The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
CHSP is the entry-level home support program for older Australians - small amounts of practical help, like a fortnightly clean, delivered meals or a lift to appointments, for a small contribution per service. Around 830,000 people use it, making it the biggest aged care program in the country. It sits alongside Support at Home, and after the announcement of 20 August 2026 it will keep running as a separate program until at least 30 June 2029.
Section reviewed 21 August 2026
On 20 August 2026 the government confirmed CHSP will not be merged into Support at Home. It continues as a standalone program until at least 30 June 2029. What the announcement means for you.
Guides in this section
What is CHSP?
Entry-level support explained: who it suits, who’s eligible, and how it compares with Support at Home.
What CHSP costs
Small per-service contributions based on ability to pay - with real provider prices, and what to do if you can’t afford them.
What CHSP covers
The ten service types, from domestic assistance to allied health - and how much support is typical.
How to apply for CHSP
The My Aged Care pathway, the home support assessment, and why CHSP starts faster than Support at Home.
Moving from CHSP to Support at Home
When it’s time to step up, what changes - especially fees - and how to avoid a gap in services.
Is CHSP ending?
No - the merger was abandoned on 20 August 2026. CHSP runs until at least 30 June 2029. The full story.
CHSP in your state or territory
CHSP in New South Wales
NSW Health as a provider, the statewide contribution policy, and council changes.
CHSP in Victoria
Councils exiting home care, who’s taking over, and Victoria’s separate program for under-65s.
CHSP in Queensland
Major providers, Meals on Wheels, and finding capacity outside the south-east.
CHSP in Western Australia
The HACC-to-CHSP history, and WA’s main community providers.
CHSP in South Australia
Published price lists, Meals on Wheels’ home state, and major providers.
CHSP in Tasmania
Who delivers CHSP in Tasmania and where to get local support.
CHSP in the ACT
Canberra’s community providers and how the small market works.
CHSP in the Northern Territory
Remote delivery, ARRCS, and support in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Not sure whether CHSP or Support at Home fits?
Tell us what help you’re looking for and we’ll talk you through both programs - free, no obligation, no pressure.