure where to start, or want help understanding your options, Local Home Help is designed to make that process clearer.

Frequently Asked Questions About CHSP

Still have questions?Here are some of the most common things people ask about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

Is CHSP free in Australia?

No — the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is government subsidised, but not completely free.

Most people are asked to pay a small contribution per service, depending on the provider and type of support. These costs are usually modest compared to private services.

Who is eligible for CHSP?

CHSP is generally available to:

People aged 65 and over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Those who need low-level support to stay living at home
People who are still mostly independent

Eligibility is confirmed through an assessment via My Aged Care.

What is the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?

CHSP provides entry-level, individual services like cleaning, meals, or transport.

Support at Home is a broader, more structured program designed for people who need ongoing or higher levels of support.

In practice, many people:

Are assessed as needing Support at Home

Begin receiving CHSP-style services first

Transition into funded Support at Home services as funding becomes available

Why am I receiving CHSP services if I’ve been approved for Support at Home?

This is common.

Many people approved for Support at Home will:

Receive CHSP-coded services initially

Start getting support sooner while waiting for funding to be assigned

This helps avoid delays and ensures some level of care is in place early.

How do I apply for CHSP or Support at Home?

Both programs are accessed through My Aged Care.

The process includes:

Registering your details

Completing an assessment

Being approved for a level of support

Receiving referrals to providers

How long does it take to start receiving services?

CHSP services can often start relatively quickly, depending on availability.

If you are approved for Support at Home:

You may begin with CHSP services

Full funding and structured support may take longer to commence

Can I choose my own provider?

Yes — you can usually choose from approved local providers.

It’s worth taking the time to find a provider that:

Communicates clearly

Is reliable

Matches your needs

Even for basic services, provider fit matters. If you are unsure where to start, Liz can help.

Will I automatically move from CHSP to Support at Home?

Not automatically — but it’s a common pathway.

If your needs increase:

You may be reassessed

You may transition into a funded Support at Home arrangement

Being assessed early helps make this transition smoother.

Do I need to be means tested for CHSP?

CHSP does not involve the same level of means testing as higher-level care programs.

You may still pay small service fees, but the system is generally:

Simpler

Lower cost

Easier to access

When is CHSP not enough?

CHSP may not be suitable if:

You need daily or ongoing personal care

Your needs are becoming more complex

You require coordinated support across multiple services