Strong engagement at recent CHSP 2022-23 extension webinar

An older woman stands in a doorway with a walking frame. A younger woman stands in front of her with a hand on her arm and carrying a bad in her other hand. They are looking at each other and smiling.

Important changes are happening to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) as part of overall reforms to in-home support.

The new Support at Home program will commence in July 2023, which replaces CHSP, Home Care Packages, Short-term restorative care and residential respite programs.

To help CHSP providers transition:

  • grant agreements are being extended for one year, from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023
  • most providers will move from upfront quarterly payments to fixed monthly payments in arrears
  • grant agreements will be updated to reflect new nationally consistent unit prices for 2022-23.

We have been engaging both CHSP providers and aged care peak bodies to inform the transition process and to give support.

In August 2021, we conducted a 2022-23 Extension Readiness Survey and held a webinar on 17 November 2021. This event was attended by over 1,990 aged care providers, aged care experts and peak organisations.

What we heard

Attendees submitted 398 questions during the webinar. From these, three main themes emerged:

  • Changes to the CHSP will affect the sector’s ability to provide quality home support services while preparing for the new Support at Home program.
  • Funding arrangements are an important issue.
  • There are challenges in recruiting a skilled workforce, particularly as volunteer numbers have been impacted by COVID-19.

You told us you want more information on:

  • the payment in arrears process including invoicing, reporting and outputs

  • new compliance requirements

  • how the Assistance with Care and Housing (ACH), Sector Support and Development (SSD) and Specialised Support Services (SSS) sub-programs will be managed

  • flexibility provisions

  • rural and remote loadings

  • the new nationally consistent unit prices

  • reporting COVID-19 vaccinations.

What we're doing

Future engagement on the extension of the CHSP grant agreements will be informed by the questions you shared in this webinar.

Your feedback has been considered in the development of related reform policy and used to create Frequently Asked Questions and a Fact Sheet published on our website.

You can send any additional questions about the transition to the Support at Home program to the CHSP Extension inbox.

Missed the webinar? Don’t worry, a recording is available on the our website.


Let's change aged care, together

Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.

The changes mean older Australians will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.

To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.

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