Support at Home vs. Commonwealth Home Support Programme – which is better for me?

Key Points:

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme services provide low-level support for older people who need occasional help.
• The Support at Home program for aged care offers coordinated and ongoing care for people with more complex needs.
• CHSP providers often act as a starting point, with people moving to Support at Home as their needs grow.
• Both programs require an assessment through My Aged Care to determine eligibility and the right level of support.

Summary:

The Support at Home program for aged care and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme both help older Australians stay at home, but they are designed for different levels of support. CHSP offers basic, low-level help for people who are mostly independent, while the Support at Home program provides more structured and ongoing care for those with higher or more complex needs. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right support and plan for future care.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
3. Support at Home
4. How CHSP and Support at Home work together
5. Important to know
6. How to access CHSP and Support at Home Services
7. We’re here to help

Although the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home both provide essential supports for older Australians, there are differences between the two programs. While CHSP is ideal for those who need a little bit of help now and then, Support at Home is a comprehensive home care program designed for people who need regular, coordinated support so they can live safely and well at home.

To help you understand which option might be right for you, we’ve outlined the key differences below.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

CHSP is for older people who are mostly managing on their own but may need a little help with everyday tasks.

Key Features

• Provides basic assistance
• Usually one or two services per week
• Supports independence and reablement, which means doing things with you, not for you
• You can use different providers for different types of services
• Services are subsidised, with customers contributing to the cost of each service

Services include things like:

• Cleaning or laundry
• Meals or meal delivery
• Transport to appointments
• Social activities or companionship
• Small jobs around the house

CHSP might suit you if:

• You only need one or two types of help
• You are generally independent
• You only need support occasionally, not every day

In summary

CHSP is ideal for those who might just need one or two hours of support each week. If you’re finding everyday tasks more difficult and think some low-level support might increase your health, well-being and independence, CHSP might be a good fit for you.

Support at Home

Support at Home is for older people who need regular, coordinated help to live safely and well at home.

Key features

• Replaced Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care on 1 November 2025
• Designed for ongoing or complex support needs
• Services fall under three main categories: Clinical Care, Independence, and Everyday Living
• Uses eight funding classifications (or levels)
• Provides a planned budget, so your services are organised together in one place.
• Includes care management, capped at 10% of the budget
• Funding is more flexible and needs-based
• Has a stronger focus on transparency and quality

Services include things like:

• Personal care (showering, dressing)
• Help around the home
• Nursing or allied health
• Transport and respite care
• Equipment or home modifications
• Short-term pathways such as restorative care and end-of-life care

Support at Home might suit you if:

• Need help with several different things
• Need support regularly
• Have more complex health or care needs

How CHSP and Support at Home work together

• CHSP operates alongside Support at Home for people with low needs
• CHSP often acts as an entry point for home care services
• If a person’s needs increase, they can be reassessed for Support at Home

Important to know

• Both programs are government-funded
• An assessment will help decide which program is right for you
• CHSP will continue for now, but it is expected to transition into Support at Home in 2027.

How to access CHSP and Support at Home Services

To be eligible, you must be aged:

• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
• 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), on a low income and homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

If you are eligible, the first thing you need to do is arrange for an assessment through My Aged Care. This will determine the type and level of support that is best suited to meet your support needs.

We’re here to help

Choosing between programs can feel confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Kirinari, we offer both CHSP and Support at Home program services across regional communities.

Our team takes the time to understand your needs, explain your options in plain language, and guide you through every step, from your My Aged Care assessment to setting up the right supports. If you need a little help now or more regular care, we’re here to make the process simple and supportive.

Kirinari provides both CHSP and Support at Home services across regional Australia. To find out more, contact our experienced team today by calling 1300 547 462.