CHSP Explained: What the Commonwealth Home Support Program Covers and Costs
By FindMyHelp Editorial Team · Reviewed against official sources on
Sometimes an older person doesn't need a big care package. They just need a bit of help: someone to mow the lawn, a lift to the doctor, a few meals a week, or a hand in the shower. That's what the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is for. This guide explains who can get it, what it covers, what it costs, and how to find a provider.
What is CHSP?
CHSP is the Australian Government's entry-level home support program. It helps older people get support services so they can live independently and safely at home. My Aged Care says CHSP "works with you to maintain your independence rather than doing things for you" (My Aged Care – CHSP).
CHSP isn't going away. In August 2026 the government extended CHSP for another two years, to 30 June 2029 (My Aged Care news, 21 August 2026).
CHSP or Support at Home?
CHSP is for people who need a little help. If your needs are more complex, your assessment may approve you for the Support at Home program instead (My Aged Care). You don't choose which program you go into. The aged care assessment decides.
Who is eligible for CHSP?
To be eligible, you must be (My Aged Care):
- 65 years or older, or
- an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or older, or
- homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and aged 50 or older.
You'll also need an aged care assessment to confirm what help you need. My Aged Care has an online tool to check whether you meet the requirements before you apply.
What services does CHSP cover?
CHSP providers can offer a range of services. These are the examples My Aged Care lists (My Aged Care – Connecting with CHSP providers):
| Service | Examples |
|---|---|
| Transport | Lifts to appointments and activities |
| Domestic help | House cleaning, washing clothes |
| Personal care | Help with showering or dressing |
| Home maintenance | Changing light bulbs, gardening |
| Home adjustments | Installing a grab rail |
| Equipment | Bath seat, raised toilet seat, mobility aids |
| Meals | Meals, help with food preparation, cooking skills |
| Nursing | Wound care, help with medicines |
| Allied health | Podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy |
| Social support | Accompanied activities, group outings |
| Respite | Care for you while your carer takes a break |
You can use different providers for different services. For example, one organisation might do your gardening and another your transport (My Aged Care).
How much does CHSP cost?
CHSP is subsidised by the government, so you only ever pay part of the cost. Here's how it works, according to My Aged Care's CHSP costs page:
- You pay a contribution if you can afford to. You'll never be asked to cover the full cost.
- Prices vary by provider and service. Simple services such as meals "might cost a small amount". Complex jobs such as home modifications cost much more.
- You usually pay an hourly rate for services on the days you get them. There are no exit fees or other fees.
- No income and assets assessment is needed for CHSP. Your provider will ask you to contribute if you can afford to (My Aged Care – Agreeing to CHSP services).
- Every CHSP provider must have a client contribution policy. Providers must be open about their fees, tell you what you might pay, keep track of your contributions so you don't end up in financial hardship, and explain your rights and how to complain.
- Services don't start until you agree to the fee. It's written into your service agreement.
- Can't afford it? That doesn't mean you'll miss out. Providers have policies to protect people who are least able to pay, so talk to your provider.
- Your pension isn't affected. The government pays the subsidy directly to the provider, not to you.
Questions to ask about cost
My Aged Care suggests comparing (My Aged Care):
- what you'll contribute
- what's included in the service
- whether prices differ between weekdays and weekends
- whether the provider delivers the service itself or subcontracts to another company.
How to get CHSP: step by step
Step 1: Apply for an assessment
Apply online at My Aged Care, call 1800 200 422, or book an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer on 1800 227 475 (My Aged Care – How to get assessed).
Step 2: Get your assessment outcome
If you're eligible, you'll get an assessment outcome letter (sometimes called a "Notice of Decision") and a support plan. The support plan lists a referral code for each service you're approved for (My Aged Care – Assessment outcome: CHSP).
Step 3: Connect with a provider
There are two ways this happens:
- Your assessor refers you. With your consent, they send a referral to a provider, who then contacts you.
- You refer yourself. Search with My Aged Care's Find a provider tool, then give your chosen provider your referral code.
Lost your code? You can find it in your My Aged Care Online Account. If you change providers, you'll need to reactivate the code, either online or by calling 1800 200 422.
Step 4: Agree to services
Your provider will give you a service agreement and develop a care and services plan with you (My Aged Care – Agreeing to CHSP services). The agreement covers:
- your services
- what you'll contribute
- your rights and responsibilities, and the provider's
- how to make a complaint.
Your care and services plan can include your preferences, such as the gender of your care workers, preferred days and times, and cultural needs. You don't have to sign straight away. If you can't sign for physical or medical reasons, you can agree verbally.
If you use several CHSP providers, you'll need a service agreement with each one.
How long will it take?
You need to be assessed first. After that, it depends on whether local providers have the service available. Some providers keep a waitlist, and people with the highest needs are offered services first (My Aged Care). It's worth contacting a few providers and asking about availability.
Your rights under CHSP
- Your provider must give you a copy of the Code of Conduct for Aged Care and the Statement of Rights.
- Once you've entered into an agreement, your provider must keep delivering your services for as long as you need them. This is called continuity of care. If they can't continue for their own reasons, they must help you find a new provider (My Aged Care).
- Free advocacy: The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) can help you understand your agreement or sort out problems. Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.
- Interpreters: Call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Frequently asked questions
What does CHSP stand for?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program. It's the Australian Government's entry-level aged care program for help at home.
Who is eligible for CHSP?
People aged 65 or older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 or older, and people aged 50 or older who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You also need an aged care assessment (My Aged Care).
Is CHSP free?
Not usually. It's subsidised, and you contribute if you can afford to. Each provider sets its own prices under its client contribution policy. You'll never pay the full cost, and you won't be refused help just because you can't pay.
Is CHSP ending?
No. It has been extended to 30 June 2029. The government will consult on a long-term design for entry-level home support.
Can I use more than one CHSP provider?
Yes. You can use a different provider for each service, with a separate service agreement for each.
Does CHSP affect my pension?
No. Subsidies are paid to providers, not to you, so your pension isn't affected (My Aged Care).
What's the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?
CHSP is entry-level help, often one or two services. Support at Home is for more complex needs, with an individual budget. Your assessment decides which one you're approved for.
Find CHSP providers near you
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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always check My Aged Care for your situation.