Victorian Home and Community Care Program for Younger People

The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) supports Victorians from birth to 65 years, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from birth to 50 years, if their capacity for independent living is at risk. This may be due to chronic illness, mental health issues, disability or other conditions where they need one-off, intermittent or ongoing support to undertake the activities of daily living.

HACC PYP supports Victorians to optimise their health and wellbeing, while maintaining or regaining their independence to live safely in their homes and actively participate in their community. The program is funded and managed by the Victorian Department of Health.

Services are delivered through:

  • Local councils such as Northern Grampians Shire Council;
  • Health services, including registered community health services;
  • Aboriginal community-controlled organisations;
  • Ethno-specific and multicultural organisations; or
  • A range of other non-government community organisations (where appropriate).

Read more below including how to find if you're eligible and how to apply for the program with council.

Eligibility considerations for adults

Eligibility is not based on a diagnosis or defined condition. Instead, it considers the impact of that condition on the person’s functional capacity, and the potential impact the provision of targeted HACC PYP interventions can have in supporting that person to maximise their independence.

Victorians who are eligible are aged from birth to 65 years of age, or birth to 50 years for Aboriginal peoples, and who:

  • Have a chronic illness, mental health, disability or other condition that has an impact on their day-to-day living and ability to participate in the community;
  • Are at risk of losing their independence without support and are not accessing similar supports through other programs; and
  • Require HACC PYP health or wellbeing supports to assist with the activities of daily living.

Eligibility considerations for children

When assessing HACC PYP in-home support for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, children and adolescents, council must consider whether the day-to-day care needs of the individual would usually be met by the family or carer, or whether they need assistance and support because the family or carer needs are greater than the average.

There are a range of services available which are provided by local community care organisations, such as council's Community Care team and their amazing Domestic Care Workers. 

Services available through Northern Grampians Shire Council include:

  • Meals and food preparation, to help ensure you continue to eat well. 
  • Bathing and general hygiene, to help you maintain healthy personal care. 
  • Nursing and medical support, to help you manage medical conditions at home. 
  • Home and garden maintenance, to help keep your home and garden in safe condition. 
  • Cleaning and laundry support, to help you keep your home clean and tidy. 
  • Aids to stay independent, to help you with mobility, communication or personal care limitations. 
  • Transport, to help get you to appointments and complete odd jobs.
  • Senior Citizens connection, to help you connect with likeminded people who may have similar interests to you.
  • Respite care, to help your primary carer who may need a short reprieve to recharge their batteries.

Anyone within the Northern Grampians Shire community can access HACC PYP through council's Community Care team. Simply call us on (03) 5358 0514 or send us an email at community.care@ngshire.vic.gov.au to enquire.

From there, one of our assessors will meet with you to gain a broader understanding of your individual needs with the aim of assisting you to live at home independently for as long as possible. 

HACC PYP is not an entitlement program, and eligibility does not guarantee access. Overall, the program targets its services to people who have the greatest need and capacity to benefit from the support available. Priority is assessed in the context of a person’s usual living environment and available supports, in comparison to other eligible people within the shire.

Factors to be considered when assessing priority include:

  • Whether they need HACC PYP or an alternative support;
  • The effects on other people seeking support at the same time;
  • The vulnerability of the person’s health and wellbeing to further deterioration;
  • The likelihood that the service will assist the person to attain their goals or maintain quality of life in the community; and
  • Is there a risk of admission to hospital or specialist residential services.

Factors such as the person’s relative needs and the capacity of council to respond with existing resources may mean that services cannot be provided, even if the person is eligible.

Speaking with a member of council's Community Care team is the easiest way to determine your eligibility and level of priority. Please give them a call on (03) 5358 0514 to talk about your specific needs. 

If you are eligible, you’re expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to. The cost depends on the type of support. Simple services like house cleaning and meals might cost a few dollars, whereas more complex services like renovation work may cost more. 

Northern Grampians Shire Council operates transparently in this regard. You can view our relevant fees by clicking on our Community Care Fees and Charges 2024-25(PDF, 164KB). 

Please note - eligible HACC PYP recipients can access significantly subsidised services depending on your individual needs. Please call us on (03) 5358 0514 for a confidential chat about your circumstances and how we can best support you.

The HACC PYP program is an option for those who may not meet the necessary NDIS requirements to qualify for support under their scheme. 

Residents who may be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme are encouraged to make contact with the NDIS National Contact Centre directly by calling 1800 800 110 or by visiting the NDIS website.

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