Here’s what the 2029 CHSP extension means

If you’re currently receiving help at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), there’s some welcome news.

The Australian Government has confirmed that CHSP funding will continue for another two years, until 30 June 2029.

The announcement, made in August 2026, provides greater certainty for older Australians who rely on everyday support, from cleaning and grocery shopping to transport and social activities.

But with so many changes happening across aged care, you may be wondering what this means for your existing services, your eligibility and the newer Support at Home program.

Here’s what you need to know.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program helps older Australians who need some assistance with everyday activities but want to continue living independently at home.

It’s generally designed for people with entry-level support needs, meaning they may need help with a few activities rather than ongoing, more complex care.

Depending on your assessment and approved services, CHSP support can include:

For many older Australians, these services make a meaningful difference to their weekly routines and their ability to remain at home.

Previously, CHSP was expected to become part of Support at Home. However, the government has since indicated that it intends to retain CHSP as a separate programme while considering how the two programmes can work more closely together.

This means older Australians currently receiving CHSP services do not need to transfer to Support at Home simply because of the funding extension.

The government will also continue consulting with older Australians, aged care providers and other stakeholders on the future of entry-level home support, including service accessibility, funding and contributions to care costs.

For now, CHSP will continue providing entry-level aged care services under its existing programme arrangements.

If you’re already approved for CHSP and receiving services, the funding extension itself doesn’t require you to change programs or apply for a new assessment.

You can continue accessing your approved support under existing program arrangements.

However, individual services remain subject to your assessed needs, provider arrangements and applicable program requirements.

CHSP and Support at Home are separate aged care programs.

With CHSP continuing until 2029, existing participants don’t need to transfer to Support at Home solely because of the funding extension.

There may still be situations where reassessment is appropriate, particularly if your care needs have changed.

Perhaps you started with occasional help around the house, but now you need regular personal care, assistance after a hospital stay or more coordinated support throughout the week.

You don’t need to wait until 2029 to discuss those changes.

You can contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment. Depending on your circumstances, you may be considered for additional CHSP services or a different aged care program.

The important thing is that your support continues to reflect what you need today.

You don’t need to wait until 2029 if your current services are no longer meeting your needs.

It may be time to request a review if:

You can contact My Aged Care to discuss your changing needs and request a reassessment.

Depending on the outcome, you may be eligible for additional CHSP services or a different aged care programme, such as Support at Home.

Both programmes help older Australians continue living independently at home, but they support different care needs and have different funding arrangements.

Not necessarily. If your current CHSP services are meeting your needs, the extension does not require you to change programmes.

However, if you need more frequent assistance or a higher level of care, you can request a reassessment through My Aged Care. Depending on the outcome, Support at Home may be a more suitable option.

The important thing is that your care reflects your needs, rather than changing programmes simply because of the funding extension.

Yes. The extension doesn’t mean CHSP is only available to existing participants.

You may be eligible if you need help with everyday activities and meet the program’s age and other eligibility requirements.

Generally, CHSP is available to:

Certain existing clients may also be covered by transitional eligibility arrangements.

To access government-subsidised CHSP services, you’ll need an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.

You can begin by visiting My Aged Care or calling 1800 200 422.

That’s still being worked out.

The Australian Government has announced further consultation on the long-term future of entry-level aged care support.

This includes looking at how CHSP and Support at Home can work more closely together, how contributions to care costs are managed and how older Australians can access different levels of support as their needs change.

For now, the confirmed extension provides more time for these decisions to be considered.

Further announcements will be needed to explain what happens beyond June 2029.

If you’re already receiving CHSP and your current support is working well, there’s no need to change programmes simply because of the extension.

But if your needs have changed, or you’re exploring additional assistance, it’s worth understanding the options available.

At Leora Healthcare, we can help you learn more about Support at Home, including available services, assessments and different ways to manage your care.

Your care needs can change. Your support can change with them.

Have questions about your aged care options? Speak with the Leora team today.

Information is based on Australian Government announcements and guidance available as at October 2026. Eligibility, fees, approved services and individual arrangements depend on your circumstances and applicable program requirements.

No. The funding extension does not require existing CHSP clients to move to Support at Home. However, if your needs change, you may be reassessed for a different level of aged care support.

If you’re already receiving approved CHSP services, they can continue under existing programme arrangements. Individual services remain subject to your assessed needs, provider arrangements and applicable programme requirements.

Yes. CHSP remains available to eligible older Australians who need entry-level support at home. An aged care assessment is required to access government-subsidised services.

The government is still considering CHSP’s longer-term arrangements. Further consultations and announcements will help determine how entry-level aged care support will operate beyond the current extension.