By
Haisey Home Care
Updated on: August 7, 2025
•
x min read
Australian families caring for an older loved one have a few options for in-home care. Making this decision can feel overwhelming when you don't know all the details.
Two programs worth considering are the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP).
Understanding the difference between these two programs is key. The right choice ensures your ongoing needs are met as they change and evolve.
At Haisey Home Care, we've helped countless families understand their options. Many clients begin their journey feeling unsure of which program is better.
Through guidance and planning, families often discover that starting with CHSP and transitioning to HCPs is the most practical path.
This approach helps them maintain comfort. It also supports safety, stability, and independence in the long term.
If you want to know more about these two aged care programs, keep reading.
What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is a flexible, entry-level aged care program.
It provides small amounts of support to older Australians. It's also funded by the government.
The CHSP is ideal if you just need a little help to stay safe and independent at home.
Services are simple and practical, designed to help with everyday tasks. This program is pay-as-you-go, meaning you contribute a small amount for each service.
It's often the first step into aged care support.
Examples of CHSP services include:
- Help with cleaning, laundry, and light gardening
- Transport services to medical appointments or social outings
- Meal support, like grocery shopping or meal preparation
- Personal care (showering, dressing, or grooming)
- Social activities to reduce isolation and maintain community connections
Before you begin CHSP, a My Aged Care assessment is required to confirm your eligibility.
Most clients find CHSP to be low-cost and highly accessible. However, the services can be less flexible than what a Home Care Package offers.
What Are Home Care Packages?
The Australian Government also funds the Home Care Package program.
HCPs are designed to support older people with more complex care needs than those the CHSP can accommodate.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages, according to the level of support needed:
- Level 1 for basic care needs
- Level 2 for low-care needs
- Level 3 for intermediate care needs
- Level 4 for high-care needs
An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) determines which level is appropriate. The evaluation is based on a face-to-face assessment.
Home Care Packages can be used for a wide variety of supports, including (but not limited to):
- All CHSP-type domestic services, like cleaning and transport
- Clinical care, such as nursing visits, physiotherapy, or occupational therapy
- Assistive technology and home modifications, like ramps or grab rails
- Regular personal care and care coordination for complex needs
- Support with medication management or specialised therapies
Commonwealth Home Support Programme vs Home Care Packages: Key Differences
When choosing between these two government-funded programs, it's important to know the main differences.
Here's what you should know about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP):
- It's designed for entry-level, occasional support.
- Services are simple and practical, like cleaning or transport.
- It's a pay-per-service model with small client contributions.
- It has shorter wait times than HCP in most regions.
- It has limited flexibility. You choose from a menu of available services.
- It's easy to exit or transition if your needs increase.
Here's what you need to know about Home Care Packages:
- They are intended for ongoing, higher-level care needs.
- They include all CHSP services plus clinical and specialised support.
- They're funded via an annual budget (Level 1‑4) and managed by your provider.
- They can be tailored extensively to suit your lifestyle and health changes.
- They may include income-tested fees and daily contributions.
- They include longer wait times, but they're more comprehensive in the long term.
Most people begin with CHSP when they only need small amounts of help. They then move to HCP when they need daily or clinical support.
Our team handles the transition process for a smooth experience.
How to Decide Which Program Is Right for You
Before choosing a program, think about your current lifestyle, health, and future needs.
Ask yourself:
- Do I only need occasional or light help?
- Do I struggle with daily tasks or require clinical support?
- Am I planning for future health changes?
If you only need occasional help, the CHSP might be a better option for you. But, if you have daily or complex care needs, HCPs are a wiser choice.
Home Care Packages might also be for you if you:
- Struggle with personal care most days
- Need multiple home visits per week
- Require nursing, physio, or occupational therapy
- Experience falls, mobility issues, or isolation
If you're not sure if you'd be eligible for HCPs, you can use My Aged Care's eligibility checker to get a better idea.
Support at Home Program: The Future of Aged Care
If you're still unsure which program to choose in the future, we've got good news for you. Later this year, both CHSP and HCP are set to merge into the Support at Home Program.
From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home Program will include:
- Home Care Packages
- Short‑Term Restorative Care
By 1 July 2027, the CHSP will also be integrated into the single system.
Benefits of this new program will include:
- One assessment pathway for all in-home aged care
- Eight funding levels for better matching of needs
- Clear service categories (clinical, independence, daily living)
- Simpler upgrades and fewer waiting lists
Haisey Home Care will help clients transition seamlessly, protect their funding, and update care plans under the new model.
You can read more about the Support at Home Program here.
FAQ
What is the difference between CHSP and HCP?
CHSP is entry-level and pay‑as‑you‑go, while HCP is comprehensive, with a full annual budget and care coordination. This means CHSP suits people who only need occasional help, whereas HCP is ideal for those requiring consistent or higher-level support.
Which option is cheaper?
CHSP is usually cheaper for occasional services. HCP provides more funding for higher needs, but can include income‑tested fees. The right choice often depends on how frequently you need help and whether you need clinical or specialised services.
What happens if my needs change?
You can upgrade from CHSP to HCP and eventually to Support at Home without losing access to services. Planning your transition early helps avoid service gaps and ensures you receive the right level of care as your situation evolves.
Can I Combine CHSP and HCP Services?
If you have been approved for the higher-level Home Care Package, you might have a long waiting period. In this case, you may be able to access a lower-level package alongside CHSP. This combination of services is often referred to as a "blended care" approach.
Choosing Home Care Packages
While the CHSP might be a better option for many, Home Care Packages offer more comprehensive services for elderly people.
With a reliable Home Care Package provider, like Haisey Home Care, you can relax at home, knowing all your care needs will be met.
If you'd like any more information on Home Care Packages, don't hesitate to message our friendly customer care team. We'll get right back to you!
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