What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

Aging is a journey, and for many older Australians, a key part of that journey is the ability to live independently in the home they love, surrounded by memories, family, and familiar routines. Maintaining independence, however, sometimes requires a little extra support — whether that’s help with daily tasks, transportation, or access to social opportunities. This is where the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) steps in.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is funded by the Australian Government and offers vital, entry-level support services designed to help seniors remain active, independent, and connected to their communities.

If you an Australian senior seeking more support at home, this guide will explain everything you need to know about the CHSP — from how it works, to who is eligible, the types of support available, and how to choose a provider who truly understands your individual and cultural needs.

Understanding the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The CHSP is Australia’s national initiative for older people who require just a little bit of support to stay living safely at home. Rather than offering comprehensive care packages, the CHSP focuses on targeted, practical assistance — helping seniors to continue managing their own homes and lives with dignity and minimal disruption.

The services available under the CHSP are designed to help you with everyday tasks that may have become difficult due to age, injury, or health conditions. This includes things like housework, shopping, personal care, transport to appointments, and opportunities for social engagement.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme is ideal for seniors who:

• Are largely independent but need occasional help
• Are not yet ready for more structured care like a Home Care Package
• Value maintaining autonomy but appreciate having extra support when needed
• May be caring for a spouse or loved one and need respite services themselves

The CHSP also plays a crucial role in supporting carers, providing respite services so that those who care for a loved one can take time for rest, appointments, or personal wellbeing.

Who Is Eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

Eligibility for the CHSP is based on both age and need. To be eligible, you typically need to:

• Be 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
• Be still living at home and need help with some everyday activities
• Have been assessed and found eligible through the My Aged Care system
• In special circumstances, be someone aged 50 or over who is homeless or at risk of homelessness

An important part of accessing CHSP support is undergoing a face-to-face assessment by a member of the Regional Assessment Service (RAS). This caring and respectful process ensures that the services you receive are truly aligned with your needs and goals.

It’s important to remember even if you are managing quite well, if there are a few tasks that have become harder, it’s a good time to explore the CHSP before difficulties impact your overall wellbeing.

How to Apply for a Commonwealth Home Support Programme Assessment

Starting your journey with the CHSP is straightforward and designed to be a supportive process. You will need to meet certain requirements to be eligible for an aged care assessment and this can be checked online by answering a few simple questions on the My Aged Care eligibility checker. 

• Check Your Eligibility – Begin by contacting My Aged Care. You can either call their helpline on 1800 200 422 or use the online eligibility checker on their website. Their friendly team will ask you some questions to determine whether you should be referred for an assessment.
• Referral for Assessment – During your call or online application with My Aged Care, you may be referred for an assessment to better understand your needs. The assessor will arrange to meet you in person, usually at your home. This visit gives the assessor the time to understand your current living situation, personal health, and goals for the future.
• Home Visit Assessment – During your home visit, an assessor will talk to you (and your loved ones if you wish) about how you’re managing, what supports might be helpful, and how you want to live your life. The aim is to create a tailored support plan that reflects what you want, not just what others think you need.
• Receive Your Assessment Outcome – If you’re approved for CHSP services, you’ll be given unique referral codes for the funded supports you have been approved for. These codes are essential — they allow you to choose approved service providers, like Cura Aged Care, who can deliver the support you need in a way that feels right for you.

Throughout the whole process, you remain in control of your care decisions.

What Services Are Available Through Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

One of the strengths of the CHSP is the wide range of practical services it offers, aimed at supporting seniors to live independently while promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Here are some of the many services that might be available to you:

Personal Care

• Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Support with medication reminders or applying creams and treatments.

Domestic Assistance

• Help with everyday household chores such as cleaning, dusting, laundry, and ironing.
• Meal preparation assistance to ensure nutritious, home-cooked meals are available.

Home Maintenance

• Support with basic home repairs, safety checks, and light gardening tasks like lawn mowing and weeding to ensure your environment remains safe and comfortable.

Nursing and Allied Health Services

• Access to services such as wound care, medication management, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and nutritional advice, all tailored to your health goals.

Meals and Nutrition Support

• Delivery of nutritious meals to your home or dining opportunities at local community hubs to ensure you’re eating well and staying socially engaged.

Transport Services

• Safe and reliable transport to essential services like doctor’s appointments, shopping centres, social groups, or community events.

Social Support

• One-on-one companionship services or group activities to maintain social interaction, reduce isolation, and foster friendships.

Respite Care for Carers

• Temporary, short-term care to allow unpaid family carers to take much-needed breaks, attend to personal business, or recharge emotionally.

Each service is about enhancing your ability to live the life you choose — with dignity, comfort, and independence.

Who Provides Commonwealth Home Support Programme Services?

CHSP services are delivered by a range of community organisations, private businesses, and non-profit groups that are approved and funded by the Australian Government.

Providers can include:

• Local councils
• Community-based non-profits
• Culturally specific care organisations
• Specialist aged care providers

At Cura Aged Care, proudly supported by the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC), meaning we specialise in delivering services that respect and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our clients.

With support available in over 65 languages, and a dedicated team trained in cultural awareness, we ensure that our clients feel understood, welcomed, and valued — every single day.

How Much Will Commonwealth Home Support Programme Services Cost?

While the Australian Government covers most of the cost for CHSP services, clients are usually expected to make a small financial contribution toward their care, based on their personal situation.

Important points about CHSP costs:

• Fees are set by each provider but must remain affordable and transparent.
• Your financial circumstances are considered.
• If you are facing financial hardship, you can request a fee reduction or exemption.
• You will be fully informed of any expected fees before services begin — there are no hidden costs.

The goal is to make sure that cost is never a barrier to accessing the support you need to live independently and with dignity.

How Long Does It Take to Start Commonwealth Home Support Programme Services?

After your CHSP assessment, you will receive referral codes that you can use to connect with a CHSP provider.

The time it takes to start receiving services can vary based on:

• The specific services you need
• The availability of providers in your local area
• How quickly you choose a provider and finalise your service agreement

In general, many people can begin receiving some services within a few weeks of approval. However, some high-demand services may have short waitlists.

At Cura Aged Care, we understand how important timely support is.

We work closely with each of our clients to fast-track services wherever possible, particularly where urgent health or safety needs exist.

How to Choose the Right Commonwealth Home Support Programme Provider

Choosing a CHSP provider is about more than just ticking boxes — it’s about finding someone you feel comfortable, respected, and cared for with.

Here’s how to choose the right provider:

• Use the My Aged Care Provider Finder to search for accredited organisations in your area.
• Review the types of services offered and check whether they match your personal needs.
• Contact providers directly to ask about their experience, special programs, social groups, available supports and cultural inclusivity.
• Ask about flexibility — can services be adjusted as your needs change?
• Trust your instincts — choose a provider that listens, responds to your concerns, and truly values your voice.

At Cura Aged Care, we pride ourselves on our personalised approach. From your first call to your first visit, we focus on building trust, understanding your story, and helping you live a life that’s fulfilling, happy and comfortable.

Culturally Appropriate Aged Care on the Gold Coast

Aged care is not one-size-fits-all.
For seniors from multicultural backgrounds, it’s essential that aged care services respect your language, traditions, beliefs, and customs.

At Cura Aged Care, we provide:

• Bilingual and multilingual staff to make communication easier and more natural.
• Cultural awareness training for all team members, ensuring respectful and appropriate support.
• A vibrant calendar of multicultural activities that celebrate and share traditions.
• Tailored care planning that acknowledges dietary needs, religious observances, and family involvement.

We honour not only your needs, but also your identity, helping you feel safe, celebrated, and fully yourself in every interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Commonwealth Home Support Programme

Q: Can I access both CHSP and a Home Care Package at the same time?

A: No. Once you are approved for a Home Care Package, you will transition from CHSP to the new package, which offers a higher level of coordinated care.

Q: What if my needs change over time?

A: If your care needs grow, you may be referred for a Home Care Package assessment, ensuring your support evolves with you.

Q: Can I change my Commonwealth Home Support Programme provider if I want to?

A: Yes. You are free to change providers if you find one better suited to your needs or preferences.

Q: How should I prepare for my aged care assessment?

A: To prepare for your aged care assessment, there are a few important steps you can take to make the process easier and more thorough.

• Identification – Firstly, make sure you have your Medicare card ready, along with one other form of identification such as your DVA card, driver’s license, healthcare card, or passport.
• Referrals – It’s helpful to bring along any referrals you may have from your doctor, as these can provide important background information for your assessment.
• Support Person – You might also like to consider whether you would like a support person, such as a family member, carer, or friend, to be present during your assessment for extra support.
• Services of Interest – If you already have information about aged care services you are interested in or want to discuss, it is a good idea to have these details ready.
• Contact Information for Health Professionals – Having the contact information for your GP or any other healthcare professionals you see regularly will also help the assessment team understand your current care needs.
• Communication Assistance – If you require any special assistance to communicate, such as a translator or an Auslan interpreter, please think about arranging this ahead of time or letting the assessor know.

Lastly, gather any information you have about the support you already receive at home or in the community, as this will help the team understand your current situation and future needs.

Q: Will I have to sign a service agreement?

A: Yes. A clear and simple service agreement outlines what services will be delivered, when, how much they will cost, and your rights as a client.

Q: What if I’m unhappy with my services?

A: Your provider should have a clear complaints process. If issues aren’t resolved, you can escalate your concern to My Aged Care or the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Start Your Journey with Commonwealth Home Support Programme Services Today

You deserve to live independently, safely, and joyfully — and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is here to make that possible.

With the right support, you can continue doing the things you love, stay connected to your community, and enjoy peace of mind knowing help is there when you need it.

At Cura Aged Care, we are proud to walk alongside you on this journey, providing care that is personal, respectful, and culturally inclusive.

We see you. We hear you. We’re here for you.

Ready to find out more?

Contact us today to start your Commonwealth Home Support Programme journey with a team that truly understands.

• 📞 Phone: 1800 94 12 12
• 📧 Email: info@cura.org.au

Cura Aged Care — Proudly supporting seniors across the Gold Coast, Tweed Coast, Moreton Region, and Sunshine Coast with dignity, independence, and heart.