Commonwealth Home Support Program vs Home Care Packages: What Changed with Support at Home?

Navigating aged care options can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to understand what support is available for an essential service like meals. If you're comparing the commonwealth home support program vs home care packages, you're not alone; many Australians find themselves unsure which program best fits their needs. The good news is that both options can help you access nutritious, ready-made meals delivered straight to your door. In this guide, we'll walk you through the key differences, explain how meal funding works under each programme, and show you how to get started with delicious, chef-prepared meals through your aged care plan.

What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is the entry-level tier of Australia's aged care system. It's designed for older Australians who are mostly independent but need a bit of extra help with everyday tasks to continue living safely at home.

To be eligible, you typically need to be aged 65 or older (or 50 and older if you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person). The programme provides grant-funded services through local providers, covering support such as:

• Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, light housework)
• Personal care (help with bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Transport to appointments and social activities
• Meal preparation and delivery services
• Short-term respite care for primary carers

Under CHSP, services are organised separately rather than bundled into a single care budget. This makes it flexible for occasional needs, you can dip in and out as required. As outlined by My Aged Care's cost information, you'll pay a small client contribution towards the cost of your services, with the government covering the majority.

What Are Home Care Packages?

Home Care Packages (HCP) are designed for older Australians with more complex or ongoing care needs. Unlike CHSP, packages provide a coordinated approach to care with an annual budget allocated based on your assessed needs.

Traditionally, Home Care Packages were available across four levels:

• Level 1: Basic care needs
• Level 2: Low-level care needs
• Level 3: Intermediate care needs
• Level 4: High-level care needs

From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government replaced Home Care Packages with the new Support at Home programme. This reform expands from four funding levels to eight classifications, with annual budgets of up to $78,106 per year for those with the highest care needs. If you already have a Home Care Package, you've automatically transitioned to Support at Home with the same level of funding.

Key Differences Between CHSP and Home Care Packages

Understanding the differences helps you determine which programme suits your current situation:

How Meal Services Work Under Each Programme

Good nutrition is essential for healthy ageing. The Australian Dietary Guidelines emphasise that older Australians benefit from nutrient-dense meals to maintain energy, muscle mass and overall wellbeing. Both CHSP and Home Care Packages can help you access meal delivery services, but the funding works differently.

Meals Under CHSP

Under CHSP, the Australian Government provides grant funding to approved meal providers across Australia. This funding helps subsidise the cost of preparing and delivering your meals, and you then pay a client contribution set by your chosen provider. For many people, this means meals cost only a few dollars each, but the exact amount will vary depending on your provider and location.

Meals Under Home Care Packages / Support at Home

With a Home Care Package (now Support at Home), meal delivery is funded from your allocated budget. Many providers cover around 70% of total meal costs, leaving you with a co-payment of approximately 30%. For example, based on common Home Care pricing structures, a regular-sized meal priced at $13.99 may cost you around $4.12 out of pocket.

Under the new Support at Home programme, clinical services (including nursing and allied health) are fully funded by the government. Non-clinical services like meal delivery may involve an income-based contribution, with a lifetime cap of $135,318.69 to protect you from high costs.

Getting an Assessment: Your First Step

To access either programme, you'll need an assessment through My Aged Care. Since December 2024, Australia has implemented a Single Assessment System, streamlining the process so you don't need to re-assess with different providers as your needs change.

Here's how to get started:

• Check your eligibility: In most cases, you will need to be aged 65 or older (or 50 or older if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person) and need some help to live safely at home. In some circumstances, people under these ages, for example, older adults on a low income who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, may also be eligible. My Aged Care will look at both your needs and your overall situation when deciding whether an assessment is appropriate.
• Contact My Aged Care: Call or apply online to register and request an assessment.
• Complete your assessment: A trained assessor will visit you at home (or in hospital if needed) to understand your care needs. This is a friendly conversation, not a test.
• Receive your approval letter: You'll be advised which services you're approved for and can then choose a provider.

Assessments are free of charge and can take between 1–3 hours, depending on your situation. Having a family member or friend present can be helpful, especially if you feel overwhelmed by lots of questions.

When to Transition from CHSP to Support at Home

Many people begin with CHSP when their needs are modest and transition to Support at Home as circumstances change. Signs it might be time to request a reassessment include:

• Your current CHSP services no longer meet your daily needs
• You require help with multiple tasks each day, not just occasional support
• You need clinical care such as nursing, physiotherapy, or medication management
• Your health has declined or you've experienced a significant change in mobility

According to the Department of Health, the CHSP will transition into the Support at Home programme no earlier than 1 July 2027. Until then, you can continue receiving CHSP services while planning ahead for any future changes in your care needs.

How Nourish'd Can Help

At Nourish'd, we make it simple and stress-free to access nutritious meals through your aged care funding. We partner with a growing list of Home Care Providers across Australia, so you can enjoy chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved meals delivered directly to your door.

Our meals are:

• Fresh, not frozen: Made with real ingredients and no artificial preservatives
• 100% gluten-free: Endorsed by Coeliac Australia for those with gluten sensitivity
• Easy to heat and enjoy: Simply microwave for 2–3 minutes
• Available in multiple portion sizes: 
  
  • Regular (220–320g)
  • Large (320–420g)
  • Extra Large (420–540g)

If your Home Care Provider isn't already on our partner list, don't worry. You can request provider engagement, and our team will take care of the rest.

Meal Recommendations for Aged Care Recipients

Our menu features meals designed with older Australians in mind, tender proteins, comfort flavours, and balanced nutrition in every serve. Here are some customer favourites:

Our Slow Cooked Beef Stew features grass-fed beef slow-cooked until fork-tender, surrounded by root vegetables in a rich tomato base. With 4 vegetable serves per portion, it's hearty comfort food that's also packed with protein, vitamin B12 and iron.

For a homestyle classic, our Savoury Mince with Baba Ganoush features seasoned beef mince gently cooked with mushrooms, capsicum, tomato and onion, then finished with a smooth, creamy dollop of baba ganoush. It’s a warm, comforting option for those who enjoy traditional meat-and-veg style meals with a modern twist.

If you enjoy creamy, comfort-style meals, our Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Greens pairs tender chicken breast in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with spinach and parmesan, served alongside buttery green beans and broccoli. It’s a flavour-packed option that offers both protein and plenty of vegetables in one easy, ready-made meal.

Taking the Next Step

Whether you're just beginning to explore aged care options or ready to transition from CHSP to Support at Home, understanding your choices is the first step towards easier mealtimes. Visit our Home Care meals page to learn more about accessing Nourish'd through your funding, or contact our friendly team to discuss your eligibility. Good nutrition doesn't have to be complicated, we're here to help you enjoy delicious, wholesome meals with minimal fuss.