Commonwealth Home Support Program
Funding Extended to 2029

The Australian Government has announced that the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will be extended for another two years until 30 June 2029. For those of us navigating the aged care system, this decision brings immediate certainty and ensures our current support services continue without interruption.

What We Need to Know Right Now

• Continued Funding: The program will remain fully funded and operational until at least mid-2029, replacing previous plans to end it in 2027.
• Standalone Service: CHSP will remain completely separate from the newly introduced Support at Home program.
• No Immediate Action Required: If you are currently receiving CHSP services, you do not need to undergo a new aged care assessment or transition to a different support model.
• Consultation Period: The government will begin consulting with providers and the community later in 2026 to help design the long-term future of entry-level home care.
  
  

How This Affects Carers and Older Australians

Aspect	What It Means for Us
Everyday Services	Essential entry-level services like cleaning, transport, social support, and personal care will continue seamlessly. Our daily routines remain secure.
Caring Responsibilities	For those of us in a caring role, this extension means we do not have to disrupt the local services we rely on or urgently learn a new funding system.
Complex Care Needs	If our care needs increase, we still retain the option to request an assessment for the Support at Home program to access more intensive, coordinated support.
Local Providers	Provider contracts will continue without interruption, allowing local councils and community organisations to keep community kitchens open and transport buses on the road.

While this extension provides welcome breathing room, the broader aged care landscape is still evolving. The government recognises that CHSP is a highly valued program that is essential to aged care in Australia, but acknowledges that future updates are required to meet the growing demands of an ageing population. In the coming months, we will have opportunities to provide direct feedback on how the program can remain sustainable, ensure fair and equitable contributions, and support early intervention.

For now, the core message is straightforward: our existing support structures are safe. We can continue to focus on living independently and safely at home, knowing that our essential safety net is firmly in place until 2029.