Introduction: Why the CHSP Transition Still Matters
For many older Australians, government-funded home support is the key to staying independent, connected, and safe at home. Programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the future Support at Home (SaH) system play a central role in delivering these essential services.
However, confusion continues to surround the transition from CHSP to Support at Home. Despite earlier expectations, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has confirmed that CHSP will not transition into Support at Home before 1 July 2027. This ongoing uncertainty has created challenges not only for providers, but also for older people and families trying to plan their care with confidence.
Understanding what this delay means—and how CHSP and Support at Home differ—is essential for making informed decisions during this extended transition period.
What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)?
CHSP is designed as an entry-level support program for older Australians who need basic assistance to remain living independently at home. It focuses on providing low-intensity, short-term, or maintenance support rather than complex, ongoing care.
Common CHSP services include:
- Transport to appointments or social activities
- Meal delivery and nutrition support
- Domestic assistance and basic home maintenance
- Social support and community engagement
- Nursing and allied health services at a basic level
CHSP operates on a contribution-based model, where individuals pay a small fee depending on the service and their circumstances. It is often the first step for older people who are beginning to experience challenges with daily living.
What Is Support at Home (SaH)?
Support at Home is intended to replace the existing Home Care Packages system with a single, streamlined program offering more flexible and needs-based care.
While full implementation details are still evolving, Support at Home is expected to:
- Provide structured funding levels aligned with care needs
- Support people with more complex and ongoing care requirements
- Introduce clearer service categories and co-contribution arrangements
- Reduce fragmentation between entry-level and higher-level care
The original expectation was that CHSP clients would eventually transition into Support at Home packages, creating a unified home care system. However, the delay has disrupted this pathway.
Why Has the Transition Been Delayed Until 2027?
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has stated that CHSP will not transition into Support at Home before 1 July 2027, but has not confirmed what happens beyond that date.
Several factors contribute to this uncertainty:
- Backlogs in the Home Care Packages system, forcing providers to support higher-needs clients through CHSP
- The scale of the transition, with approximately 800,000 people currently receiving CHSP services
- A lack of completed modelling on how closing CHSP would affect package wait times
- Ongoing system reform pressures following aged care legislative changes
At present, there is no confirmed plan for how CHSP clients will be transitioned, or whether CHSP will continue in its current form beyond the proposed date.
The Impact on Older Australians and Families
The extended delay creates several real-world challenges for older people and their families.
Increased Complexity When Choosing Care
CHSP was designed for low-level needs, yet many providers are now supporting people with more complex requirements due to long waits for home care packages. This blurs the boundaries between programs and makes it harder for families to understand which option is most suitable.
Planning Becomes Uncertain
Without a clear transition pathway, families may hesitate to make decisions about care services, unsure whether current arrangements will change or funding structures will shift in the near future.
Pressure on Providers and Services
Providers are operating under ongoing uncertainty, which can affect service availability, consistency, and long-term planning—factors that directly impact older people relying on support.
What Older Australians Can Do During This Period
While policy decisions remain unresolved, older Australians and their families can still take proactive steps:
- Understand current eligibility for CHSP and other home care options
- Regularly review care needs, as changes may require different levels of support
- Ask clear questions about service scope, fees, and limitations
- Seek guidance when comparing providers or navigating program boundaries
Being informed helps reduce stress and supports better decision-making, even when system reforms are delayed.
Why Care Finding Support Matters More Than Ever
With overlapping programs, shifting timelines, and evolving reforms, navigating aged care has become increasingly complex—particularly for families unfamiliar with the system.
Understanding how CHSP fits into the broader aged care landscape, and how future changes may affect care options, is essential for choosing services that align with current and future needs.
How SSCA Can Help
Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) offers a free care finding service to help older Australians and their families navigate aged care with clarity and confidence.
With over 25 years of experience in Australia’s home and residential care sector, SSCA helps families:
- Understand available home care options
- Compare providers based on services, fees, and location
- Make informed decisions without pressure or obligation
If you are unsure how CHSP, Support at Home, or other home care options apply to your situation—especially in Melbourne—SSCA’s care finding service can help guide you through the process.