The Commonwealth Home Support Program has been extended

Published on 24 September 2026

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There has been uncertainty over the future of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for some time. 

In late August 2026, the Australian Government confirmed that CHSP funding will be extended to 30 June 2029. The program will remain its own standalone service, rather than being folded into Support at Home as originally planned.

At last week's National CHSP Conference, Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's message to providers was clear: "The value of CHSP is evident, and that's why it will stay."

After a long stretch of uncertainty, this is welcome news for those who rely on these services every day.  It also allows for service providers like us to plan ahead with confidence that the services can continue uninterrupted for a further two years.

Key points announced

  • Funding secured until 2029. The government has extended CHSP funding by two years, covering 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2029.
  • CHSP will stay separate. For now, CHSP will not be merged into Support at Home. The two programs will continue to operate side by side.
  • No interruption to services. Contracts between the Commonwealth and service providers will continue without interruption to 2029.
  • A conversation about the future. The government will begin consulting with providers and older Australians in the coming months on how CHSP should work in the longer term.  This will include funding models, contribution costs, and exploring how CHSP and Support at Home can work together.

What does this mean for you?

  • If you're already using CHSP: nothing changes. Your services will continue as they are.
  • If your care needs have grown: you may be better supported through an assessment for Support at Home, which offers more coordinated, higher-level care as your needs increase. 
  • If you're transitioning to Support at Home: you can keep your existing CHSP services while your Support at Home package is being set up.

Why does the extension matter?

CHSP is designed for people who are largely independent but need assistance with specific day-to-day tasks.

For providers, the extension removes much of the uncertainty that had been driving difficult decisions about the future of local services. For clients and families, it means continuity.  Clients can be provided with the same trusted support, without disruption.

What happens next?

There's no set plan for what happens after June 2029 just yet. Later this year, the government will run a consultation process to review CHSP, including how it's funded and how it works alongside Support at Home. We'll share updates with you as they become available.

It's been a confusing time for many older people and their families, and we know how important it is to have clear, timely information. If you have any questions about what this means for your services, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Contact the AccessCare team with any questions on 1300 819 200

 

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