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As Australians age, maintaining independence while living safely at home becomes a priority. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps older people stay active, supported, and connected in their own homes.
But one of the most common questions families and seniors ask is:
“Who is actually eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?”
This guide breaks down the eligibility criteria, age requirements, assessment process, and support categories under the CHSP — so you’ll know exactly where to start.
What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an Australian Government initiative that provides entry-level home support to older people who need help with everyday activities.
It aims to:
- Keep older Australians living independently in their own homes
- Provide affordable home and community care services
- Offer short-term restorative support after illness or hospital stays
The CHSP forms an important foundation within the broader system of government funded home care services, working alongside other programs such as Home Care Packages and respite support.
Who Is Eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme in 2025?
To qualify for CHSP funding and services, you must meet specific age, residency, and needs-based criteria.
1. Age Eligibility
You may be eligible for CHSP if you are:
- 65 years or older, or
- 50 years or older if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or
- 50 years or older (45+ for Indigenous Australians) and are on a low income, homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
Tip: If you are aged 50–64 (or 45–49 for Indigenous Australians), you may also qualify for short-term CHSP services depending on individual circumstances.
2. Living Arrangements and Independence
CHSP is designed for people who:
- Are living at home (not in residential aged care)
- Need a little extra help with daily activities — such as cleaning, cooking, showering, or shopping
- Are not already receiving Home Care Packages or other higher-level aged care support.
If your needs increase over time, you can transition from CHSP to a Home Care Package (HCP) for more comprehensive services.
3. Residency and Citizenship
To access the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, you must be:
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Special Category visa (for example, New Zealand citizens living in Australia).
Proof of identity, Medicare card, and residency documentation are usually required during the assessment process.
4. Health and Functional Needs
Eligibility isn’t based on income or assets, but rather on your level of independence.
You may qualify if you:
- Find it hard to complete daily tasks safely
- Have reduced mobility, cognitive decline, or health limitations
- Need short-term support after surgery or hospitalisation
Each person’s needs are evaluated through a face-to-face assessment arranged via My Aged Care.
How to Check If You’re Eligible: The My Aged Care Assessment
All CHSP participants must be assessed by My Aged Care, the government’s aged care access point.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Contact My Aged Care
- Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.
- Provide your personal and health information.
- My Aged Care will determine if you’re eligible for a home support assessment.
Step 2: Home Support Assessment (RAS)
- A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessor will visit your home.
- They’ll discuss your current lifestyle, challenges, and goals.
- They’ll recommend services under CHSP that suit your needs — like cleaning, transport, or personal care.
Step 3: Choose a Service Provider
Once approved, you’ll receive a referral code and can choose from local Home Support Services providers to begin assistance.
What Services Are Covered Under CHSP?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme funds a wide range of services, including:
| Service Type | Examples |
| Domestic Assistance | Cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping |
| Personal Care | Showering, dressing, grooming |
| Meals & Nutrition | Meal delivery or cooking assistance |
| Transport | Trips to medical appointments or shopping |
| Social Support | Community activities and companionship |
| Home Maintenance | Minor repairs, garden upkeep |
| Allied Health | Physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy |
| Respite Care | Short-term breaks for carers |
Note: CHSP funding covers part of the cost — you’ll usually contribute a small co-payment based on your income and the type of service.
CHSP vs HCP: Which Is Right for You?
It’s common to compare CHSP vs HCP when choosing between aged care support levels. Here’s how they differ:
| Feature | CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) | HCP (Home Care Packages) |
| Care Level | Entry-level, short-term | Ongoing, higher-level |
| Assessment Type | Regional Assessment Service (RAS) | Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) |
| Funding | Partial subsidy | Fully managed budget |
| Service Flexibility | Fixed service categories | Tailored, flexible service plan |
If your needs increase over time, you can easily transition from CHSP to an HCP without reapplying from scratch.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme: Real-Life Example
Let’s consider Margaret, a 74-year-old living alone in Sydney.
She struggles with cleaning, meal preparation, and transport to appointments.
Through My Aged Care, Margaret was assessed for CHSP and now receives:
- Weekly domestic assistance
- Fortnightly transport for shopping trips
- Meal delivery twice a week
These small supports have allowed her to stay independent and socially active, without moving to residential care.
Conclusion
Ready to stay independent and comfortable at home? The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) makes it possible with flexible, government funded home care services tailored to your needs.
At Burdel we make it easy to understand your options — whether it’s CHSP vs HCP, Home Support Services, or Home Care Packages.