What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)? A Simple Guide for Older Australians
A plain-English guide to CHSP: what it covers, who it is for, costs, how it differs from Support at Home and how to access it.
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.
What is CHSP?
CHSP provides basic, low-level support services to help with everyday living. It is designed for people who are mostly independent, need occasional or light assistance and 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 can include:
- cleaning, laundry and minor home maintenance
- showering, dressing and basic hygiene support
- meal delivery and food preparation
- transport to appointments and shopping
- social support and group activities
- physiotherapy, occupational therapy and exercise programs
Who is CHSP for?
CHSP is generally suitable for older people who need low-level support only and are not yet requiring coordinated or ongoing care.
Who may need more than CHSP?
CHSP may not be enough if someone needs daily or intensive personal care, has complex medical needs or requires multiple services delivered regularly. In these cases, Support at Home may be more appropriate.
CHSP vs Support at Home
CHSP generally provides individual entry-level services. Support at Home is designed for more structured or ongoing support and provides a larger, coordinated funding arrangement.
A simple way to think about it:
- CHSP = a few services when needed
- Support at Home = 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, service and your circumstances.
How to apply for CHSP
Access starts through My Aged Care. The process usually involves contacting My Aged Care, completing an assessment and receiving referrals to local providers.
How long does it take?
CHSP can be faster to access than higher-level support, but wait times vary by location, service required and local provider availability.
When CHSP is a good option
CHSP can work well if you want light support without complexity, are just starting to need help or want to stay independent with minimal intervention.
When to consider moving beyond CHSP
Consider a reassessment if support is needed more frequently, care becomes more complex or coordinating 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 can make future transitions easier and reduce stress later.
Frequently asked questions
Is CHSP free?
No. It is subsidised, but small service contributions can apply.
Can I choose my own provider?
You can usually choose from approved local providers, subject to availability.
Will I automatically move from CHSP to Support at Home?
Not automatically. If needs increase you may be reassessed and transition into higher-level support.
When is CHSP not enough?
It may not be suitable if you need daily personal care, complex support or coordinated services across multiple areas.
Final thoughts
CHSP is often the first step into aged care, and for some people it is all they need for years. Understanding it early can help you stay independent and make better decisions before support becomes urgent.