Commonwealth Home
Support Program.
Commonwealth Home Support Program.
What is the Commonwealth Home Support Program?
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is an entry level program funded by the Australia Government to help older Australians keep living independently. It is for Australians over 65 who are mostly able to live and cope on their own, and don’t need higher levels of support at home. It’s designed to assist with housework, personal care, meals and food preparation, transport, shopping, social supports and respite for carers. CHSP focuses on working together with you to continue to perform daily tasks independently rather than simply doing them for you.
Am I eligible for CHSP services?
You may be eligible for services if you:
- Are an Australia over 65 years of age OR are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander over 50 years of age
- Have been diagnosed with a medical condition or have reduced mobility
- Have noticed a change in what you can do or remember
- Have experienced a change in family care arrangements
- Have experienced a recent fall or hospital admission
What CHSP services does Interchange Australia offer?
Individual Support
Assistance provided in the home or community to meet your need for social contact. This can include going to the shops, going to a cafe, going for a walk or other local
activities that you would like to participate in.
Group Socio/ Support
Provides an oppertunity to participate in social activities with like-minded people. This could be something like a coffee group or a cooking class.
Domestic Assistance
Household jobs like vacuuming, mopping, cleaning 1 bathroom, changing the bed, doing washing, meal preparation and unaccompanied grocery shopping.
Personal Care
Help with bathing or showering, dressing, grooming and medication prompting.
Flexible Respite
Arranging someone to stay with you at home for a short time during the day while your carers attend to everyday activities.
What is the referral process for accessing CHSP services?
- Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register.
- A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessor will contact you to organise a face to face assessment of your needs and day-to-day activities in your home.
- The assessor can then issue you referral codes for the services that suit your needs.
- You can elect to have your referral codes broadcast.
How much does Interchange Australia charge for CHSP Services?
Your contribution
The Australian Government pays most of the cost of your Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services. Interchange Australia asks clients who can afford to do so to contribute $20.00 per hour towards the services listed below.
What the $20 contribution applies to
New and continued contribution rates, effective from 1 May 2026, are outlined below:
| Services | Contribution Rate |
|---|---|
| Domestic Assistance | $20.00ph |
| Personal Care | $20.00ph |
| Flexible Respite | $20.00ph |
| Social Support Individual | $20.00ph |
| Home Maintenance | $20.00ph |
| Transport (support/service time) | $20.00ph |
| Transport – km travelled from your service provider or sub-contractor’s office, more than 15km each way. | $0.99c per km over 15km (e.g. If it is 17kms from the office to your home and 17km return to the office, you will be billed 4ks @ $0.99 = $3.96) |
| Some sub-contractors charge travel time for services to and from your home. This is a separate charge that may appear on sub-contractor invoices in addition to the kilometre charges. | Where applicable, this will be charged at $20.00 per hour. Travel time components will only apply to clients who are currently receiving services from a sub-contractor. |
All services will be charged at a minimum of 1 hour regardless of the length of service.
The kilometre (km) rate of $0.99 per km reflects the current rate employers must pay staff for work-related travel in their own vehicle, in line with current Australian Taxation Office guidelines.
This contribution applies in all regions supported by Interchange Australia, including when your service is delivered by an approved associate provider.
Before your services begin
We will explain the contribution and agree it with you before charging it. The amount, how you will pay and any agreed reduction or waiver will be recorded in your Service Agreement. You will receive a copy.
If you cannot afford the contribution
Please tell us at any time. You will be treated respectfully and you do not need to complete a form just to ask for help. While we review your situation, we will stop seeking the contribution.
We may:
- reduce your contribution
- waive it for a period
- agree to a payment arrangement that is affordable for you
The most important thing to know
Your CHSP services will not be stopped, reduced or cancelled because you cannot pay a contribution. We will not charge interest or late fees and will not send a CHSP contribution to a debt collector.
Invoices and cancellations
Your invoice will show the service delivered, the number of hours and the contribution charged. Please contact us if you do not understand an invoice or think a charge is incorrect.
A $20 contribution may be charged when a service is cancelled less than 24 hours before the scheduled service time, including services arranged through an associate provider. We will not charge for a service that was not delivered for another reason.
If you disagree or want to make a complaint
You can ask Interchange Australia to review a contribution decision. We will pause collection of the disputed amount while it is reviewed. You may also make a complaint at any time. Raising a concern will not affect your services.
| CONTACT | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Interchange Australia | 1300 112 334 or agedcare@interchangeau.org |
| Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission | 1800 951 822 |
| Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) | 1800 700 600 - free, independent advocacy |
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