The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is Australia’s largest entry-level aged care initiative, designed to help older Australians live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. It provides affordable, government-subsidised support for daily tasks such as housework, meal preparation, transport, home maintenance, and personal care.

Put simply, if you or a loved one is mostly independent but starting to find certain everyday activities challenging, the Commonwealth Home Support Program is the ideal first step before more comprehensive programs like Home Care Packages.

The CHSP operates on a “doing with you, not for you” approach — it’s about maintaining your independence while giving you the right level of support to live safely and confidently at home.

Administered by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the program provides funding to approved service providers who deliver care locally across all states and territories. These services help older Australians remain active, connected, and well-supported without needing to move into residential aged care.

Who the Commonwealth Home Support Program Helps

The CHSP is intended for older Australians who:

• Are aged 65 years or older (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
  
• Need basic, short-term or occasional help to live independently at home.
  
• Do not yet require intensive or ongoing care through a Home Care Package.
  

For many, the Commonwealth Home Support Program provides the reassurance of knowing help is available when needed — whether that’s getting to medical appointments, maintaining the garden, or ensuring the home remains safe.

It’s also designed to delay or reduce the need for higher-level care by supporting wellbeing, mobility, and social connection early on.

Services Funded Under the Commonwealth Home Support Program

The CHSP offers a wide range of entry-level support services tailored to help older Australians manage day-to-day life. Each service category has specific goals, but all are aimed at improving quality of life and independence.

Personal Care

Assistance with showering, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility — always delivered respectfully, maintaining privacy and dignity.

Domestic Assistance

Light household cleaning, laundry, and help with essential chores to keep your home safe and comfortable.

Meals and Nutrition

Includes meal delivery services, assistance with grocery shopping, or help preparing nutritious meals at home.

Transport

Transport to essential appointments, community events, or social activities — helping older people stay connected and avoid isolation.

Home Maintenance and Modifications

Basic repairs, safety checks, and minor modifications such as grab rails, non-slip mats, or improved lighting to prevent falls.

Social Support

Group and one-on-one activities to promote social participation, friendship, and emotional wellbeing.

Nursing and Allied Health Services

Entry-level nursing care (e.g., medication support, wound dressing) and allied health such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, or speech therapy.

Respite Care

Short-term breaks for carers, either in-home or through community centres, ensuring both the carer and the person receiving care get the support they need.

Flexible Support Options

Some CHSP providers offer flexible funding for short-term interventions — such as post-hospital recovery or temporary help after illness or injury.

Eligibility and How to Apply

Accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Program begins with a simple process through My Aged Care, the government’s central entry point for aged care services.

Step 1: Contact My Aged Care

You can call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register. The team will ask questions about your health, daily activities, and current support network to determine your suitability.

Step 2: Get an Assessment

If eligible, you’ll be referred for an in-home assessment by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS). This visit helps determine the types of services and level of support that best fit your needs.

The assessor will discuss your daily routine, mobility, social life, and home environment. It’s a collaborative conversation, not a test.

Step 3: Choose Your Provider

After assessment, you’ll receive an approval letter and referral codes for specific services. You can then choose from a list of approved Commonwealth Home Support Program providers in your area.

Providers vary across regions, so it’s worth comparing options based on experience, reliability, and cultural fit.

Step 4: Begin Services

Once you select a provider, your services can begin almost immediately — usually within days or weeks, depending on demand and local availability.

Understanding CHSP Costs and Client Contributions

The Commonwealth Home Support Program is heavily subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning older Australians only pay a small contribution towards service costs.

While there is no fixed national fee, CHSP operates on a co-contribution model — clients pay what they can reasonably afford. The exact amount depends on:

• The type of service received.
  
• Your financial situation.
  
• The provider’s individual pricing structure.
  

Providers must clearly communicate all fees and provide flexibility for those experiencing hardship. No eligible person should be denied services because of an inability to pay.

The co-payment approach ensures fairness, sustainability, and continued access for future generations of older Australians.

Rights and Responsibilities Under the CHSP

Every CHSP participant has the right to:

• Receive safe, high-quality aged care that respects their dignity and preferences.
  
• Be treated with respect, privacy, and cultural sensitivity.
  
• Receive clear, honest information about services and costs.
  
• Provide feedback or make complaints without fear of retaliation.
  
• Access advocacy support through independent bodies like the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN).
  

Providers, in turn, are required to:

• Follow the Aged Care Quality Standards.
  
• Uphold the Charter of Aged Care Rights.
  
• Deliver services ethically, transparently, and with full accountability.
  

How the Commonwealth Home Support Program Differs from Home Care Packages

While both programs help older Australians remain at home, they differ in scope, funding, and complexity.

Feature	Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)	Home Care Packages (HCP)
Care level	Entry-level support	Ongoing, more complex care
Funding	Government subsidy to providers	Government subsidy tied to an individual budget
Assessment	Regional Assessment Service (RAS)	Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
Service flexibility	A few basic services as needed	Full, customised package managed by recipient
Wait times	Shorter	Longer (due to national queue)
Goal	Maintain independence and prevent decline	Support ongoing care needs and stability

Many older Australians start with the CHSP and later transition to a Home Care Package when their needs increase. The two programs are complementary, not competing.

Reforms: The Move Towards the New Support at Home Program

Australia’s aged care system is undergoing major reform following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

The Support at Home Program, set to replace CHSP and Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025, aims to simplify access and ensure all home-based aged care operates under one unified framework.

What Will Change

• Simpler system: A single entry program instead of separate CHSP and HCP streams.
  
• Fairer contributions: Clearer fee and subsidy rules based on need and means.
  
• More choice and control: Older people can choose services that best suit them, without navigating multiple programs.
  
• Better outcomes: The focus shifts from administration to personal wellbeing and independence.
  

While the Commonwealth Home Support Program will continue operating until the new model begins, current participants will transition smoothly — with no loss of access or funding.

The Scale of the Commonwealth Home Support Program in Australia

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and GEN Aged Care Data, as of mid-2024:

• More than 840,000 older Australians receive CHSP services each year.
  
• Around 1,400 providers are funded to deliver CHSP services nationwide.
  
• The Australian Government invested over $3 billion annually in CHSP support.
  
• Demand continues to grow as Australia’s population ages — with 1 in 6 Australians now aged 65 and over.
  

These figures highlight the scale and importance of the Commonwealth Home Support Program as the foundation of Australia’s community-based aged care system.

Real-World Examples

Example 1 – Maintaining Independence:
Margaret, 79, lives alone in her family home in Brisbane. She can cook and manage finances but struggles with heavy housework. Through CHSP, she receives fortnightly domestic assistance and meal deliveries three times a week. These small supports mean she can stay safely in her home and remain socially active.

Example 2 – Supporting Carers:
George, 82, cares for his wife who has dementia. He uses CHSP-funded respite services twice a week so he can attend his own medical appointments and catch up with friends. The breaks reduce burnout and improve both their quality of life.

Example 3 – Community Connection:
Helen, 75, uses CHSP community transport to visit her local seniors’ centre. The program not only helps her attend physiotherapy but also reconnects her with peers — combating loneliness and depression.

Practical Tips for Families

• Start early: Don’t wait for a health crisis to explore support options. Early help prevents decline.
  
• Be honest in assessments: Understating difficulties can delay the right care.
  
• Compare providers: Look for consistent staff, transparent pricing, and clear communication.
  
• Use multiple supports: Combine CHSP help with informal care, social clubs, and exercise programs.
  
• Stay informed: Check My Aged Care and Department of Health websites for policy updates.
  
• Review regularly: Needs change; reassess services every 6–12 months.
  

Frequently Asked Questions About the Commonwealth Home Support Program

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Program?
It’s a government-funded program that provides entry-level support services to help older Australians live independently at home.

Who is eligible?
Older Australians aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) who need small amounts of assistance with daily tasks.

How much does it cost?
Most costs are subsidised by the government. You only pay a small contribution based on your ability to afford it.

Do I need an assessment?
Yes. A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessor will visit you at home to understand your needs and help match you with services.

Can I choose my provider?
Yes. You’ll receive referral codes and can select from approved providers in your local area.

Can I receive CHSP and Home Care Package services together?
In special cases, yes — such as when you need a service not covered in your package or during a transition period.

What if I can’t afford the fees?
Providers must offer hardship options. No one is denied essential services due to financial constraints.

Is CHSP being replaced?
Yes. The program will transition into the new Support at Home Program from 2025, combining CHSP, HCP, and other supports into one streamlined system.

Conclusion: Local Care and Support You Can Trust

The Commonwealth Home Support Program is one of Australia’s most important aged care initiatives, giving older people the chance to live safely and confidently at home with just the right level of support. From transport and meal delivery to nursing, allied health, and respite, CHSP provides practical help that makes everyday life easier while protecting independence and dignity.

If you’re considering CHSP services for yourself or a loved one, choosing the right aged care provider is essential. At Superior Care Group, we’re proud to support older Australians across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Redland City, Cleveland, Birkdale, and Victoria Point through our two beautiful communities — Wellington Park in Wellington Point and Merrimac Park on the Gold Coast.

With decades of experience, a compassionate team, and a full range of services including nursing care, ageing in place, respite care, and palliative care, Superior Care is here to help you navigate aged care with confidence. Whether you need guidance on the Commonwealth Home Support Program, eligibility, or long-term planning, our team is ready to support every step of the journey.

Contact us today to learn more or arrange a visit — and discover why so many Queensland families trust Superior Care Group for quality aged care close to home.