What to Look for in a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Provider

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is an entry-level home support program designed to help older Australians stay in their communities rather than moving into aged care.

Funded by the Australian Government, CHSP provides a wide range of basic support services for:

• People aged 65+ (or 50+ if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
• People who are prematurely aged and meet special criteria

These services are delivered by Commonwealth Home Support Programme providers across Australia.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 65+ (or 50+ if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and live at home.
  
• Need help with daily tasks to remain independent.
  
• Are registered with My Aged Care and have completed a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment.

Special eligibility also exists for people who are prematurely aged and:

• Are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or
  
• Are living with hoarding behaviours or in a squalid environment that prevents access to services.

Not yet registered with My Aged Care?

FOCUS Connect can guide you through registration and assessment so you can access support sooner.

The goal of the CHSP is to delay or prevent the need for higher-level aged care services by supporting older adults to manage daily living with just the right amount of assistance.

FOCUS Connect CHSP services include:

• Personal care – bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, medication support.
• Domestic assistance – cleaning, laundry, ironing, dishwashing, meal preparation, grocery shopping.
• Transport services – for social outings, family events, shopping, and medical appointments. (South Sydney only) Support is also provided at the destination and to ensure safe return home.
• Social support – companionship at home or during social activities.
• Multicultural social support groups – culturally tailored groups to enhance emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Groups include Vietnamese, Laotian, Filipino, Chinese, Multicultural, Spanish, Arabic, Mauritian, and Egyptian, led by fluent staff.
• Respite care – support for both CHSP recipients and carers, ensuring respite is beneficial for both.
• Access to our Registered Nurse – for health advice, dementia strategies, and preparing information to support reassessments when needed.
• Affordable support: The Australian Government heavily subsidises CHSP, keeping services accessible.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 65+ (or 50+ if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and live at home
  
• Require assistance with everyday tasks
  
• Are registered with My Aged Care and have completed a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment
  
  

Special eligibility applies if you are prematurely aged (50+ or 45+ if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), on a low income, and:

• Homeless or at risk of homelessness, or
  
• Living with hoarding behaviours or in a squalid environment

Not yet registered with My Aged Care?

FOCUS Connect can guide you through the registration and assessment process so you can access support sooner.

CHSP is not completely free — it’s a co-contribution model.

• The government pays most of the cost of your approved services directly to your provider.
  
• You pay a small client contribution (also called a co-payment) towards each service.
  
• The exact amount is set by your provider, not My Aged Care.
  
• If you’re experiencing financial hardship, your provider can reduce or waive this fee.

Example:

If the real cost of attending a multicultural support group is $50, CHSP funding might cover $35, and you pay $15. The CHSP subsidy is already built into the price you see.

Unlike Home Care Packages, CHSP does not give you a monthly budget to spend. Instead, you are approved for specific services and an amount or frequency based on your needs and local funding availability.



If you are eligible for CHSP, your assessor will provide one or more referral codes — one code for each approved service.

How it works:

1. Choose your provider (e.g., FOCUS Connect).
   
2. Give them your referral code(s).
   
3. Your provider uses the code(s) to view your client record and support plan.
   
4. Services are scheduled and tailored to your needs.
   
   

Lost your code?

You can check your My Aged Care Online Account or ask My Aged Care for help. FOCUS Connect can also assist you in retrieving it.



While both are government-funded, they serve different needs:

CHSP

HCP

When choosing a provider, look for:

Experience and accreditation

Approved and registered under the CHSP program.

Service range

Can meet your current and potential future needs.

Cultural understanding

If you’re from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, it’s important the provider offers services in your language and understands your culture.

FOCUS Connect provides support in multiple languages, including Chinese, Laotian, Arabic, Spanish, Mauritian, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Italian, ensuring seniors receive culturally appropriate care from workers who understand their background.

Flexibility and reliability

Can they work around your schedule and deliver consistently?

Positive feedback

Reviews and recommendations from other clients.



• Approved My Aged Care CHSP provider.
  
• Can assist with My Aged Care registration if you’re not yet registered.
  
• Deliver in-home and community services with strong multicultural support.
  
• Serve South West Sydney, Northern Sydney Suburbs, and Macarthur.
  
• Not-for-profit — we prioritise care over profit.



The Commonwealth Home Support Programme plays a vital role in supporting the independence and wellbeing of older Australians.

From personal care and transport to social connection and multicultural programs, providers like FOCUS Connect deliver tailored, practical help where it matters most.

If you’re ready to explore your options:

• Contact My Aged Care for an assessment, or
• Call FOCUS Connect on (02) 4627 1188 and we can guide you through the process.