What Is CHSP? A Guide To The Commonwealth Home Support Programme

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an Australian Government aged care program that provides entry-level support to older people who want to remain independent and safe at home. It can help with personal care, meals, transport, domestic tasks and social participation, depending on assessed needs and available services.

What Does The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Provide?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides entry-level aged care services that help eligible older people live safely and independently at home and in their community.

Supporting Independence At Home

CHSP focuses on enabling people to do as much as possible for themselves while providing practical assistance where needed. The type and amount of support depend on a person’s assessed needs and the services available through approved providers.

Support may help someone maintain daily routines, remain connected with their community and continue living in familiar surroundings.

CHSP Services & Support Options

Depending on individual needs, CHSP services may include:

Personal care and assistance with daily activities.
Domestic assistance and home maintenance.
Meal preparation and food services.
Transport and community access.
Social support and participation.
Respite and some nursing or allied health support.

The exact services available vary between providers and locations.

Who Is Eligible For CHSP Services?

CHSP eligibility depends on age, circumstances, care needs and an assessment through My Aged Care.

General CHSP Eligibility Requirements

Under current arrangements, new clients generally need to be aged 65 or over. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may generally access government-funded aged care from age 50. Specific eligibility provisions also apply to people aged 50 or over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Eligibility rules can change, so people should check their circumstances with My Aged Care rather than relying on older information online.

The Role Of An Aged Care Assessment

An aged care assessment determines whether CHSP is appropriate and identifies the types of support a person may need. If approved, the person receives an assessment outcome and can then connect with suitable CHSP providers.

What Types Of Support Can You Access Through CHSP?

CHSP can provide practical assistance across several areas, depending on the person’s approved support needs and the services offered locally.

Personal Care & Daily Living Support

Personal care may include assistance with activities such as showering, dressing, grooming and other everyday tasks. This support can help people maintain dignity and independence when certain activities become more difficult.

Domestic assistance may also help with essential household tasks, allowing older people to remain safely at home.

Meals, Transport & Community Support

CHSP may assist with meal preparation, food services and transport. Transport support can make it easier to attend appointments, access essential services or participate in community activities.

Social support is also important. Regular community participation and social contact can reduce isolation and encourage emotional wellbeing, confidence and healthy ageing.

Home Maintenance & Other Support

Depending on eligibility and local availability, support may include basic home maintenance, gardening or other practical assistance. These services can help address everyday tasks that may become challenging with age.

The purpose is not simply to complete tasks for someone, but to support their ability to remain independent and engaged.

How Does The CHSP Assessment & Application Process Work?

Accessing CHSP generally begins with My Aged Care, followed by an assessment and connection with an approved provider.

Starting Through My Aged Care

People can contact My Aged Care online or by phone to discuss their needs and arrange an assessment. Registration and assessment are required for government-funded aged care services under current arrangements.

Assessment & Service Approval

An assessor considers the person’s circumstances, abilities and support needs. The outcome identifies suitable services and provides information needed to access approved support.

Choosing A CHSP Provider

Once approved, a person can contact CHSP providers offering the required services. Availability, service types, fees and waiting periods can differ between providers, so it is useful to discuss these details before services begin.

How Much Does CHSP Cost & What Funding Is Available?

CHSP is government subsidised, but eligible clients may be asked to contribute towards the cost of their services.

Is the CHSP Government Funded?

Yes. The Australian Government provides subsidies to CHSP providers to help deliver approved services. CHSP funding supports access to entry-level aged care for eligible older people.

CHSP is currently continuing during the transition to the newer Support at Home program, with the CHSP transition not expected before 1 July 2027.

Understanding CHSP Fees & Contributions

Providers set their service prices and contribution arrangements. Contributions can depend on the type and amount of support and a person’s ability to pay. Providers must explain their fees before services start and have arrangements for people experiencing financial hardship.

CHSP does not require an income and assets assessment to access the programme.

CHSP Key Takeaways

CHSP provides practical, entry-level aged care support that can help eligible older Australians remain independent, safe and socially connected at home. Understanding what is CHSP, who can access it and how the assessment process works can make it easier for individuals and families to find appropriate support.

It is also important to distinguish CHSP from other aged care and education terms. The phrase “Commonwealth supported place” generally refers to subsidised university education, not CHSP aged care. Therefore, questions such as whether you have to pay back a Commonwealth supported place or whether everyone gets a Commonwealth supported place relate to higher education rather than the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is CHSP?

CHSP stands for Commonwealth Home Support Programme. It is an Australian Government aged care program providing entry-level support to eligible older people who need assistance to remain independent and safe at home. Services can include personal care, meals, transport, domestic assistance, social support and other practical services, depending on assessed needs and local provider availability.

What Is CHSP In Aged Care?

CHSP in aged care refers to government-subsidised entry-level support for older Australians who can generally continue living at home but need some assistance with daily activities. Access usually begins through My Aged Care and an aged care assessment. Approved clients can then connect with providers offering suitable services in their area.

Who Is Eligible For Commonwealth Supported Places?

“Commonwealth supported place” is generally a higher education term and should not be confused with CHSP aged care. It refers to a subsidised university or higher education place. Eligibility depends on Australian higher education rules and the course or institution involved, rather than CHSP eligibility requirements.

Do You Have To Pay Back Commonwealth Supported Place?

A Commonwealth supported place is different from CHSP. Students generally do not repay the government subsidy itself. However, they may have a student contribution amount, which can often be deferred through an approved student loan arrangement. The rules depend on the course, provider and current higher education requirements.

Does Everyone Get A Commonwealth Supported Place?

No. Commonwealth supported places are subject to eligibility requirements, course availability and institution-specific arrangements. This term relates to higher education rather than aged care. For CHSP, access is instead based on aged care eligibility, an assessment of support needs and the availability of appropriate services through providers.

What Is The Commonwealth Home Support Program Vs Home Care Packages?

CHSP was designed as an entry-level aged care program for people needing lower levels of support at home. Home Care Packages were replaced by Support at Home from 1 November 2025. CHSP continues during the transition period, with its transition to the newer system not expected before 1 July 2027.

Who Are Commonwealth Home Support Program Providers?

CHSP providers are organisations approved to deliver funded services under the programme. Different providers may offer different services, such as personal care, transport, meals, domestic assistance or social support. After an assessment, eligible people can contact suitable providers and discuss availability, costs, service arrangements and waiting periods.