NDIS, CHSP & HCP: What's the difference and what's right for you?

When it comes to requesting assistance with your everyday life, navigating the different Aged Care and Disability subsidies can be quite daunting. This guide will help you understand the difference between NDIS, HCP and CHSP subsidies if you’re accessing support and services for the first time.

Cooking, cleaning, bathing and maintaining social connections are considered part of everyday life. And if you’re noticing you’re having trouble completing these everyday tasks, it may be time to look into support services.

There are three major government initiatives in Australia: Home Care Packages (HCP), the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The CHSP and HCP are offered under My Aged Care for participants aged 65 and over (or 50 years or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), while NDIS is suited to people between the ages of 7 of 65 with permanent or significant disabilities.

Each of these initiatives is designed to provide varying levels of support and services to eligible Australians who need it. But there are also many other differences between each initiative.

What is Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps senior Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home.

CHSP is intended to assist participants in maintaining their independence by working with you to provide one or two basic services, either in the short-term or on an ongoing basis.

The CHSP also has a subprogram called Assistance with Care and Housing (ACH) which can provide support to people at risk of homelessness.

If you’ve found yourself having trouble with everyday tasks, the CHSP may be able to offer you the support you need. However, if your needs are more complex, you may be more suited to a Home Care Package.

You can learn more about the CHSP on this government website.

What is Home Care Package (HCP)

Home Care Packages (HCP) are for people who need more services and more in-depth, attentive care than offered by the CHSP.

The HCP operates on four levels, establishing the level of care that a participant requires.

Each level also dictates the type of services a participant receives.

• Level 1 is assigned to participants with basic care needs
• Level 2 is assigned to participants with low care needs
• Level 3 is assigned to participants with intermediate care needs
• Level 4 is assigned to participants with high care needs

Services available under an HCP vary from bathing and grooming to help with impairment and continence, home maintenance and nursing (among many others).

To apply for a Home Care Package, an individual will be assessed by an Aged Care Assistance Team (ACAT).

More in-depth information about Home Care Packages can be found on the My Aged Care government website.

What is National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a way for Australians with a disability to access support for themselves, their families, and their carers.

The NDIS is for people aged under 65 years with a permanent (will not go away) or significant (affects everyday life) disability of either a mental or physical nature.

Through the NDIS, people with disabilities are given access to support and services that will better their life.

Once a participant has been approved to receive NDIS support, a personalised agreement will be laid out based on the participant’s personal circumstances and needs. This is called a “Plan”.

From there, providers will work with the participant to develop the plan and provide the support that is needed.

Support that NDIS recipients can receive can include assistance with daily personal activities, mobility equipment, therapeutic support, help with household tasks and more.

You can read more about the scheme on NDIS's official website.

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