Is it time to move from CHSP to Support at Home?
When your needs change, your support should change with you
If you're receiving support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), you may be wondering whether it’s time to consider Support at Home. CHSP suits people with lower support needs, but circumstances can change, and you may need more flexibility to keep living independently.
Amy, Senior Manager - Care Partnering, explains how Support at Home differs from CHSP and why many Australians are making the transition.
How is Support at Home different?
CHSP helps people access specific approved services, such as domestic assistance or transport, but funding is tied to those services.
"CHSP funding is great for meeting a specific need," Amy said. "But it isn't interchangeable, and there are limits on how much support you can receive."
Support at Home takes a more personalised approach, with funding designed to adapt as your circumstances change.
"Your priorities might change from gardening and meals to personal care, social support or allied health," Amy said. "Support at Home lets us adjust services to suit what matters most."
CHSP and Support at Home: key differences
| CHSP | Support at Home | |
|
|
You are mostly independent and need a little help. | Your care needs are increasing or becoming more complex. |
|---|---|---|
| Level of support | Entry-level support for everyday tasks. |
Support is matched to your assessed needs across eight levels. |
| Who provides your care | You may have different providers for different services. |
One provider helps manage and deliver all your services. |
| Help to organise services | You usually organise and manage your own services. |
A care partner helps you plan and coordinate your support. |
| Types of help available | Help with things like cleaning, transport, meals, social support, basic nursing and home maintenance. |
Service types just like CHSP plus clinical care, allied health, assistive technology and home modifications. |
| How is it funded | Government-funded, with some contribution fees depending on your circumstances and services. |
Clinical services are fully funded and from October 2026 personal care services such as showering will also be fully funded. |
“Moving to Support at Home gives clients more flexibility to focus on what matters most to them, whether that’s staying well, building confidence at home or maintaining their independence for longer,” Amy said.
Four signs it might be time to move
Consider Support at Home if:
- Your care needs are increasing, and you need more support at home.
- You've recently been in hospital and need extra help while recovering.
- Your family lives far away or can’t help to coordinate your care.
- Organising appointments, providers or services feels difficult.
A dedicated Care Partner
"As your circumstances change, your Care Partner is there to make sure your services change with you," Amy said. They can review your care plan, arrange referrals, liaise with My Aged Care and respond after events such as a hospital stay or fall.
For families, a dedicated professional overseeing a loved one's care can also provide peace of mind. "Knowing someone can monitor your loved one's wellbeing and respond quickly gives families confidence," Amy said.
Still deciding what’s right for you?
If your needs are changing, now is a good time to explore your options. The right support can help you stay independent and feel more confident at home.
If you’re an existing integratedliving CHSP client moving to Support at Home, your CHSP services stay in place until your new service agreement starts, ensuring continuity of care.
Our Priority Home Care Team can talk you through your options and help you decide whether Support at Home is right for you or someone you care for.
Call (02) 4987 8910 or email homecare@integratedliving.org.au.