At a Glance

This policy outlines how Member contributions (participant contributions) will be managed under the Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programs. It ensures fairness, transparency, and compliance with government requirements while protecting Members through financial hardship arrangements and the 'no worse off' principle for grandfathered Support at Home Members.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All Members receiving services under the Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programs.
All employees involved in administering contributions, invoicing, or Member communication.

Objective

The objective of this policy is to:

Ensure contributions are collected in line with government rules and income assessments.
Provide clear and consistent guidance to Members about their financial obligations.
Apply interim contributions fairly while income assessments are pending for Support at Home Members.
Protect Members through hardship provisions and the 'no worse off' principle for grandfathered Support at Home Members.

Definitions

CHSP - The Commonwealth Home Support Program, an initiative of the Department of Health to develop and maintain a cohesive Australian community and improved independence and self-sufficiency.
Contribution – The amount a Support at Home Member pays towards the cost of their care, based on their Services Australia income assessment or the amount a CHSP Member pays for the provision of their services.