What is the difference between CHSP and HCP?

What is the difference between CHSP and HCP?

Researching government funding for home care can be quite overwhelming. There are a few different types of government-funded programs and it can be hard to work out which one is best for you, depending on your needs.  

Here we look at the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP) and explain how to get the help you need.

Key takeaways

• CHSP provides basic aged care support. It suits people who need minimal assistance at home for a few hours a week with straightforward eligibility.
• HCP delivers a more flexible and comprehensive package of services. It is designed for those with greater, or ongoing, care needs and includes four funding levels.
• In some cases, both CHSP and HCP can be accessed together. This applies when HCP budgets are fully allocated, and additional short-term or emergency support is required.

What is the CHSP?

The CHSP was launched in July 2015 and is the entry-level tier of the Commonwealth aged care system.  

This means it’s usually considered the first step for older Australians to get some help at home. It’s designed to provide a small amount of funding for people who need a little extra assistance to age in place.  

It’s not income or means tested. You will need to make a small financial contribution to your service and the government subsidises the rest. You receive your services in a care plan and it’s usually limited to a few hours a week.  

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) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

Find out more about applying for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

What is the HCP program?

Home Care Packages are the second tier of support in the aged care system. They’re designed to provide a coordinated package of services to help you live in your home for longer.  

There are four levels of support ranging from basic to high care needs. My Aged Care will need to assess you to determine your eligibility and the level of support that is most appropriate for your care needs. After your assessment, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care advising you whether you have been approved for care, and at what level.

Home Care Packages are designed to be flexible. Once you’ve received your assessment and chosen a provider like Five Good Friends, we will help you work out what you need to be safe and independent in your home and remain connected with your community.  

For example, you might need some help with bathing or perhaps a cleaner to come around once a week. You might need someone to take you out to do some shopping or help you attend a community event.  

There is a waiting list for accessing HCP, so you can use CHSP funding while you wait.  

Learn more: My Age Care Home Care Package

Key differences between CHSP and HCP  

The support provided by the CHSP and HCP program is fairly similar. They can both help you with everyday tasks and provide you with support to help you live at home.  

The fundamental difference is how much support you need and how long you need it for. If you think you only need one or two services a week, then the CHSP might be the appropriate level of support for you.  

If your needs are a bit more complex, you may be eligible for a Home Care Package.

Can you access CHSP and HCP at the same time?

In most circumstances, you shouldn’t get CHSP and HCP funding at the same time. However, there are some exceptions. They are:

1. If you are on a Level 1 or 2 HCP and your budget has been fully allocated, you can access additional, short-term allied health or nursing services from the CHSP. These specific services must be to help you recover after a setback.  
2. If you’re on a Level 1 to 4 HCP and your budget is already fully allocated however your carer needs respite, you can access additional planned respite services under the CHSP (on a short-term basis only).  
3. If you’re on a Level 1 to 4 HCP and find yourself in an emergency (including if your carer can’t maintain their caring role) and your HCP budget is already fully allocated, you can receive extra services under the broader CHSP on an emergency or short-term basis. These instances must be time-limited, monitored and reviewed.  
4. If you’re on an interim Level 1 or 2 package and are waiting for a Level 3 or 4 HCP, and your home care package budget is already fully allocated, you can access additional home modifications from the CHSP.  

If you need some help at home, you don’t need to manage the process alone.  Get in touch with Five Good Friends and we can have a chat with you about your needs, and help guide you through the application process.