Assessment outcome: Commonwealth Home Support Program
If you are eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the assessment organisation will send you an assessment outcome letter (sometimes called a ‘Notice of Decision’).
The letter contains:
- information about the services you’re approved to receive, approval for any short-term support, if applicable
- the reasons for the assessment outcome decisions
- what to do if you don’t agree with these decisions
- a copy of your support plan developed during your assessment which has the referral codes.
On this page
What to do 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 refers you. With your consent, your assessor will have sent 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 refer yourself. If your assessor hasn’t referred you, you need to search for providers yourself. Your assessor will have given you a referral code for each service you’re eligible for. See more information about referral codes below.
You can use the Find a provider tool on the My Aged Care website to search for and compare providers that best meet your needs and preferences. Alternatively, you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for guidance.
Read more about connecting with Commonwealth Home Support Program providers.
What is a referral code and why do I need it?
A referral code is your unique reference number for receiving services. You will have one referral code for each service you’re eligible for. The referral codes are listed in your support plan. If you lose your code(s), you can log in to your My Aged Care Online Account to see it/them.
Once you choose a provider, give them your referral code(s). They will use the code to view your client record and support plan. They can also 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 My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
When will I start receiving services?
Services aren't always available, so there may be a delay before a provider offers you services. You can stay in contact with local providers or My Aged Care to check 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 first. Ask questions about their fees and your client contribution, and make sure you’re comfortable. Once you’re ready, you can agree to services and sign a service agreement.
Keeping track of next steps
The My guide to aged care tool will help create a ‘next steps’ checklist tailored for you.