Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) – What It Is, Who Is Eligible and How To Use It in 2026
Quick answer: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is Australia’s entry-level government-funded aged care programme that helps older Australians stay living at home safely and independently. It provides basic support services — domestic help, transport, meals, personal care, and allied health — to people aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) who need occasional or low-level assistance.
Important 2026 update: The CHSP will transition to the Support at Home programme no earlier than 1 July 2027. If you currently receive CHSP services, nothing changes yet — your services continue as normal until the transition occurs.
What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program — commonly referred to as the CHSP — is the Australian Government’s largest entry-level aged care initiative. It supports older Australians to live safely and independently in their own homes by providing subsidised help with everyday tasks that have become difficult to manage alone.
The CHSP is designed for people who are mostly independent but are starting to find certain daily activities — heavy housework, getting to appointments, preparing meals, maintaining the garden — genuinely difficult. It sits at the entry level of Australia’s aged care system, below the more intensive Home Care Package and Support at Home programmes.
The philosophy behind the Commonwealth Home Support Program is captured in a phrase the government uses: “doing with, not doing for.” The aim is not to create dependency but to provide just enough support to keep older Australians safe, active, and connected — delaying or avoiding the need to move into residential aged care.
The CHSP is administered by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging, and delivered by approximately 1,400 approved providers across every state and territory. More than 840,000 older Australians receive CHSP services each year — making it the most widely used program in Australia’s aged care system.
CHSP services
investment in CHSP
providers nationally
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What Does CHSP Stand For in Aged Care?
CHSP stands for Commonwealth Home Support Program. It is the standard abbreviation used by the Australian Government, My Aged Care, aged care providers, and families navigating the system. You will also see it written as “Commonwealth Home Support Program” — both spellings are used, though the official Australian Government name uses the Australian English spelling: Program.
In practice, “CHSP” and “Commonwealth Home Support Program” are used interchangeably. If someone refers to “CHSP services,” “CHSP funding,” “CHSP eligibility,” or “CHSP providers,” they are referring to the same Commonwealth Home Support Program.
CHSP Eligibility — Who Can Access the Commonwealth Home Support Program?
To access the Commonwealth Home Support Program, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Australian Government. CHSP eligibility is assessed through My Aged Care — the national gateway for all government-funded aged care services.
You ARE eligible for CHSP if:
- You are aged 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- You need entry-level or basic support to continue living safely in your own home
- You do not yet require the intensive, ongoing support of a Home Care Package or the Support at Home programme
- You live in Australia and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
- You have been assessed as needing CHSP services through a My Aged Care assessment
CHSP is generally NOT the right programme if:
- You need complex, ongoing, or high-intensity care — a Home Care Package or Support at Home programme is more appropriate
- You are under 65 and do not identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander — you may be eligible for NDIS or other state-based services
- You need permanent residential aged care — contact My Aged Care for an ACAT assessment
One important point about CHSP eligibility: younger people experiencing homelessness, or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are experiencing isolation, may also be eligible in certain circumstances — even if they are not yet 65. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your specific situation if you are unsure.
What Services Does the CHSP Cover?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program covers a broad range of entry-level services — all designed to help older Australians manage day-to-day life safely and comfortably at home. The specific services available vary by provider and location, but the main service categories funded under CHSP are:
How Much Is CHSP Funding? What Does It Cost?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program is heavily subsidized by the Australian Government — meaning the cost to you is significantly less than the true cost of the service. Here is how CHSP funding and costs work in practice.
Government CHSP funding
The Australian Government pays approved CHSP providers directly on your behalf. The funding amount per service depends on the type of service and the provider — but as a general guide, the Government contributes the majority of the cost. Across the program, the Government invests more than $3 billion annually to fund CHSP services for over 840,000 Australians.
Unlike Home Care Packages or the Support at Home programme, CHSP funding is not attached to an individual budget that you manage. Instead, the government funds providers to deliver specific services — and you access those services through your approved provider at a co-contribution rate.
Your co-contribution (what you pay)
CHSP operates on a co-contribution model — you pay a small share of the service cost based on what you can reasonably afford. There is no fixed national fee — the amount varies by:
| Service Type | Typical Client Contribution Range | Government Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic assistance | $5–$15 per hour | Majority of total cost |
| Personal care | $5–$15 per hour | Majority of total cost |
| Transport (per trip) | $3–$10 per trip | Majority of total cost |
| Meals (per meal) | $8–$12 per meal | Subsidy applied to delivery cost |
| Allied health / nursing | Varies by service type | Significant subsidy applied |
Hardship provisions
CHSP providers must offer hardship provisions — if you genuinely cannot afford the co-contribution, you must not be denied services. Speak directly with your provider about fee relief options. No eligible person should miss out on CHSP services because of financial hardship.
How to Apply for the Commonwealth Home Support Program
Applying for the Commonwealth Home Support Program involves a clear, government-managed process. Here is how it works step by step.
CHSP vs Home Care Packages — What Is the Difference?
One of the most common questions families ask is: What is the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Program and a Home Care Package? Both programs help older Australians live at home — but they are designed for very different levels of need.
| Feature | CHSP | Support at Home / Home Care Package |
|---|---|---|
| Care level | Entry-level, basic, occasional support | Moderate to complex, ongoing care |
| Who assesses | Regional Assessment Service (RAS) | Aged care needs assessor (new system) |
| Funding model | Government pays provider directly | Individual funding budget (Levels 1–8) |
| Annual funding | Entry-level subsidy (no individual budget) | $11,795 (Level 1) to $78,106 (Level 8) |
| Flexibility | Limited to specific approved services | Fully customised care plan |
| Wait times | Generally shorter | Can be longer depending on level |
| Best for | People who are mostly independent but need occasional basic help | People with ongoing, complex, or high-intensity care needs |
Many older Australians start with CHSP and transition to Support at Home when their care needs increase. The two programs are complementary — the CHSP is the entry point, and Support at Home is the next level. If your needs have grown beyond what CHSP can provide, contact My Aged Care to discuss an upgrade assessment.
CHSP on the Gold Coast and Brisbane — What Is Available?
In South East Queensland — including Brisbane, the Redlands, and the Gold Coast — the Commonwealth Home Support Program is delivered by a range of approved local providers. CHSP services available in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast include domestic assistance, personal care, transport, meals, allied health, and social support across suburban and regional areas.
To find CHSP providers near you in Brisbane, the Redlands, or on the Gold Coast, use the Find a Provider tool on myagedcare.gov.au — search by postcode and service type to see approved local providers. Alternatively, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask for a referral to approved CHSP providers in your area.
For families in South East Brisbane — including Wellington Point, Cleveland, Capalaba, Victoria Point, and surrounding areas — and on the Gold Coast — including Merrimac, Robina, Varsity Lakes, and Mudgeeraba — local CHSP providers are available across most service categories. Wait times and availability vary by service type and provider.
Considering residential care alongside CHSP?
If you or a family member is approaching the point where home-based support through CHSP is no longer sufficient, Superior Care Group operates two residential aged care homes in South East Queensland — Wellington Park in Wellington Point, Brisbane, and Merrimac Park on the Gold Coast. We offer respite care as a practical first step before any permanent decision is made. Contact us on (07) 3822 1876 (Wellington Park) or (07) 5618 1111 (Merrimac Park).
The CHSP Transition to Support at Home — What Does It Mean for You?
This is the question most CHSP recipients and their families are asking in 2026: Is the Commonwealth Home Support Program being replaced?
The answer is yes — eventually. The CHSP will transition into the new Support at Home program as part of the broader aged care reforms under the new Aged Care Act 2024. However, the timeline has been confirmed as no earlier than 1 July 2027 — and the Government has committed to providing substantial notice and transition support before any changes occur.
Rights and Responsibilities Under the CHSP
Every person receiving Commonwealth Home Support Program services has legally enforceable rights under the Statement of Rights (which replaced the old Charter of Aged Care Rights from 1 November 2025) and the Aged Care Code of Conduct.
Your rights as a CHSP recipient
- Safe, high-quality care that respects your dignity, privacy, and individual preferences
- Clear, honest information about services, costs, and your rights before services begin
- The right to choose your provider and change providers if you are not satisfied
- The right to make complaints free from reprisal — your services cannot change because you raised a concern
- Access to independent advocacy through the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) — call 1800 700 600
- Services delivered by workers who comply with the Aged Care Code of Conduct
Practical Tips for Getting the Most From CHSP
Many families contact My Aged Care only after a fall, hospitalisation, or health event. Accessing CHSP support earlier — when needs are still manageable — prevents decline and keeps options open. The sooner you register, the sooner support is in place.
Assessors can only recommend services for difficulties they know about. Understating problems to appear more capable often results in less support than needed. Describe your challenges on your worst days, not just your good days.
Not all CHSP providers deliver the same quality or consistency. Ask about staff turnover, whether you will have consistent support workers, how quickly they respond to concerns, and whether they can accommodate cultural or language preferences.
Needs change. If you find your current CHSP services are no longer sufficient, contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment. You may be eligible for additional services — or you may need to consider a Home Care Package or the Support at Home programme for more comprehensive support.
CHSP works best when combined with informal family support, community programmes, local council services, and social activities. It is not designed to be someone’s only form of support — it works as part of a broader network that keeps older people active, connected, and well.
Frequently Asked Questions — Commonwealth Home Support Program
What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is Australia’s entry-level government-funded aged care programme. It provides subsidised support services — domestic help, transport, meals, personal care, and allied health — to help older Australians aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) live safely and independently at home.
What does CHSP stand for in aged care?
CHSP stands for Commonwealth Home Support Programme. It is also commonly written as “Commonwealth Home Support Program” — both refer to the same Australian Government aged care programme. The official Australian English spelling uses “Programme.”
Who is eligible for CHSP?
CHSP eligibility requires you to be aged 65 or over (50 or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), live in Australia, and need basic, entry-level support to continue living safely at home. Eligibility is assessed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) through My Aged Care — call 1800 200 422.
How much is CHSP funding and what does it cost?
The Australian Government invests over $3 billion annually in CHSP and covers the majority of service costs. You pay a small co-contribution based on what you can afford — typically $5–$15 per hour for domestic or personal care, $3–$10 per trip for transport, and $8–$12 per delivered meal. No one is denied services because of financial hardship.
How do I apply for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register. You will be referred for an in-home assessment by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessor, who will recommend appropriate services. You then choose from approved CHSP providers in your area and services begin — often within days to weeks.
Is CHSP being replaced by Support at Home?
Yes — the CHSP will transition to the Support at Home programme, but no earlier than 1 July 2027. If you currently receive CHSP services, nothing changes yet. The government has committed to substantial notice and transition support before any changes occur.
What is the difference between CHSP and a Home Care Package?
CHSP is for people who need basic, entry-level, occasional support. Home Care Packages (now replaced by Support at Home for new recipients) are for people with more complex, ongoing care needs — with individual annual funding budgets ranging from $11,795 to $78,106. Many people start on CHSP and transition to Support at Home when their needs increase.
When CHSP Is No Longer Enough — What Comes Next
The Commonwealth Home Support Program is genuinely excellent at what it is designed to do — providing basic, early-intervention support that keeps older Australians safely and happily at home. But needs change. Health deteriorates. What began as occasional domestic help can become a daily reliance on multiple services. And there comes a point where home-based support, however well delivered, is no longer the right answer.
Recognizing that point — and acting on it before a crisis forces the decision — is one of the most important things a family can do. When CHSP services are no longer sufficient, the next steps are:
Contact My Aged Care for a reassessment — if your needs have grown, you may be eligible for the Support at Home program, which offers significantly more funding and a broader range of services. Call 1800 200 422 and ask for a reassessment.
Consider a respite care stay — if residential aged care is becoming a possibility, a short-term respite stay allows you and your family to experience a residential facility before making any permanent decision. It is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety around the transition.
At Superior Care Group, we support Queensland families at every stage of the aged care journey — including families navigating the transition from CHSP and home-based care into residential aged care. Our two Queensland residences — Wellington Park in Wellington Point, South East Brisbane, and Merrimac Park on the Gold Coast — offer emergency and planned respite care, aging-in-place support, and full permanent residential care. We are always available to answer questions about the CHSP, the transition to Support at Home, or what residential aged care involves — no obligation, no pressure.
Questions About CHSP or Aged Care in Queensland?
We can help you understand your options — no obligation.
Wellington Park — Wellington Point, Brisbane South East | (07) 3822 1876
Merrimac Park — Merrimac, Gold Coast | (07) 5618 1111
