Commonwealth Home Support Programme

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry level support services to seniors to help them to stay living independently and safely at home.

There are a range of services available including meals services, home support and allied health services.  

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this program, you must be aged:

  • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)
  • 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless

To access these services, you need to be assessed and approved as eligible by My Aged Care. This assessment is free. 

Once you are approved, the waiting period will depend on the availability of services. Those with higher or more urgent needs are prioritised to receive services. 

Services that can be provided

Community & home support services

There are a range of community and home support services to help keep you well, independent and feeling connected with your community
  • Domestic assistance
  • Personal care
  • Home maintenance
  • Home modification
  • Nursing care
  • Flexible respite
  • Social support
  • Transport

Food & meal services

There are a range of food and meal services to keep you healthy. 

  • Providing meals at a community centre
  • Helping with shopping for food
  • Help with making meals and storing food in your home
  • Assistance with learning to cook
  • Delivering meals to your home.

Allied health services

There are a range of health and therapy services to keep you healthy and help you maintain your independence. 

  • Physiotherapy
  • Podiatry
  • Speech pathology
  • Occupational therapy
  • Advice from a dietician

  

Fees

This program is subsidised by the government however you will still need to contribute towards the cost. The amount you need to contribute depends on your income.

You can see the income brackets and associated rates below. We will talk to you about any costs before we start providing services.

Income Ranges

These income ranges are relevant to Rural City of Wangaratta Aged and Community Care Fees Policy and are for gross income only.

  Low Medium High
Individual <$39,089 $39,089 - $86,208 >$86,208
Couple <$59,802 $59,802 - $115,245 >$115,245

Service rates

 All rates are quoted per hour. 

Service  Low income Medium income High income
Domestic assistance $8.00  $19.90 $58.00
Personal care  & social support $6.00 $11.80 $58.00
Respite $5.00 $7.20 $58.00
Home maintenance

$15.00 plus cost of materials

$22.40 plus cost of materials  $58.0 plus cost of materials
 Home modification $15.00 plus cost of materials over $100 $22.40 plus cost of materials over $100 $58.00 plus cost of materials