Correct at date of publication: 23 March 2026
If you’re researching aged care support options, you’ve probably come across two government-funded programs: Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Support at Home. They both help older Australians stay at home longer, but they’re designed for very different care needs. Understanding the difference can save confusion and help you access the right support.
What Is CHSP?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is entry-level aged care support. It’s designed for older Australians (65+, or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need practical help with everyday tasks but can otherwise live independently. Think of it as basic support to keep you living safely at home with minimal assistance.
CHSP covers:
- Domestic help (cleaning, laundry, yard work)
- Meal preparation
- Shopping and errands
- Transport to appointments
- Social support and community access
- Allied health services
CHSP is not means-tested, and hourly fees are very affordable — often subsidised or free for eligible older Australians.
What Is Support at Home?
Support at Home (which replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025) is for older Australians with more complex or intensive care needs. It’s the next step up from CHSP and provides ongoing, coordinated support for people who need regular help with personal care, complex medical needs, or substantial daily living assistance.
Support at Home covers:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, toileting)
- Ongoing daily living assistance
- Complex medication management
- Coordination of multiple services
- Flexible, tailored care plans based on individual needs
Funding is higher — up to approximately A$59,000 per year government contribution, though this varies by assessed care level.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | CHSP | Support at Home |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Older people with low-level, basic needs | Older people with complex or intensive needs |
| Care type | Entry-level, practical support | Ongoing, coordinated, personal care |
| Means tested? | No | Yes (applies to some costs) |
| Cost | Very affordable hourly rates | Higher — up to ~A$59,000/year government contribution |
| Services | Domestic help, transport, meals, social support | Personal care, medical support, complex coordination |
| Eligibility | 65+ (50+ Aboriginal/TSSI) | 65+ (50+ Aboriginal/TSSI) with complex needs |
How Do I Know Which One I Need?
Both programs start with a face-to-face aged care assessment conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessor will:
- Talk to you about your current living situation
- Identify what tasks you’re struggling with
- Determine your care needs level
- Recommend which program is the right fit
Start with My Aged Care — ring 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au to request an aged care assessment. It’s free and non-binding; you’re not committing to anything by getting assessed.
Can I Use CHSP While Waiting for Support at Home?
Yes. If you’re approved for Support at Home but there’s a waiting list, many people access CHSP services immediately to bridge the gap. Once Support at Home becomes available, you transition across. You don’t have to choose just one — they can work together.
Final Thought
The difference is simple: CHSP is for people who need a hand with everyday tasks. Support at Home is for people who need regular, coordinated, hands-on care. Neither is “better” — they’re designed for different situations. The right choice depends on your actual care needs, and that’s what the aged care assessment is for.
Easy Community Services provides both CHSP and Support at Home services across Greater Brisbane, personalised to your situation. If you’d like to chat about what support might work best for you or your family member, get in touch.
