Support at Home vs. CHSP: What are the main differences?

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is a government-funded program designed to provide entry-level support for older Australians who need a small amount of assistance to continue living independently at home. Think of it as a helping hand for specific tasks, rather than a comprehensive care solution. It is ideal for those who are generally able to manage on their own but could benefit from occasional or short-term help.

The CHSP is scheduled to transition into the new Support at Home program, but this will not occur before 1 July 2027. Until then, it remains a key option for basic support.

Services Covered by CHSP

CHSP services are typically focused on completing a specific task or providing a particular type of support. These can include:

• Domestic assistance — Help with household tasks like cleaning and laundry.
• Transport — Getting to appointments or running errands.
• Meal delivery — Nutritious meals prepared at home or at a centre.
• Social support — Opportunities to stay connected with your community through group activities or companionship.

How is CHSP Funded?

The government partially subsidises the costs of CHSP services. While there is typically a small fee for each service, these costs are designed to be affordable for most people. If you’re unable to contribute, rest assured that you won’t be denied access to the services you need.

What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program, which replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs on 1 November 2025, offers a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to in-home aged care. It is designed for individuals with more complex or long-term care needs who require a package of services to live safely and independently at home.

Unlike the task-based CHSP, Support at Home provides a flexible budget that you can use to access a wide range of services tailored to your specific goals and preferences.

The program organises funding for support into eight main classifications to more clearly meet the needs of older Australians:

• Classification 1 – Basic Support
• Classification 2 – Low Care Needs
• Classification 3 – Moderate Care Needs
• Classification 4 – Increasing Care Needs
• Classification 5 – Intermediate Care Needs
• Classification 6 – Clinical and Personal Care
• Classification 7 – High Care Needs
• Classification 8 – Complex or Comprehensive Support

These classifications ensure you can easily access the right combination of services to help you stay safe, healthy and independent at home.

Services Covered by Support at Home

The services available under the Support at Home program are broad and can be coordinated to meet your individual needs. Funding is provided through a personalised quarterly budget, which can be used for:

• Personal care — Assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming.
• Clinical care — Support from nurses and allied health professionals.
• Home modifications — Adjustments like installing handrails or ramps.
• Allied health — Access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more.

A key feature of the Support at Home program is the option to self-manage your funding. This gives you greater choice and control over how your budget is spent, allowing you to select your preferred providers and maximise your care hours.

CHSP vs HCP: What are the main differences?

While both programs aim to help you stay at home, they are designed for different levels of need and operate in distinct ways.

1. Funding and Management

• CHSP: This program is task-focused and subsidised on a per-service basis. You contribute a small fee for each service you access. The services are managed entirely by the provider, offering a simple, hands-off experience.
• Support at Home: This program provides you with a flexible quarterly budget based on your assessed care needs. You can use this budget to build a personalised rotation of services. You have the option to self-manage your funds, which can lead to lower service fees and more hours of direct care.

2. Assessment and Eligibility

• CHSP — Eligibility for CHSP is determined through an assessment under the Single Assessment System. By combining the previous assessment workforces, it simplifies the application and assessment process for individuals seeking support.
• Support at Home — To qualify for Support at Home, you need approval from the Integrated Assessment Team. This assessment may focus on your long-term and complex care requirements.

3. Level of Support Provided

• CHSP — CHSP services are typically short-term or episodic and include basic assistance such as domestic help, meal preparation, transport, personal care, minor home modifications and allied health services. These services are ideal for individuals with low support needs and are not intended for those requiring intensive, ongoing or complex care.
• Support at Home — Support at Home offers a broader and more personalised range of services, including extensive personal care, medication management, nursing services, case management, specialised health support and significant home modifications.

Difference Between CHSP and HCP (CHSP vs HCP)

The Home Care Packages (HCP) program is no longer available and has been replaced by the Support at Home program as of November 1st, 2025. In contrast, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will remain in place until at least July 2027, operating alongside Support at Home during the transition period until then.

Understanding this change can help you make informed decisions about your care options and how they may evolve over time. Many people have questions about the difference between CHSP and HCP, especially with the introduction of the Support at Home program.

The introduction of the Support at Home program streamlines these options into a single, flexible model. It builds on both CHSP and HCP by offering a range of support options and funding levels under one system. This makes it simpler for individuals to access the services they need as their circumstances change, without transitioning between different programs.

How to Decide Which Program is Right for You

Choosing between CHSP and Support at Home depends on your individual circumstances. Here are four key questions to help guide your decision.

1. What level of care do you need?

If you require minimal assistance with just a few tasks, like weekly cleaning or transport to appointments, CHSP is likely the most suitable option. For more intensive support, such as daily personal care, clinical services, or significant mobility assistance, the Support at Home program is designed to meet these higher needs.

2. Are you looking for short-term or long-term support?

CHSP is well-suited for short-term or episodic help. For instance, if you are recovering from a minor illness and need temporary meal assistance, CHSP can bridge the gap. In contrast, the Support at Home program is built for ongoing, long-term care, providing a consistent and evolving plan of support.

3. How involved do you want to be in managing your care?

If you prefer a simple, set-and-forget approach, the provider-managed nature of CHSP may appeal to you. If you want greater control, flexibility, and the ability to choose your own carers and services, the self-management option within the Support at Home program gives you that power.

4. How quickly do you need services?

CHSP services can often be accessed relatively quickly, as the assessment and setup process is simpler. The comprehensive assessment required for the Support at Home program can mean a longer wait time before funding is assigned. If you anticipate needing long-term care, it is wise to start the assessment process early.

How Homecare My Way can help

Understanding the aged care landscape is the first step toward finding the right support for your needs. CHSP offers affordable, task-based help, while the Support at Home program provides a comprehensive, budget-based solution for more complex, long-term care.

If you are ready to explore your options for self-managing your Support at Home funding, Homecare My Way is here to guide you. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the system with clarity and confidence. Contact us today, and let’s work together to create a care plan that empowers you to live life your way.