Published date: 22 September 2025
When the new Aged Care Act starts on 1 November 2025, it will bring changes for people accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Under the new Act, everyone receiving government-funded aged care must be registered with My Aged Care and have an aged care needs assessment.
Who can access CHSP from 1 November 2025
From 1 November 2025, you can access aged care if you are:
- aged 65 years and over
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 50 years or over
- homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 years or over, or
- an existing client approved for aged care before 1 November 2025.
If you are an existing CHSP client aged 45 to 49, you will keep receiving services if you are assessed or have an assessment referral in place before 1 November 2025. This change will affect some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receiving CHSP.
If you have been assessed and approved for CHSP, even if it was a few years ago, you will continue to receive your services without disruption. You don’t need to take any action.
What you need to do before 1 November 2025
If you access CHSP but haven’t been assessed, or you’re not sure if you’ve been assessed, you should contact your aged care provider to check.
If you haven’t been assessed, request an assessment through My Aged Care as soon as possible before 1 November 2025. You can:
- Ask your provider for help
- Complete the Apply for an assessment online form
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm weekdays, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturdays)
- Book a face-to-face appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at select Services Australia centres by calling 1800 227 475 (8:00 am to 5:00 pm, weekdays)
Having an assessment or a referral in place for an assessment before 1 November 2025 will ensure that your services can continue without interruption.
More information
For more information, read the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's CHSP client fact sheet.
Last updated date: 22 September 2025
