CHSP vs Support at Home
Australia’s aged care system is undergoing one of its biggest transformations in decades. As part of this reform, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which currently delivers entry-level support to older Australians, will eventually merge into a new system called the Support at Home Program.
If you or your loved one receives CHSP services or is considering in-home aged care, it’s important to understand how these changes will impact you. This guide breaks down the key differences between the two programs, outlines the timeline, and explains what to expect during the transition.
1.When Will the Changes Happen?
The Support at Home Program will commence on 1 November 2025, initially replacing two major programs:
The CHSP will continue operating until at least 1 July 2027, and after that point it is expected to be rolled into Support at Home.
2.What’s Changing? CHSP vs Support at Home
The biggest shift is moving from a block-funded, provider-based system (CHSP) to an individualised, needs-based model under Support at Home. Let’s explore the differences across funding, services, assessments, and client control.
1. Funding & Budgeting: From Block Grants to Individual Budgets
Under CHSP:
- The government gives block funding to approved aged care providers.
- Providers decide how services are allocated based on availability and capacity.
- Clients pay co-contributions, which vary widely depending on the provider.
- There’s no personal budget and limited visibility over how funding is used.
Under Support at Home:
- Funding is based on an individualised quarterly budget, tailored to your assessed needs.
- You’ll be placed into one of eight funding classifications, with annual amounts ranging from $11,000 to $78,000.
- You gain more control and transparency over your care plan and how the money is used.
Unspent funds may carry over, up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget - whichever is greater. These funds are not refunded but stay available for future care needs.
2. Service Access and Flexibility
Under CHSP:
- Provides basic services like cleaning, transport, meals, home maintenance, and social support.
- Services are limited to what's available locally, with little flexibility or choice.
- No access to high-level services or supports like nursing or restorative care.
Under Support at Home:
- Offers a much broader range of services, including:
- Personal and clinical care
- Domestic assistance
- Allied health services
- Assistive technology and home modifications
- End-of-life and restorative care pathways
- Consumers can choose and change providers more freely, and customise their care plan based on current needs.
3. Assessment Process
Under CHSP:
- Access is determined by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS).
- Designed for those with low-level support needs.
Under Support at Home:
- A new, unified Single Assessment System will assess all aged care applicants - combining RAS and ACAT into one streamlined process.
- The system ensures consistent assessments, quicker access, and more accurate care planning.
4. Consumer Contributions
Under CHSP:
- Providers set their own fees.
- There's no national standard for contributions.
- Some services are free, while others come with substantial out-of-pocket costs.
Under Support at Home:
- A means-tested contribution model will apply.
- The government will fully fund clinical care (e.g. nursing, medications).
- You may contribute towards:
- Independence Support Services (e.g. showering, dressing)
- Everyday Living Services (e.g. cleaning, meal prep, gardening)
Contribution rates range from 5% to 80%, based on income/assets, with a lifetime cap of $130,000.
3.Summary Table: CHSP vs Support at Home
The table below highlights the key differences between CHSP and support at Home Programme.
4.What This Means for You?
If You’re a Current CHSP Recipient:
- You can continue accessing services as usual.
- No immediate changes will happen until at least July 2027.
- You will eventually be transitioned into the Support at Home program, with notice and guidance.
If You’re New to Aged Care:
- From late 2025, new applicants may enter through the Support at Home program instead of CHSP.
- You’ll experience a simplified application process and faster access to services.
- You’ll have more control over how your care is planned and delivered.
5. What You Can Do Now?
- Stay informed: Subscribe to updates from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
- Review your care needs with your current provider.
- Prepare for change: If your needs are increasing, consider requesting a reassessment.
- Contact ACC: Our friendly team can guide you through what to expect and how to plan ahead.
6. Potential Challenges During the Transition
1. Short-Term Disruptions
As the new system is gradually introduced and CHSP is phased out by 2027, there may be temporary interruptions to services or administrative delays. This is a natural part of large-scale reforms and is likely to affect both care recipients and providers. Staying in close contact with your provider and keeping informed through government updates will be essential.
2. Uncertainty Around Budget Allocation
The introduction of individualised quarterly budgets is a positive shift, but the process for assessing and distributing funds is still being finalised. There may be some early confusion around how much support individuals receive and whether it aligns fully with their evolving care needs, especially during the early stages of rollout.
3. Provider Readiness
Not all aged care providers will adapt to the new system at the same pace. Some may need to update internal systems, retrain staff, or revise their service models. This adjustment phase could result in delays or reduced availability of services, particularly in regional or high-demand areas.
Looking Ahead:
Despite these transitional challenges, the long-term goals of the Support at Home Program are clear: a simpler, fairer, and more flexible aged care system that responds to individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The transition from the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to the new Support at Home Program marks a major step toward a more unified and person-centred aged care system in Australia. While CHSP will remain in place until at least 1 July 2027, the future of in-home aged care is clearly shifting toward greater transparency, flexibility, and fairness.
For older Australians and their families, the changes offer real benefits, including individualised care budgets, expanded service options, and a simplified assessment process. But like any major reform, it also comes with a few growing pains. That’s why staying informed and working closely with a trusted provider like Aged Care Choices (ACC) is so important.
At ACC, we’re here to support you through every stage of the aged care journey, whether you’re currently on CHSP, looking to apply for home care services, or simply trying to understand how these changes may affect you or a loved one.
FAQs
1. Will CHSP end in 2025?
No. CHSP will continue until at least 1 July 2027.
2. Will I have to reapply for services?
No. If you’re already receiving care, you’ll be automatically transitioned to the new program at the appropriate time.
3. What happens if I don’t use all my budget?
A portion of your unspent funds will roll over to the next quarter to support continuity of care.
4. Can I keep my current provider?
Yes. You will have the freedom to keep or change providers, based on your preferences and service quality.
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