Although the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home both provide essential supports for older Australians, there are differences between the two programs. While CHSP is ideal for those who need a little bit of help now and then, Support at Home is a comprehensive home care program designed for people who need regular, coordinated support so they can live safely and well at home.
To help you understand which option might be right for you, we’ve outlined the key differences below.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
CHSP is for older people who are mostly managing on their own but may need a little help with everyday tasks.
Key Features of CHSP:
- Provides basic assistance
- Usually one or two services per week
- Supports independence and reablement, which means doing things with you, not for you
- You can use different providers for different types of services
- Services are subsidised, with customers contributing to the cost of each service
CHSP services include things like:
- Cleaning or laundry
- Meals or meal delivery
- Transport to appointments
- Social activities or companionship
- Small jobs around the house
CHSP might suit you if:
- You only need one or two types of help
- You are generally independent
- You only need support occasionally, not every day
CHSP in summary:
CHSP is ideal for those who might just need one or two hours of support each week. If you’re finding everyday tasks more difficult and think some low-level support might increase your health, well-being and independence, CHSP might be a good fit for you.
Support at Home
Support at Home is for older people who need regular, coordinated help to live safely and well at home.
Support at Home key features:
- Replaced Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care on 1 November 2025
- Designed for ongoing or complex support needs
- Services fall under three main categories: Clinical Care, Independence, and Everyday Living
- Uses eight funding classifications (or levels)
- Provides a planned budget, so your services are organised together in one place.
- Includes care management, capped at 10% of the budget
- Funding is more flexible and needs-based
- Has a stronger focus on transparency and quality
Support at Home services include things like:
- Personal care (showering, dressing)
- Help around the home
- Nursing or allied health
- Transport and respite care
- Equipment or home modifications
- Short-term pathways such as restorative care and end-of-life care
Support at Home might suit you if:
- Need help with several different things
- Need support regularly
- Have more complex health or care needs
How CHSP and Support at Home work together
- CHSP operates alongside Support at Home for people with low needs
- CHSP often acts as an entry point for home care services
- If a person’s needs increase, they can be reassessed for Support at Home
Important to know:
- Both programs are government-funded
- An assessment will help decide which program is right for you
- CHSP will continue for now, but it is expected to transition into Support at Home in 2027.
How to access CHSP and Support at Home Services:
To be eligible, you must be aged:
- 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
- 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), on a low income and homeless, or at risk of being homeless.
If you are eligible, the first thing you need to do is arrange for an assessment through My Aged Care. This will determine the type and level of support that is best suited to meet your support needs.
We’re here to help
LiveBetter provides both CHSP and Support at Home services across regional Australia.
To find out more about accessing services with LiveBetter, call our experienced team on 1800 580 580.
