Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

At a glance

CHSP is Australia’s entry-level support programme for older people who need some help to keep living at home. An assessment through My Aged Care determines eligibility and approved services. This guide is for people starting with a few practical tasks, rather than assuming they need a large care package.

Start with everyday life

Write down the tasks becoming difficult, what you still enjoy doing yourself and when help would make the greatest difference. Examples might include getting to appointments, preparing meals or keeping the home manageable. Bring examples from a typical week, including less manageable days.

Plan your next steps

A practical route to support

Contact My Aged Care and explain your needs, communication preferences and any recent change.
Prepare your medicines list, current supports and questions for the assessment. Ask someone you trust to join if you wish.
Read your approval letter and check which services it covers. Keep your reference details somewhere safe.
Contact suitable providers about availability, contribution, visit times and cancellation terms. Approval does not mean a worker is immediately available.
Agree the tasks in writing and choose a date to review how the arrangement is working.

CHSP and Support at Home are different programmes. If your needs increase, ask My Aged Care about reassessment rather than assuming your current service can expand automatically.

Questions and useful links

What should I ask?

Can you provide my approved service in my area?
What would I pay, and what happens if that is unaffordable?
Who do I contact about missed visits or a change in needs?

Does an approval guarantee a start date?

No. Ask providers to confirm their actual capacity and what happens while you wait. Write down an interim plan with family or other supports, with the older person’s agreement.

Prepare for an assessment · Understand Support at Home · Australia guides

Sources and review

My Aged Care. (n.d.). Commonwealth Home Support Program. Accessed 19 September 2026.

About this guide
Australia • Prepared September 2026. Editorial lead: Louise Simon. Independent specialist review has not yet been completed. General information; confirm advice for your circumstances.