Australia's aged care system has changed significantly with the introduction of the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. While Support at Home has replaced the Home Care Package (HCP) program, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) continues to operate until at least 1 July 2027, after which it is expected to transition into the new system.
If you're trying to decide between CHSP and Support at Home, this guide explains how each program works, who they're designed for, and which option may best suit your needs.
Overview of HCP and CHSP
2.1 What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is Australia's primary in-home aged care program for older Australians who require ongoing assistance to remain independent at home.
Unlike the previous Home Care Package system, Support at Home provides:
- Eight funding classifications
- Quarterly individual budgets
- Government-funded clinical care
- Greater flexibility
- Transparent pricing
- Simplified assessments through the Single Assessment System
Support at Home is designed for people who require regular or ongoing support with daily living, personal care or clinical services.
2.1.1 Services Available Under Support at Home
Support at Home can fund services including:
a. Clinical Care (Fully Government Funded)
- Nursing
- Wound care
- Medication management
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Podiatry
- Speech pathology
- Dietetics
b. Independence Support
- Personal care
- Showering
- Dressing
- Meal preparation
- Transport
- Shopping
- Social support
c. Everyday Living Support
- House cleaning
- Laundry
- Gardening
- Home maintenance
- Minor home modifications
2.2 Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is Australia's entry-level aged care program.
It provides basic assistance for older Australians who are still largely independent but need help with one or two everyday activities. Rather than receiving an allocated budget, people access individual services through approved providers.
2.2.1 Services Covered by CHSP:
The major services covered by CHSP are as follows:
- Domestic Assistance: Help with cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.
- Personal Care: Assistance with showering, dressing, and grooming.
- Social Support: Activities to help you stay connected with your community.
- Home Maintenance: Minor repairs and gardening.
- Allied Health Support: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.
- Nursing Care: Basic nursing services.
- Transport: Transport to appointments, shopping centers, or community activities.
- Respite care: Short-term care to give your regular carer a break.
Comparing SAH vs CHSP Services
While the types of services can look similar, they’re delivered quite differently in terms of scope, flexibility, frequency, and funding. The differences in service provided by these packages are explained below:
Key Differences Between SAH and CHSP
Support at Home(SAH) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) offer many of the same types of services, such as help with cleaning, meals, personal care, and allied health.
However, there are key differences between CHSP and SAH in terms of funding, flexibility, and level of care.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for either program if you:
- Are aged 65 or older (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Need support to continue living safely at home
- Complete a My Aged Care assessment
Generally:
CHSP is suitable for people needing occasional assistance.
Support at Home is intended for people who require ongoing or multiple services.
Understanding the Costs
CHSP
Under CHSP:
- Government subsidises most services.
- Providers may charge a small contribution.
- Fees vary between providers.
Support at Home
Support at Home uses a national contribution model.
Clinical Care services are fully funded by the Australian Government.
Participants may contribute towards:
- Independence Support
- Everyday Living Support
Contribution amounts depend on income and assets.
Which Program is Right for You?
Choose CHSP if you:
- Need occasional assistance.
- Only require one or two services.
- Are mostly independent.
Choose Support at Home if you:
- Need regular personal care.
- Require nursing or allied health services.
- Need ongoing coordinated support.
- Want greater flexibility and control over your care.
Still unsure which program fits your needs? Use our free Care Journey Tool to get a personalised recommendation based on your situation.
Conclusion
Both CHSP and Support at Home help older Australians remain safe and independent at home, but they serve different needs.
CHSP is ideal for people requiring occasional, entry-level assistance, while Support at Home offers more comprehensive, flexible and ongoing care for those with higher support needs.
We recommend starting with a conversation involving your doctor, family, or an aged care provider like ACC. At ACC, we help you understand your options, guide you through My Aged Care registration and assessments, and connect you with trusted service providers.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to transition to a higher level of care, ACC is here to help ensuring you stay safe, supported, and independent at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has Support at Home replaced CHSP?
No. Support at Home replaced the Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care programs. CHSP continues to operate until at least July 2027, after which it is expected to transition into Support at Home.
2. Can I stay on CHSP?
Yes. Existing CHSP participants can continue receiving services while the program remains in place.
3. Can I move from CHSP to Support at Home?
Yes. If your care needs increase, you can be reassessed through My Aged Care and, if eligible, transition to Support at Home.
4. Which program offers more flexibility?
Support at Home provides greater flexibility through personalised care plans, individual funding and a broader range of services.
