About the CHSP
Knox City Council provides Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services.
These services include:
- meal delivery
- home changes and adjustments
- home maintenance and repairs
- occupational therapy services.
People who use these services must first register with and be assessed by the Australian Government’s My Aged Care system. They are then referred to Council for support services.
About the policy
The CHSP Client Contribution Policy (PDF 202KB) explains the rules and requirements for client contributions under the CHSP. It also explains how client fees are set and managed in line with the Aged Care Act 2024.
Clients will also receive this policy and a CHSP Service Agreement when services start. The agreement will clearly explain service costs and the client contribution schedule.
Client contribution principles
We aim to keep CHSP fees fair, clear and sustainable. Clients who can afford to help pay for services are expected to contribute to the cost.
We share information about fees through Council documents, written information, our website and before services start.
Fees are based on income and household type, including singles and couples. If clients don’t provide income details or aren’t on a pension, they may pay higher fees under a user-pays system.
Client responsibilities
Clients are responsible for:
- paying agreed fees
- telling Community Care if their financial situation changes
- providing the information needed to work out their fees.
If a service is cancelled late, it may still be charged. If a client can pay but doesn’t, their services may be paused or stopped after a review and written notice.
Hardship support
If clients are going through financial hardship, they can ask for a fee review by filling out a Request for Reduction in Fees Form.
Fee reductions may be temporary or ongoing and will be checked and updated as needed.
Non-payment of fees
We send accounts every 4 weeks and payment is due within 30 days. If a payment is overdue, Community Care will contact clients to talk about payment options and support.
Clients can appeal their fees and involve an advocate if needed. If fees still aren’t paid and it’s not due to hardship, we may review ongoing services.
Knox City Council aims to recover fees fairly while keeping debt recovery to a minimum.
