CHSP vs Support at Home: Which Program Is Right for You?
Entry-Level Support
- Best for: Basic support needs to remain independent
- Services: Cleaning, shopping, meals, social activities, basic personal care
- Available: Until at least 1 July 2027
- Budget: Entry-level funding for basic services
- Ideal if you: Need help with a few basic tasks but are generally managing well
Comprehensive Care
- Best for: Complex or ongoing care needs
- Services: All CHSP services PLUS nursing, allied health, intensive personal care, clinical support
- Available: Now (started 1 November 2025)
- Budget: 8 classifications with quarterly budgets
- Ideal if you: Need regular clinical care, have complex health conditions, or require substantial daily support
CHSP Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CHSP services, you must meet certain criteria set by the Australian Government. CHSP provides entry-level support to help older people remain independent at home for longer.
Age Requirements
General Eligibility: Aged 65 years or older
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Aged 50 years or older
Need for Support
Daily Living Assistance: You require basic support with daily tasks to continue living independently at home
Functional Limitations: Experiencing difficulties due to aging, health conditions, or mobility issues
Residency Status
Australian Residents: Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in Australia
Living at Home: You must be living in the community (not in residential aged care)
Important to Know
Eligibility is ultimately determined through an assessment process conducted by My Aged Care. You must be willing to participate in support services and open to receiving help to maintain your independence.
Note: If your needs are more complex, you may be assessed as requiring Support at Home rather than CHSP. Don't worry—the assessor will recommend the right program for your situation.
The CHSP Assessment Process
The assessment is a crucial step to determine your needs and eligibility for CHSP services. A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessor will visit your home to discuss your situation and identify how CHSP can help you.
Initial Contact
Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 (free call)
Online Registration: Visit
MyAgedCare.gov.au
Screening Interview
A My Aged Care representative will ask questions about your health, daily activities, and current support systems. The purpose is to determine if a face-to-face assessment is needed.
Home Support Assessment
Conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS), an assessor visits your home to discuss your needs in detail. They evaluate your ability to perform daily tasks and identify areas where you need assistance.
Developing a Support Plan
Collaborate with the assessor to create a plan outlining the services that will help you achieve your goals and maintain independence at home.
Receiving Referral Codes
If approved, you'll receive referral codes for each service you're eligible for. These codes are provided to your chosen service provider (like RusCare) to begin your care.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
Topics the assessor will cover:
- Health and medical history (current conditions, medications, recent hospital visits)
- Daily living activities (ability to bathe, dress, cook, clean)
- Mobility and safety (risk of falls, need for mobility aids)
- Social connections (engagement with friends, family, community)
- Emotional well-being (mental health, feelings of loneliness)
- Home environment (safety and accessibility of your living space)
How to Apply for CHSP
Applying for CHSP is straightforward. Follow these steps to access entry-level home support services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Step 1: Register
Contact My Aged Care
Phone: 1800 200 422
Online:
MyAgedCare.gov.au
Step 2: Prepare
Gather Your Information
• Personal details (Medicare number, date of birth)
• Medical history (conditions, medications)
• Support network details
• Identify tasks you find challenging
Step 3: Assessment
Home Visit Assessment
Be open and honest about your needs. You can have a family member, friend, or advocate
present during the assessment.
Step 4: Review & Start
Support Plan & Provider
Review your support plan, ensure you agree with proposed services, and choose your
provider—like RusCare!
Factors That May Affect Eligibility
Possible Exclusions
- Already Receiving Higher-Level Care: If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package or Support at Home, you may not be eligible for CHSP services
- Not Meeting Age Requirements: Individuals below the specified age thresholds (65 years, or 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) may not qualify
- Living in Residential Care: CHSP is designed for those living independently, not in residential aged care facilities
Special Circumstances
- Younger People with Disabilities: May be directed to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) instead
- Temporary Residents: Eligibility may be affected if you are not a permanent resident
- Complex Needs: If your needs are assessed as complex, you may be referred to Support at Home rather than CHSP
Not sure about your eligibility? Contact RusCare on (03) 9793 5955 and we'll help guide you through the process.
After Your Assessment
Receiving Referral Codes
Referral Codes: Unique identifiers for each approved service
Validity: Codes are valid for a specific period (usually 6 months)
Contacting Service Providers
Share Referral Codes: Provide your codes to RusCare to initiate services
Service Agreement: We'll develop a service agreement outlining the details
Starting Services
Care Plan Implementation: Services commence as per the agreed schedule
Ongoing Communication: We'll stay in touch to ensure your needs are met
Costs and Contributions
Government Funding & Client Contributions
Government Subsidised Services: The Australian Government covers most of the service costs for CHSP.
Client Contributions: You may be asked to contribute a small fee based on your income and capacity to pay. We provide clear information about any fees during the service agreement process.
Financial Hardship: If you're unable to contribute, services will not be refused. We work with you to ensure you receive the support you need.
Why Choose RusCare for CHSP Services
For nearly 70 years, RusCare has been Victoria's trusted provider of culturally sensitive aged care services to the Russian-Australian community. Our deep understanding of Russian language, culture, and traditions makes us uniquely qualified to deliver CHSP services that truly meet your needs.
70 Years of Experience
Established in 1955, we bring decades of expertise in aged care and a deep understanding of the Russian-Australian community's unique needs and cultural values.
Bilingual Russian-English Staff
Our care workers and coordinators speak Russian fluently. Communicate in your preferred language and feel understood at every stage of your care.
Cultural Sensitivity
We respect Orthodox Christian traditions, understand Russian cuisine preferences, and honor the cultural values that matter to you and your family.
Comprehensive CHSP Services
From domestic assistance to social support, we provide the full spectrum of CHSP services—all coordinated through one trusted provider.
Personalised Care
We develop individualised support plans that reflect your unique needs, preferences, and goals for living independently at home.
Family-Centered Approach
We involve your family in care planning and decision-making, respecting the important role family plays in Russian culture and aged care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm not eligible for CHSP?
If you're not eligible for CHSP, we can discuss alternative support options. This may include applying for Support at Home if you require higher-level care, or accessing private services. RusCare can guide you through the options available.
How long does the assessment process take?
The timeframe varies depending on demand in your area. Generally, you can expect the screening interview within a few days of contacting My Aged Care, and the home assessment within 2-4 weeks. Once approved, you can start services relatively quickly.
Can I change my service provider later?
Yes, you have the right to choose and change your service provider at any time. If you're not satisfied with your current provider, you can select a different one. Simply contact My Aged Care to update your provider details.
What if my needs increase over time?
If your care needs change and CHSP is no longer sufficient, you can request a re-assessment for Support at Home. Contact My Aged Care or speak with your RusCare coordinator, who can help facilitate a new assessment for higher-level support.
Do I need a doctor's referral for CHSP?
No, you don't need a doctor's referral to apply for CHSP. However, it can be helpful to discuss your needs with your GP, as they can provide valuable medical information during your assessment.
Will I be on a waiting list for services?
Generally, CHSP services can start relatively quickly after your assessment and approval. However, service availability may vary by location and provider capacity. RusCare works to minimize wait times and start your services as soon as possible.
Ready to Apply for CHSP Services?
Our experienced team at RusCare is here to guide you through the CHSP eligibility and application process. With nearly 70 years serving Melbourne's Russian-Australian community, we understand your unique needs and are here to help every step of the way.
Further Resources
Enhance your understanding of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) by exploring these valuable resources provided by the Australian Government.
My Aged Care CHSP Page
Learn more about the CHSP, the types of services available, and how they can help you stay independent at home.
Department of Health CHSP Page
Access detailed information about the CHSP directly from the Australian Government's Department of Health, including policies and program updates.
Support at Home Information
If you need more comprehensive care than CHSP provides, learn about the Support at Home program with 8 classifications and quarterly budgets.
Let RusCare Help You Access CHSP Services
Whether you're just starting to explore CHSP options or you're ready to apply, RusCare is here to support you. Our bilingual Russian-English team understands your cultural background and can guide you through the eligibility and application process with care and respect.
