If you’re eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), you will find out at your assessment.
Your assessor will tell you what services you’re eligible to receive or explain why you’re not eligible. This and other important information will be included in the support plan created for you with your assessor.
I’m eligible - what’s next?
If you’re eligible, the next step is to connect with suitable aged care providers.
There are two ways to do this:
Your assessor can refer you
With your consent, your assessor can send a referral to the relevant provider(s). The referral lets providers know you’re a new client wanting a service and prompts them to contact you.You can refer yourself
You can let your assessor know that you would like to search for providers yourself. If you choose to do this, your assessor can give you a referral code for each service you’re eligible for. See more information about referral codes below.
You can find providers by using the Find a provider tool or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for guidance.
Read more about connecting with Commonwealth Home Support Programme providers.
What is a referral code and why do I need it?
A referral code is your unique reference number for receiving services. Your assessor will give you one referral code for each service you’re eligible for. This information will be included in your support plan. If you lose your code(s), you can log in to your My Aged Care Online Account to see it.
Once you choose a provider, you will need to give them your referral code(s). With the code they can view your client record and support plan, accept the referral, and start organising services for you — if you choose to accept their services.
If you want to change providers, you will need to reactivate your referral code. You can do this in your My Aged Care Online Account or by calling us on 1800 200 422.
When will I start receiving services?
You may not receive services immediately, as they aren't always available. If this happens, there may be a delay before a provider offers you services. You may wish to stay in contact with local providers or My Aged Care to check on availability.
Do I have to accept the provider or the services offered?
Contacting or being referred to providers doesn’t mean you have agreed to their services. You can talk with them, ask questions about their fees and your client contribution, and make sure you’re comfortable first. Once you’re ready, you can agree to services.
Keep track of what you need to do
The My guide to aged care tool will help create a ‘next steps’ checklist tailored for you.
I’m not eligible - what now?
If you’re not eligible for CHSP services, your assessor will explain why and discuss your options with you.
Your support plan may include general recommendations for other services and supports that you may wish to access. Depending on the service, you may need to pay for it privately or it may be funded through another government program.
If you are under 65 years old, you may want to explore your eligibility with the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS). You can do this through an NDIS Access Request. Call NDIS on 1800 800 110 (toll-free) for more information.
If your circumstances change and your needs increase, you may be reassessed. You can contact My Aged Care and they can arrange for an assessment to determine the best aged care option for you.
If you don’t agree with the outcome of your assessment, you can contact the assessment organisation that conducted your assessment and speak to them directly.