Begin your Journey

Receiving support from Sydney Community Services and other providers starts with the government’s My Aged Care program.

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s gateway for learning about various types of care and accessing services and activities to help you live independently, whether it’s help around the home, assistance with transportation, or connecting you with your local community.

Sydney Community Services receives Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funding from the government to deliver many of our services and activities for older people.

To access these services and activities, you must first register with My Aged Care.

Contact My Aged Care directly at 1800 200 422 or apply online. My Aged Care will ask you a few questions and arrange an assessment.

If you wish to receive services and activities from Sydney Community Services, you can request My Aged Care refer you directly to us.

Get started

What you need to do

1. Are you eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Program

If you’re finding some daily tasks a bit harder and feel that a little extra support could help you stay healthy, independent and well, the CHSP program might be a great fit.

You may be eligible if you are:

  • 65 years or older, or
  • 50 years or older if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or
  • 50 years or older and homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • Before you can access government-subsidised aged care services for the first time, you need to be assessed. Call My Aged Care or complete the form online.
  • You can complete the application for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/apply-online
  • Answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility and what help you need.
    TIP: Have your Medicare, Pension and/or DVA card handy.
  • With your consent an ‘older individual record’ will be made containing:
    • Personal details
    • What you need and want help with
    • Any support you have already
    • Your preferences
  • After you submit your aged care assessment application, the assessment team will call you to confirm your details and understand your needs.
  • They’ll check your eligibility, ask if you need language or advocacy support, and help book an assessment time.
  • At your assessment, you can talk more about the support you want and need.
  • You can also choose which agencies you’d like to receive services from. With your consent, your My Aged Care assessor can send referrals to us, i.e. Sydney Community Services.
  • Once you have been approved for services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) you will have receive a ‘Notice of Decision’ letter and support plan outlining your approved Commonwealth Home Support Program services.
  • The next step is to connect with an aged care provider in your local area that offers the support you need, such as Sydney Community Services.
  • Call us on 9427 6425. You will need the referral code you received in your Notice of Decision letter.
  • If you have several service referral codes, check with us to find out if we can provide all your services.
  • If you do not contact us, we will reach out to you once your referral is received from the Assessor.

Need Support or Have a Question?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for support, have questions about our services, or just want to speak with someone who cares — our friendly team is ready to assist you. Contact us today.

9427 6425
support@sydneycs.org