Your Guide to the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
As we age, staying independent and comfortable at home becomes increasingly important. The Australian Government developed the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to help older people live safely and confidently at home by providing practical, personalised support.
Who is CHSP for?
CHSP supports people aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need some assistance with daily tasks but don’t require more intensive care. It’s ideal for those who want to maintain their independence and stay connected with their community.
What services does CHSP offer?
The programme provides a range of essential services, including:
Home Support:
- Help with cleaning, laundry, and housework
- Personal care like assistance with showering and dressing
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Transport to medical appointments or social activities
- Home maintenance and small repairs
- Support for people managing hoarding or clutter
- Respite care, both in the community and at home
- Nursing care
- Allied health and therapy services like physiotherapy and podiatry
- Social support and opportunities to stay connected with others
- Therapeutic services that help people stay independent
Assistive Technology:
- Equipment and devices that make daily tasks easier
Home Modifications:
- Changes to your home to improve safety and accessibility
These services can be short-term, occasional, or ongoing, depending on your needs.
How does CHSP work?
Local providers deliver CHSP services with funding from the Australian Government. When you’re ready to get started, an assessor will chat with you to understand what kind of support you need. Based on that, they’ll help you put together a personalised plan with the right services at the right time.
What is the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?
While both CHSP and Support at Home services aim to help older Australians live independently, they cater to different levels of need.
- CHSP offers lighter, entry-level support for everyday tasks and is usually short-term or occasional.
- Support at Home (also known as Home Care Packages) provides more comprehensive, ongoing care for people with higher or more complex needs, including nursing and specialised health support.
Both programs work together to ensure you get the right level of care.
What’s new with CHSP?
The government has recently updated CHSP services to better align with the Support at Home program. This update is part of preparing for the changes coming with the new Aged Care Act, starting 1 November 2025.
Some CHSP providers also offer special advisory and sector support services to help people understand their care options and assist other aged care providers during this transition. These supports will continue until mid-2026.
For more information on the updated services, you can check the official CHSP service catalogue under CHSP Reforms.
How can I access CHSP services?
The first step to accessing CHSP is to give My Aged Care a call or visit their website. They’ll guide you through what to do next. They will help you through the assessment process and connect you with services in your local area. Family members and carers can also assist with making enquiries.
Home Care
