Government-Subsidised Meals for Older People 

If you receive aged care funding from the Australian Government, you may be eligible for subsidised home-delivered meals through Newcastle Meals on Wheels.

Government funding helps reduce the cost of your meals so you can enjoy nutritious food, delivered to your door, at a lower price. 

As a local not-for-profit organisation, our focus is making meals affordable and accessible for older people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Port Stephens regions. 

Our meals may be supported under: 

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) 
• Home Care Packages (HCP) 
• Support at Home (SaH) 
• NDIS (for eligible participants) 

 

How Government Meal Subsidies Work 

The Australian Government subsidises Newcastle Meals on Wheels to help:

• Prevent malnutrition 
• Support independence 
• Reduce hospital admissions 
• Keep older Australians living safely at home 

If you are approved for one of these programs, your funding can be used toward your meals. In most cases, the government covers part of the cost and you pay a smaller contribution. 

 

For example: 

If You Are On…	The Government Pays	You Pay	Who Sends the Bill?
CHSP	Most of your meal	A small contribution	We invoice you
Support at Home (formerly HCP)	Through your provider	A client contribution	We invoice you and your care provider
NDIS	As per your plan	As per your plan	We invoice you

 

Funding structures can sound complicated, but we explain everything clearly before you begin. There are no surprises, and we confirm your costs upfront.

Start your order today.  

 

Who is Eligible? 

Generally, you may be eligible if you are: 

• Aged 65 years or older 
• Aged 50 years or older if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 

Eligibility is confirmed through My Aged Care. 

 

For example: 

Age	Australian Government Care Plan	Eligible for Subsidised Meals?	What you will pay us for your main meal
65+ or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People	Aged Care Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)	Yes	From $5.60
	Aged Care Health Care Package (HCP) now known as Support at Home (SaH) Program	Yes	From $4.20 plus a contribution to your provider
Any	NDIS (If meals are included)	Yes	From $4.20
	None (private client)	No	Full-price, From $17

 

Not sure which program applies to you? Call us and we’ll explain it clearly and simply. Phone: 02 4957 7097.

 

Not Sure What Funding You Receive? 

Many people aren’t sure whether they are on:

• CHSP 
• Home Care Package 
• Support at Home

That’s completely OK. 

 

You can: 

• Check your My Aged Care account 
• Speak with your care provider 
• Or simply call us - we’re happy to help

There is no obligation to register. 

Not Yet on an Aged Care Plan? 

You can check your eligibility through My Aged Care. You do not need funding to order meals from us. However, if you are eligible, we can help you access subsidised pricing. Call us for guidance - we’re here to make the process simple. Phone: 02 4957 7097.

 

You Can Order Meals Without Government Support

You do not need to be on an Aged Care Plan to order meals from us.

We provide:

• Full-price meals for private clients 
• Meals for businesses 
• Short-term support for families and individuals 

Delivery is always free for clients (delivery fees apply to businesses). There are no lock-in contracts. [accordion style FAQs]

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Government-Subsidised Meals 

 

Are Newcastle Meals on Wheels government funded? 

Yes. Meals may be subsidised under CHSP, Home Care Packages, Support at Home, or NDIS, depending on your eligibility. 

 

Do I need a referral? 

You do not need to be referred by another person or professional to use our services. You can refer yourself, or be referred to us by a friend or family member. Your doctor or nutritionist can refer you to us but this is not a requirement.

Clients receiving CHSP will need to provide us with a meal referral code or provider information. If you would like help with this, simply give us a call on 02 4957 7097.

 

How do I receive subsidised meals from Newcastle Meals on Wheels? 

You must first be assessed through My Aged Care. Once approved, you can choose Newcastle Meals on Wheels as your provider. 

 

Am I old enough to qualify for a subsidy? 

You must be aged 65+, or 50+ if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, to apply for aged care support and receive subsidised meals with us. 

 

How much will I pay? 

This depends on your plan. Typically, you pay a smaller contribution and the government covers the remainder. We can confirm your exact cost before you begin. 

 

Can I switch to Newcastle Meals on Wheels? 

Yes. If your funding allows meal services, you can choose us as your provider. 

 

Can I order meals without any government funding? 

Yes. Private clients can purchase meals at full price, with free delivery for clients. 

 

Why Might There Be Two Payments Under Support at Home? 

Support at Home funding is managed through your care provider. Because of this, part of your meal cost may be paid by you, and part may be paid from your care budget.

We’ll explain exactly how it works before you start, so you always understand what you’re paying.

Call us if you’d like us to walk you through it. Phone: 02 4957 7097