The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps older Australians live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible.

Through CHSP, you can receive support with everyday tasks that may have become harder to manage on your own.

These services are subsidized by the Australian Government, which means you only pay a small contribution towards the cost of your care.

What Services Can CHSP Help With?

CHSP can provide a range of supports depending on your needs, including:

  • Domestic assistance – help with cleaning, laundry, and household tasks

  • Personal care – assistance with showering, dressing, and grooming

  • Transport – help getting to medical appointments or shopping

  • Meals – meal preparation or delivered meals

  • Home maintenance & modifications – small repairs or safety improvements

  • Social support – companionship or help attending community activities

  • Respite care – giving carers a short break

Your supports are arranged after an assessment by the ACAT or Regional Assessment Service, depending on your situation.

You Can Have Different Providers for Different Services

One of the benefits of CHSP is flexibility.

You are not required to use one provider for all your services.

For example, you may choose:

  • One provider for cleaning

  • A different provider for transport

  • Another organization for social support or meals

This allows you to select providers who best meet your needs for each type of support.

Client Contributions

CHSP services are government subsidized, but most providers ask for a small client contribution.

The contribution amount can vary depending on:

  • The type of service

  • The provider delivering the service

  • Your financial circumstances

Examples may include small fees for:

  • Cleaning services

  • Transport assistance

  • Delivered meals

These contributions help providers continue delivering services to the community.

Importantly:

  • No one should be refused services if they cannot afford the contribution.

  • If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can discuss this with your provider.

How to Access CHSP Services

To access CHSP services, you usually need to:

  1. Register with My Aged Care

  2. Complete an assessment to determine what supports you need

  3. Receive a referral for services in your area

  4. Choose the providers you would like to deliver your supports