Commonwealth Home Support Program

November 19, 2025

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): Aged Care Support

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is an important government-subsidized service in the Australian aged care system. It is designed to provide entry-level, ongoing support for older Australians who need some assistance to remain living independently and safely in their own homes and communities.

This program focuses on delivering support services that maintain an individual's independence, helping them stay active, and delaying or avoiding the need for high-level residential care. The CHSP works with clients to develop a care plan based on their specific support needs, emphasizing a restorative approach where clients are supported to safely keep doing things for themselves where they are able to.

Who is the CHSP for?

The CHSP is targeted at older people who are eligible for support to live independently at home. Generally, this includes people who are:

Aged 65 years and over.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older.
Homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and aged 50 years or over.

To access government-funded support through this program, potential clients must first apply for an assessment through the My Aged Care website or contact center. An assessment confirms eligibility and determines the types of services that will best meet the individual's needs.

Types of Support Services

The CHSP offers a wide array of services, categorized to address different areas of need, all aimed at helping recipients stay connected with their community and maintain their health. Service providers, which include government, non-government, and not-for-profit organizations, work directly with clients to deliver these supports.

Common services provided under the CHSP can include:

Help around the house: This covers domestic assistance like cleaning, laundry, and essential household chores that an older person may struggle with.
Personal Care: Assistance with daily tasks such as showering, dressing, and grooming.
Meals and Food Preparation: This can range from assistance with preparing meals at home to receiving delivered meals.
Home Adjustments and Modifications: Minor modifications to the home to improve safety and accessibility, such as installing rails or ramps.
Transport: Help getting to and from appointments, social outings, and essential errands. This keeps clients socially active and connected.
Social Support: Services focused on reducing isolation, including individual support or group activities.
Nursing and Allied Health: Access to professional services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or nursing care at home.
Planned Respite Care: The CHSP also supports carers by offering planned respite services for CHSP clients. This service allows carers to take a needed break from their care duties.

How Funding and Costs Work

CHSP providers receive government funding through grant agreements to deliver subsidised services. While the services are government-subsidized, clients are typically required to pay a contribution or fee towards the cost of the services received. This contribution varies between providers.

Before services begin, a service agreement must be established between the client and the provider, outlining the agreed-upon services and associated costs. The goal is for services to be affordable while maintaining the sustainability of the program, ensuring that older Australians receive the assistance they require without undue financial burden.

The Role of the CHSP in Aged Care

The CHSP acts as a crucial preventative measure within the broader aged care system. By offering smaller amounts of ongoing assistance, it significantly helps recipients stay independent in their homes for longer periods. This successful approach delays or avoids the need for more intensive, high-level care options.

The Australian government subsidised aged care system also includes programs for more complex needs, such as the Support at Home program, and residential aged care for those who can no longer live safely at home. The CHSP serves as the foundational, entry-level pathway for many people seeking government assistance to age well at home. Providers delivering CHSP services must adhere to specific responsibilities, including acting according to client needs and complying with ongoing program requirements and reforms, such as those related to the Aged Care Act 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I apply for the Commonwealth Home Support Program?

A: You must apply for an assessment through the My Aged Care website or by calling the My Aged Care contact center. They will determine your eligibility and service needs.

Q: What is the main difference between CHSP and other home care programs?

A: The CHSP provides entry-level, typically shorter-term or episodic support services, focused on maintaining independence. Other programs, like Home Care Packages, are generally for people with more complex or higher-level ongoing care needs.

Q: Do I have to pay for CHSP services?

A: Yes, while the program is government-subsidized, clients usually pay a contribution or fee towards the cost of their services. The specific amount will depend on the service provider.

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