Government Funded Aged Care: CHSP, Support at Home and Who’s Eligible in 2026

With Australia’s aged care reforms now underway, many older Australians and families are trying to make sense of the government-funded programs that support people to live independently at home. As of 1 November 2025, the biggest change in years has taken effect: the launch of the Support at Home program, which replaces Home Care Packages and short-term restorative care.

At the same time, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) continues to operate for entry-level support until at least mid-2027. If you’re unsure which program applies to you, or what’s changed, you’re not alone. Here we break down the programs now in place, what they offer and who is eligible.

Why Understanding Aged Care Funding Matters

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety called for a simpler, more consistent home-care system. Older Australians said the same: too many programs, too much paperwork, and too much confusion about who gets what.

What the New Home-Care System Aims to Fix

The new system aims to fix this by offering:

• clearer pathways
• fairer access
• more transparency around pricing
• a rights-based approach to care
• less duplication between programs

While some elements are still being refined, the foundations of the new home-care system are now in place.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Entry-level government subsidised aged care

Entry-level support, continuing until at least July 2027

CHSP remains Australia’s main entry-level aged care program. It is unchanged by the 1 November reforms, and will continue to operate separately from Support at Home for several more years.

Who Is Eligible for CHSP?

You may be eligible for CHSP if you:

• are 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
• need a small amount of support to stay independent at home
• do not require ongoing, coordinated services
• have difficulty with everyday tasks such as cleaning, shopping, preparing meals or transport.

Eligibility is based on a My Aged Care assessment. CHSP is not income-tested, though small client contributions usually apply.

What Services Does CHSP Fund?

• Domestic assistance
• Personal care (light)
• Social support and group activities
• Transport
• Home maintenance and gardening
• Allied health (e.g., physio, OT)
• Meals
• Carer respite

CHSP works best when someone needs just a little help, either short-term or ongoing, without needing the higher level of support offered through Support at Home.

Government Subsidised Respite Care Under CHSP

If your loved one is already using CHSP, nothing changes right now. The government has committed to a gentle transition, with CHSP expected to join Support at Home no earlier than July 2027.

Support At Home: Australia’s New Aged Care Funding Program

The new national home-care program started 1 November 2025

Support at Home is now the main program for older Australians needing ongoing, coordinated, or higher-level assistance to continue living at home.

Programs Replaced by Support at Home

It replaces:

• Home Care Packages (HCP)
• Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)

If you previously had a Home Care Package, your services and funding have now transitioned into Support at Home.

What does Support at Home cover?

Support at Home offers a unified, flexible menu of services, including:

Everyday support

• Domestic assistance
• Meal preparation
• Shopping
• Home and garden maintenance.

Personal and health support

• Personal care
• Nursing
• Medication management
• Allied health and therapy
• Short-term or intensive supports after illness or injury.
• Safety and independence

Assistive technology (e.g., mobility aids)

• Home modifications
• Transport
• Social connection and respite.

The goal is to deliver consistent support regardless of whether someone previously received CHSP or HCP.

Who Is Eligible for Support at Home?

You may be eligible for Support at Home if you:

• are 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
• need ongoing or higher-level support to stay living at home
• require coordination of multiple services, clinical oversight, or equipment to maintain independence
• have been assessed through My Aged Care and found to need more than entry-level support.

Eligibility and levels of support are determined through a single assessment pathway, designed to be clearer and more consistent than the previous system.

How Aged Care Funding Works Under Support at Home

Rather than four “package levels” (as under HCP), Support at Home provides a budget based on assessed need. This is intended to:

• reduce waiting times
• ensure fairer resource allocation
• make it easier to adjust supports if a person’s needs change.

Client contributions still apply for some people, based on income.

What About People Who Had a Home Care Package?

You keep your support.

All former HCP clients automatically transitioned into Support at Home on 1 November 2025 with:

• continuity of services
• continuity of providers (unless you choose otherwise)
• no loss of supports
• a new assessment and budget structure applied over time.

The government has emphasised continuity first, with adjustments occurring gradually.

Government Funded Aged Care Facilities Vs Home Care: Which Is Right For You?

Support At Home Versus CHSP: Comparing Your Aged Care Options

Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:

Where Things Are Heading Next

• Support at Home is now fully operational.
• CHSP continues to run normally and won’t merge into Support at Home until 2027 at the earliest.
• Some details (pricing caps, service definitions, assessment tools) may continue to be refined during 2026 as providers adjust.

For families and providers, this means the system is now mostly simplified, but still settling.

Need Help Navigating Government Funded Aged Care?

MyCareSpace helps older Australians, carers and families understand the aged-care system and connect with trusted support workers. Whether you’re new to My Aged Care or transitioning into Support at Home, our team can guide you through each step.