Commonwealth HACC Program
Commonwealth HACC Program - Frequently Asked Questions
The follow is a collection of frequently asked questions for specific groups.
Frequently asked questions – general
What is the Commonwealth HACC Program?The Commonwealth HACC Program provides funding for services which support older people who are at risk of premature or inappropriate admission to long term residential care to be more independent in the home and in the community.
Services funded under the program are available to people aged 65 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over.
What type of support does the Commonwealth HACC Program provide?
A range of different services are funded under the Commonwealth HACC Program including transport, nursing care, social support and personal care.
A more comprehensive list of the types of services that can be provided under the program, is available, along with more information about each of these services.
How has HACC changed?
From 1 July 2012 the Australian Government undertook full funding, policy and operational responsibility for HACC services for older people in all states and territories except Western Australia and Victoria. The new program for older people is the Commonwealth HACC Program.
The state and territory governments will continue to fund and administer HACC services for people under the age of 65 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 50.
What will happen to services in Victoria and Western Australia?
The changes do not apply to Victoria and Western Australia. In these states, basic community care services will continue to be delivered under a program funded by both the Australian Government and the state government.
Why has HACC changed?
The introduction of the Commonwealth HACC Program will enable the development of a consistent aged care system covering basic care at home through to high level care in aged care homes.
Over time, older people should find it easier to navigate the aged care system and move seamlessly from basic maintenance, support and care services through to more complex care packages or residential care as their needs change.
How will the Living Longer. Living Better aged care reform package affect HACC?
Helping older people to stay at home is a key focus of the reforms, with $955.4 million being allocated to this goal. Of this amount $75.3 million will go toward drawing together existing programs, including the Commonwealth HACC Program, the National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres program and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged Program into an integrated Home Support program. The Home Support program will come into effect from 1 July 2015.
As part of the reform package and as a result of transition of the HACC program to the Commonwealth, the Australian Government is bringing together a number of different programs into a single national respite program.
The development of the new arrangements will be undertaken in conjunction with the sector over the next 12 months.
For more information on the Living Longer. Living Better aged care reform package visit the Aged Care Australia website.
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Frequently asked questions for HACC consumers, their families and carers
What age group does the Commonwealth HACC Program fund services for?The program funds HACC services for people 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 and over.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Commonwealth HACC services?
Commonwealth HACC services are intended for older people who need support to continue living in the community. So if you have difficulties with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed or showering, this could well be the extra support you need.
To be eligible for Commonwealth HACC services you must:
- be aged 65 or over, or 50 or over if you’re of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- live in the community
- have difficulty doing everyday tasks, and
- be likely to need to go into long term residential care without assistance from Commonwealth HACC services.
To access HACC services you can contact your local HACC provider directly, such as Meals on Wheels, to discuss your needs and adjust them as your requirements change.
The best way to find out what HACC service providers are operating in your area is to call 1800 200 422.
Why has funding and policy responsibility for HACC services for older people shifted from the states and territories to the Australian Government?
The shift in responsibility will enable the development of a consistent aged care system. The Government will be able to take steps to ensure that consumers can access the same standard of services regardless of where they reside.
Over time the change will also make it easier for older people to transition seamlessly from basic care at home through to a more complex care package or residential care as their needs change.
How will the Commonwealth HACC Program affect HACC clients, their families and carers?
HACC clients should not notice any changes initially as most of the changes are occurring at the administration and management levels in government rather than to service delivery.
Will people with a disability still be able to access HACC services?
Yes. Under the recent reforms to the HACC sector, state and territory governments will fund and manage basic community care and specialist disability services for people aged under 65 or under 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Individuals will remain in the most appropriate care setting, regardless of their age. If necessary, governments will make funding adjustments behind the scenes to facilitate this.
Will I have to change service providers because of my age?
No. Consumers will continue to receive basic community care services from their current service provider.
The age split determines what services the Commonwealth will fund and what services the state and territory governments will fund. Service providers can continue to support consumers of any age.
What services are available to assist carers?
The following service types are available to assist carers of people who qualify for services under the Commonwealth HACC Program:
- Carer counselling, support, information and advocacy
- Respite care, including home and centre-based day care
A carer is eligible to receive services under the Commonwealth HACC Program on the basis of the age of the person they are caring for. So to qualify for services under the Commonwealth HACC Program the carer must be caring for someone who is aged 65 or over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is eligible to receive HACC services.
What is the process for raising a complaint under the Commonwealth HACC Program?
Anyone who has concerns about services received under the Commonwealth HACC Program is encouraged to raise these concerns with their HACC service provider. If you’re unable to resolve the issue with your service provider you can contact the Aged Care Complaints Scheme on 1800 550 552 or submit your complaint online.
Will clients and carers have the opportunity to provide feedback on the Commonwealth HACC Program?
Yes. The needs and views of clients, carers and families are vital to any changes to the program. HACC clients, carers and other interested parties can provide comments, questions or feedback by emailing HACC or phoning 1800 200 422.
How will the Living Longer. Living Better. aged care reform package impact HACC?
The reforms will see the introduction of the Commonwealth Home Support program from 1 July 2015. The Home Support program will bring under the one program all of the services currently providing basic home support – including the Commonwealth HACC Program, the National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres program and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged Program. Consolidating these programs will provide a comprehensive basic home support program.
More detailed information on the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package can be found on the Aged Care Australia website.
Will consumers have an opportunity to provide input into the reforms?
Yes. The Australian Government is committed to consulting with service providers, the aged care workforce, consumers, carers and other stakeholders in the lead-up to the introduction of the Home Support program and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions for Commonwealth HACC service providers
How will the Government ensure service providers remain viable during the first year of the Commonwealth HACC Program?The Australian Government has agreed to not substantially change service delivery until after 1 July 2015 to help ensure a smooth transition for service providers and consumers.
We are working closely with service providers to help them adjust to any new arrangements.
What will happen with growth funding?
Growth funding is critical to the sector’s ability to respond to the evolving needs of HACC consumers.
Growth funding for the Commonwealth HACC Program will be announced each year as part of the Australian Government’s budget process. Growth funds will be allocated on the basis of funding priorities that will be determined as a result of a planning process each year.
More information about the allocation of growth funding, and growth funding rounds, will be widely advertised and available on the Aged Care Provider Portal.
Will peak organisations continue to receive funding?
Yes, the Australian Government has continued to provide peak HACC organisations with funding for activities relating to the Commonwealth HACC Program.
What are the reporting requirements for service providers?
Reporting requirements for service providers that receive funding for output services fall into the following categories:
- Minimum Data Set (MDS) reports
- Financial Accountability Reporting
- Output Variation Reports
- Quality reporting, and
- A final report.
What are service system development activities?
Service system development activities are activities and projects that support the development of the HACC sector, including workforce training, multicultural advisory services, peak body support and research to help improve HACC service provision.
These activities have been previously referred to as non-output services or 018 services.
What support will be provided to assist service providers to meet new administrative requirements?
The Australian Government is assisting service providers by offering a range of information resources and support for new reporting and contractual requirements. The Aged Care Provider Portal is being used as an administration and communication system for the program. Service providers are able to manage their organisation’s profile online, regularly access up to date information on the program and submit their reports via the portal.
If you require assistance with the portal you can contact the HACC Service Provider Helpdesk on 1800 057 616 or email HACC
There is also a paper-based alternative to support service providers who have elected not to use the portal.
What are the conditions for Australian Government funding?
For most Commonwealth HACC service providers, the funding agreement with the Australian Government has three components:
- 1. the Terms and Conditions for Aged Care Funding
2. the Program Schedule(s)
3. the Commonwealth HACC Program Manual
Service providers who currently have a Head Agreement for Multi Project Funding issued through the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, will be offered a project schedule for the Commonwealth HACC Program under this Agreement. A specific fact sheet is available for service providers with an OATSIH Project Schedule as a number of requirements will differ due to this arrangement.
Do Commonwealth HACC service providers need to be an Approved Provider?
No. Approved Provider status is a requirement for services provided under the Aged Care Act 1997. HACC services are not delivered under this Act.
Do service providers need to acknowledge the funding support they receive from the Government?
Yes. Your organisation is required to formally acknowledge the Australian Government funding it receives under the Commonwealth HACC Program. This helps the Government to ensure that the Australian public are kept informed of how public money is being spent.
More information can be found in acknowledging funding.
Is it the age of the carer or the age of the care recipient that determines whether a carer is eligible to receive Commonwealth HACC services?
A carer is eligible to receive services under the Commonwealth HACC Program on the basis of the age of the person they are caring for. So to qualify for services under the Commonwealth HACC Program the carer must be caring for someone who is aged 65 or over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and is eligible to receive HACC services.
How do I become a Commonwealth HACC service provider?
Funding to become a Commonwealth HACC service provider is on an application basis. Prospective applicants will be able to apply for funding through funding rounds run by the Department of Health and Ageing. Eligibility and other requirements will be clearly specified in the documentation for the funding process.
Information on any current Commonwealth HACC funding process will be available on the Tenders and Grants page on the department’s website at www.health.gov.au/Tenders, also on the Government’s grants website at www.grantslink.gov.au and via major national newspapers.
There are currently no funding processes advertised.
How will the Living Longer. Living Better. aged care reform package impact HACC?
The reforms will see the introduction of the Commonwealth Home Support program from 1 July 2015. The Home Support program will bring under the one program all of the services currently providing basic home support – including the Commonwealth HACC Program , the National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres program and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged Program. Consolidating these programs will provide a comprehensive basic home support program.
More detailed information on the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package can be found on the Aged Care Australia website
Will the reforms address the aged care sector’s workforce pressures?
An adequately skilled and well qualified workforce is essential to deliver quality aged care for the growing number of older Australians, some of whom have complex health needs. Through the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package, the Government will provide $1.2 billion over five years to tackle critical shortages in the aged care workforce.
The Government is developing and implementing an aged care workforce productivity strategy in collaboration with the sector to ensure a skilled workforce is attracted and retained to meet growing demand. A new Workforce Compact, between government, unions and aged care providers, will improve the capacity of the aged care sector to attract and retain staff through:
- higher wages;
- improved career structures;
- enhanced training and education opportunities;
- improved career development and workforce planning; and
- better work practices.
Funding, for those aged care providers that sign up to the Compact, will be available from 1 July 2013. Existing funding of around $412 million under the Aged Care Workforce Fund will be redirected to support education and training initiatives.
More information on the how the Living Longer Living Better reforms will address workforce pressures is available on the Aged Care Australia website.
Will service providers have an opportunity to provide input into the reforms?
Yes. The Australian Government is committed to consulting with service providers, the aged care workforce, consumers, carers and other stakeholders in the lead-up to the introduction of the Home Support program and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions for HACC staff
What impact will the new Commonwealth HACC Program have on staff delivering HACC services?From 1 July 2012 the Australian Government is directly funding HACC service providers delivering care to clients aged 65 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 and over. The Australian Government will not substantially alter service delivery mechanisms before 1 July 2015.
Trained and experienced HACC care workers, administration and management staff will still be needed by service providers to continue delivery of HACC services.
Generally, most of the changes will be occurring at the administration level rather than in the areas of staffing or client service delivery.
What is being funded under the Commonwealth HACC Program?
The Australian Government will fund the HACC service types detailed in the Commonwealth HACC Program Manual. These service types are consistent with those in the previous HACC National Program Guidelines.
The Government will also continue to fund non-output services, or services not recorded in the Minimum Data Set (MDS), that support and strengthen service provision in the HACC sector.
Will HACC staff have the opportunity to provide feedback on the Commonwealth HACC Program?
Yes. We value the opinions and feedback of staff responsible for delivering HACC services on the ground. HACC staff can provide comments, questions or feedback by emailing HACC
How will the Living Longer. Living Better aged care reform package impact HACC?
The reforms will see the introduction of the Commonwealth Home Support program from 1 July 2015. The Home Support program will bring under the one program all of the services currently providing basic home support – including the Commonwealth HACC Program, the National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres program and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged Program. Consolidating these programs will provide a comprehensive basic home support program.
More detailed information on the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package can be found on the Aged Care Australia website.
Will the reforms address the aged care sector’s workforce pressures?
An adequately skilled and well qualified workforce is essential to deliver quality aged care for the growing number of older Australians, some of whom have complex health needs. Through the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package, the Government will provide $1.2 billion over five years to tackle critical shortages in the aged care workforce.
The Government is developing and implementing an aged care workforce productivity strategy in collaboration with the sector to ensure a skilled workforce is attracted and retained to meet growing demand. A new Workforce Compact, between government, unions and aged care providers, will improve the capacity of the aged care sector to attract and retain staff through:
- higher wages;
- improved career structures;
- enhanced training and education opportunities;
- improved career development and workforce planning; and
- better work practices.
Funding, for those aged care providers that sign up to the Compact, will be available from 1 July 2013. Existing funding of around $412 million under the Aged Care Workforce Fund will be redirected to support education and training initiatives.
More information on the how the Living Longer Living Better reforms will address workforce pressures is available on the Aged Care Australia website.
Will HACC staff have an opportunity to provide input into the reforms?
Yes. The Australian Government is committed to consulting with service providers, the aged care workforce, consumers, carers and other stakeholders in the lead-up to the introduction of the Home Support program and beyond.
Where can I find information about the Social and Community Services wage increase?
On 1 February 2012, Fair Work Australia (FWA) made a decision to increase wages in the social and community services sector. The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has a comprehensive website which contains information about this decision and who it affects. For more information, please visit FaHCSIA's website: Fair pay for Social and Community Services Workers.
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