We understand that aged care funding and referral codes can feel confusing. The process of getting started involves a few different steps, and the terminology isn’t always clear. That’s why we’ve broken down what a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) referral code is, and why it matters.
At Vision Australia, we need to have an active referral in place to access funding through CHSP. This funding allows us to deliver government-subsidised services to eligible clients.
A CHSP referral code, sometimes known as a voucher, is a unique code issued by My Aged Care after an assessment. It authorises an older person to access entry-level support services at home like cleaning, meals, transport, or vision-related support.
Key things for you to know
Purpose
Referral codes are designed to help older Australians access the support they need to stay safe, confident and independent at home. They connect you with approved services quickly and smoothly.
How it works
After your assessment with a My Aged Care assessor, you’ll be approved for specific services based on your needs. A referral code is then created for each approved service, making it easy for providers to identify and deliver the right support.
Using the code
Simply share your referral code with your chosen service provider. Once they receive it, they can activate your services and arrange the support you’ve been approved for.
Multiple services
If you’re approved for different types of support, or choose different providers, you may receive more than one referral code. Each code links to a specific service to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Urgent situations
If your needs are urgent, My Aged Care can send referrals directly to providers on your behalf. In these situations, you won’t need a referral code and support can begin as quickly as possible.
If you lose your code
Don’t worry, your referral code is easy to find again. You can locate it in your My Aged Care online account or by calling My Aged Care for help on 1800 200 422.
Accessing vision services
If you receive a referral code for vision-related services, simply call your local Vision Australia office or share the code at your first appointment with us. We’ll take care of the rest and forward it to the right team so your services can be activated without delay.
If you’re unsure whether you need a referral code, just ask. Our team will let you know and explain what to do next. We’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as we can.
