Commonwealth Home Support Program

Eligibility for CHSP is based on your support needs and age. If you’re having trouble with everyday tasks and feel that a little support could improve your health and wellbeing, this program could be right for you.

To be eligible, you must be aged:

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

An aged care assessment will determine your eligibility for the program including specific services you may need. 

You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for an aged care assessment. You may be eligible if you have:  

• Noticed a change in what you can do or remember; 
• Been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility; 
• Experienced a change in family care arrangements; or 
• Experienced a recent fall or hospital admission. 

To find out if you are eligible for services, the first step is to have an assessment. Assessments are done by a representative from My Aged Care in person, usually at your own home. Their online eligibility checker helps you quickly check if you meet the requirements for an assessment before you apply. If your application is successful, you will then be referred for an in-person assessment. Check your eligibility by clicking below. 

There are a range of services available which are provided by local community care organisations, such as council's Community Care team and their amazing Domestic Care Workers. 

Services available through Northern Grampians Shire Council include:

• Meals and food preparation, to help ensure you continue to eat well. 
• Bathing and general hygiene, to help you maintain healthy personal care. 
• Nursing and medical support, to help you manage medical conditions at home. 
• Home and garden maintenance, to help keep your home and garden in safe condition. 
• Cleaning and laundry support, to help you keep your home clean and tidy. 
• Aids to stay independent, to help you with mobility, communication or personal care limitations. 
• Transport, to help get you to appointments and complete odd jobs.
• Senior Citizens connection, to help you connect with likeminded people who may have similar interests to you.
• Respite care, to help your primary carer who may need a short reprieve to recharge their batteries. 

Services are identified by a council representative once your My Aged Care assessment has been completed and a referral is sent to our Community Care team. We can also modify services depending on your individual needs and in consultation with you should the need arise. 

To make sure you can access the help you need at an affordable price, the government subsidises a variety of organisations across Australia. These organisations are called service providers who deliver care and services to you at a subsidised price. Northern Grampians Shire Council and our Community Care team are one such service provider. 

If you are eligible, you’re expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to. The cost depends on the type of support and every service provider sets their own fees. Simple services like house cleaning and meals might cost a few dollars, whereas more complex services like renovation work may cost more. 

Northern Grampians Shire Council operates transparently in this regard. You can view our relevant fees by clicking on our Community Care Fees and Charges 2024-25(PDF, 164KB). For more information, please call the Community Care team on (03) 5358 0514.