Support at Home
Commonwealth Home Support Program
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
A little help goes a long way.
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is the entry-level government funding pathway for older Australians who need a little bit of assistance to remain independent and safe at home.
CHSP is designed to provide minor, occasional assistance with everyday tasks. It is ideal if you are mostly independent but require limited support to maintain your lifestyle and stay well at home.
If you are new to government-funded care, CHSP is usually the first program you will be assessed for through My Aged Care. ECH is here to guide you through the assessment process and provide reliable, tailored support.
What Services Are Available? Your Entry-Level Support
CHSP services focus on practical assistance to help you manage day-to-day life. These supports are delivered individually, rather than as a coordinated package.
- Home Services
These services focus on providing direct care and assistance to maintain your comfort, safety, and routine at home.
| Service Area | Support Examples |
| Domestic Assistance | Meal preparation, unaccompanied shopping, light home cleaning, ironing, and laundry. |
| Personal Care and Support | Assistance with bathing/showering, dressing/undressing, getting into/out of bed, hair washing/styling, shaving, medication monitoring, and assistance with meals. |
| Transport & Social Outings | Transport to and from appointments, shopping assistance, or transport for social outings. |
| Nursing Services | Clinical Care (Ad Hoc Basis): Support with chronic diseases, medication management, wound management, and general health assessments and monitoring. |
- Wellness Services
Our wellness programs help you regain, maintain, or improve your strength, mobility, and overall health.
| Service Area | Support Examples |
| Allied Health | Individual consultations including Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Physiology, Podiatry, and Dietetics. |
| Allied Health – Group Programs | Structured fitness and therapeutic classes focused on goals like balance, core strength, and rehabilitation (e.g., Strong & Stable, Balance, Tai Chi). |
- Respite Services
Respite care provides planned short-term breaks for your primary carer, giving you the opportunity to engage socially and stay connected with the community.
| Respite Options | Description |
| Social & Engagement | Structured events and activities including Day Programs, Bus Trips, Get Connected Events, and Premium ECH Events. |
Understanding Your CHSP Funding and Contributions
The CHSP provides subsidised services, meaning the government contributes towards the cost of your support.
Funding Approach
- Goal: To help you maintain your independence with light, flexible support.
- Assessment Determines Funding: Your eligibility and the types of services you can access are determined by an independent assessment conducted by My Aged Care (MAC).
- Service-Based Funding: Unlike the packaged budgets of the Support at Home program, CHSP funding is applied directly to each service you receive.
Client Contributions Explained
Under CHSP, you are expected to pay a small contribution towards the cost of your services, based on your ability to pay.
- You will only pay contributions for the services you receive.
- ECH will discuss the expected contribution with you before services commence, ensuring transparency.
- No one will be denied essential services if they are unable to pay their contribution due to genuine financial hardship.
Need Help Understanding CHSP?
Just Ask ECH.
Starting your journey with government-funded care can be overwhelming, but our experienced and friendly team is ready to provide you with simple, straightforward advice and a holistic approach tailored to your unique needs, goals, and lifestyle.
Crucially, if you need immediate assistance while you wait for government approval, we can help you identify and set up flexible Self-Funded Care options so you can start receiving support as soon as possible.
Call 1300 275 324 or complete the form located at the bottom of this page and we will call you back to discuss your needs.