Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages

April 17, 2024

Understanding the supports available to help you age well can be tricky. Find out more about these two government-funded programs, their different levels of care, eligibility criteria and payment models.

CHSP or Home Care Package

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package Program (HCP) are both designed to provide help at home.

While both programs can include services such as personal care, allied health, home and garden maintenance, carer respite, and meal preparation, CHSP is designed for people with lower support needs. In fact, it’s described as ‘entry-level support’, with most people who access CHSP only needing one or two services to help them stay independent.

HCP, on the other hand, can provide more intensive support, with care needs being assessed over four levels and the Australian Government’s contribution reaching a maximum of approximately $59,000 each year.

CHSP costs

There is no formal means of testing for CHSP. However, service providers are encouraged to seek payment from clients who can afford to contribute to the cost of their care. Payment guidelines indicate, for example, a’reasonable contribution’ in the region of $6-$12 per hour for domestic assistance.

Home Care Package costs

Home Care Packages are means-tested however, individuals on a full pension or an income up to $32,331.00 are exempt from having to contribute to their care. If you are uncertain about whether you might need to pay, My Aged Care has
provided a fee estimator on their website to assist you in making this calculation.

Benefit	Commonweath Home Support Programme	Home Care Package
WHO IS IT FOR?	People who need a small amount of support to remain independent at home.	People who have varying support needs by need choice and flexibility over their care options to remain independent at home.
ELIGIBILITY	Aged 65 years or over 50 years or over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples Functional limitations or assistance needs	Aged 65 years or over 50 years or over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples Functional limitations or assistance needs
INITIAL ASSESSMENT	The Single Assessment System (from 1 July 2024) The assessment was previously conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) Regional Assessment Service (RAS)	The Single Assessment System (from 1 July 2024) The assessment was previously conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
ANNUAL FUNDING LEVELS	Up to $10,000 per year	Level 1: $10,588 per year Level 2: $18,622 per year Level 3: $40,529 per year Level 4: $61,440 per year
DO I HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE MONTY TO MY SERVICES?	Services subsided by the Federal Government grant funding Clients may need to pay a contribution fee, if they can afford to do so.	Services subsidised by Federal Government grant funding Clients may need to pay a contribution fee, if they can afford to do so.
WILL BY APPROVED BUDGET AFFECT MY AGE PENSION?	No	No
WHAT CAN MY BUDGET COVER?	Help around the home (cleaning, washing etc) Transport to appointments and activities Food preparation Personal care (showering or dressing) Home modifications (ramps, rails and other accessibility aids and assistive technology) Social support Nursing and allied health Planned respite care	Help around the home (cleaning, washing etc) Transport to appointments and activities Food preparation Personal care (showering or dressing) Home modifications (ramps, rails and other accessibility aids and assistive technology) Social support Nursing and allied health Planned respite care
CARE PLAN	In conjunction with your RAS assessor	In conjunction with your approved Home Care Package provider
CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN SUPPORT PROVIDERS?	Yes, via your RAS assessor	Self-managed service providers allow you to choose you own support workers.
REVIEWS	Annually by your primary service provider	Annually via your approved service provider

Trilogy Care provides self-management options for those with an approved Home Care Package. If you would like more information, please call the number 1300 459 190