Australia extends Commonwealth Home Support Program to 2029

The Australian federal government has announced an extension of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), ensuring it remains a standalone service until at least June 30, 2029. This decision delays the previously planned merger of the CHSP into the new Support at Home program.

The extension aims to provide certainty for approximately 830,000 older Australians who rely on the program for essential services such as domestic assistance, meal delivery, transport, and social support. It also provides stability for roughly 1,300 service providers, including local councils, who had expressed concerns regarding long-term viability and service continuity.

Health Minister Mark Butler and Aged Care and Seniors Minister Sam Rae stated that the decision follows feedback from providers and consumers. The government intends to use this period to consult on the long-term future of the CHSP, including the potential continuation of block funding and how the program will eventually integrate with the broader aged care system.