What is the difference between CHSP and Support at Home (formerly HCP)?

Until recently, older Australians accessed support through two main programs: the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP).

As of 1 November 2025, the aged care system has changed. HCP has been replaced by the new Support at Home program that delivers a more flexible and consistent approach to ongoing care.

This updated guide explains the difference between CHSP and home care funding under Support at Home (previously HCP).

‍

What is the CHSP?

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is the entry-level tier of the 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.  

CHSP is designed for people who need:

• minimal or occasional support
• a few hours of help each week
• straight forward, low-complexity services

It’s not income or means tested. You will need to make a small financial contribution to your services 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.  

Typical CHSP support includes:

• domestic assistance
• social support
• transport
• personal care
• meals
• home maintenance
• allied health

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 Support at Home program?

(Replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025)

The Support at Home program is the new way the Australian Government provides ongoing help to older people living at home. It replaces the former Home Care Package (HCP) system and aims to make funding simpler, more consistent and more flexible.

Support at Home includes:

1. Ongoing support (8 funding classifications)

This is the new equivalent of “HCP Levels”. Older Australians are assessed and placed into one of eight classifications depending on their support needs.

2. Short-term support

Focused, time-limited help for:

• restorative care (to recover function/ reablement after a setback)
• end-of-life assistance
• home modifications and assistive technology

3. Clearer pricing and quarterly budgets

Unlike the previous HCP system, Support at Home has standard service definitions and greater budget transparency.

4. Assessment through My Aged Care

You will be assessed to determine your support classification and what services best meet your ongoing or short-term needs.

Find out more.

‍

Where do Home Care Packages fit in?

You may still be searching for the difference between CHSP and HCP, so here’s what you need to know:

• Home Care Packages (HCP) had four levels, ranging from basic care to high-level assistance.
• They provided coordinated support, similar to today’s Support at Home program.
• From 1 November 2025, all HCP recipients transitioned to Support at Home, and new HCPs are no longer issued.

‍

Key differences between CHSP and Support at Home

Although both programs help older Australians live independently, they support different levels of need.

CHSP

• entry-level help
• a few hours of support each week
• lower complexity
• good for trying home support for the first time

Support at Home

• replaces HCP
• ongoing, coordinated support
• 8 funding classifications (replacing HCP Levels 1–4)
• includes allied health, personal care, nursing, social support and more
• budgets renewed quarterly
• offers short-term restorative care and end-of-life options
• designed for moderate to high support needs

In simple terms:

CHSP is for smaller amounts of help, while Support at Home is for people who need coordinated, ongoing or complex care.

‍

Can you access CHSP and Support at Home at the same time?

In most cases, you will receive either CHSP or Support at Home, depending on your needs. However, during the transition period (2025–2027), there are some exceptions where you may access short-term or time limited CHSP services alongside Support at Home. These include:

• pre-existing social support group activities
• hoarding and squalor assistance
• aspects of respite services
• access to emergency services.

‍

Which program is right for you?

If you just need a small amount of help each week — such an hour or two of cleaning or transport — CHSP is usually the best starting point.

If your needs are higher, ongoing, or complex, or if you previously qualified for a Home Care Package, the Support at Home program is designed for you.

If you’re unsure where you fit, an assessment through My Aged Care will determine your eligibility and support classification.

‍

Need help? We’re here for you

Our team can help you:

• understand whether CHSP or Support at Home suits your needs
• prepare for your My Aged Care assessment
• transition from HCP to Support at Home
• build a care plan that keeps you safe, confident and connected at home.

‍

Contact us today.