HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend
On September 15, 2020, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) as a pathway to receive training and education towards certification as a Health Care Assistant, while working in a non-direct care role as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW). This initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, supports the increased need for additional staff in long-term care, assisted living sites, and home and community care settings.
In order to meet the eligibility requirements for the HCSW position under HCAP, applicants are required to complete a number of pre-requisite courses, some of which may come at a cost to the applicants. These pre-requisites may vary for each applicant, but include: FoodSafe and Standard First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Once conditionally accepted into the HCAP program and hired into a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) position, a stipend of $342 is available to support applicants with the costs related to the completion of pre-requisite courses for the HCAP program. This stipend is a fixed amount and not dependent on the type, number, or costs of the pre-requisites required for each applicant.
HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend Eligibility
To be eligible for this stipend, HCAP participants will need to meet all of the following criteria:
- The applicant completes and submits the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend Application Form with all supporting documents to the HCA team.
- The applicant has a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- This must be received as of the application date and to receive a T4A, as this stipend is a taxable income.
- The applicant is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Stipend
- The applicant submits a complete offer of employment or letter from a hiring manager confirming acceptance into the Health Career Access Program (HCAP), working as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW). Offers may be contingent upon confirmation of requirements – for example, passing an English proficiency test. In these cases, conditional offers are accepted for an applicant to receive the stipend.
- Acceptance letters from institutions offering the Health Care Assistant Program are not sufficient proof of enrollment into HCAP.
- The applicant is not required to submit receipts for Food Safe and Standard First Aid/CPR courses.
Additional Funding:
If HCAP participants were required to complete any of the following requirements as part of their enrollment into the HCAP program, they may be eligible for additional funding based on the following criteria:
English Language Proficiency Test
- The applicant may be eligible for reimbursement of up to two (2) attempts of the English Language Proficiency Test, whether they are successful or not.
- The English Language Proficiency Test must be acceptable by the BC Care Aide Registry.
Travel Allowance for English Tests
- The applicant may be eligible for a travel allowance if needing to travel more than 300km or require taking a BC ferry to complete an in-person English Language Proficiency Test.
Accuplacer
- The applicant may be eligible for reimbursement of up to two (2) attempts of the Accuplacer, whether they are successful or not.
- The Accuplacer test must have been required for enrollment into a post-secondary institution.
Criminal Record Check
- The applicant may be eligible for reimbursement of a second criminal record check if requested by their employer or post- secondary institution for practicum training.
- The applicant must provide proof that they completed an original criminal record check by having their employer submit a satisfactory HCAP Criminal Record Check Confirmation Form to the HCA team at applications@choose2care.ca.
Immunizations
- The applicant may be eligible for reimbursement of required immunizations for program compliance.
- Reimbursable immunizations include:
- Tdap-IPV (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio/Pertussis);
- Hepatitis B (administered in 3 doses);
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella);
- Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test if not covered by your employer or post-secondary institution.
Violence Prevention Program (Tuition)
- The applicant may be eligible for reimbursement of this program if required by their post-secondary institution.
Financial Supports
| Registration Requirements | Bursary Amount | Requirements for Reimbursement |
| Pre-Requisite Courses: FoodSafe and Standard First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
$342 CAD (flat fee) | Upon proof of employment. |
| English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) | Up to $400 CAD per test Maximum of two attempts | Upon proof of ELPT payment. |
| Travel Allowance for ELPT |
Up to $250 CAD |
Upon proof of payment for travel and primary residence. Distance conditions apply. |
| Accuplacer |
Up to $65 CAD per test Maximum of two attempts |
Upon proof of Accuplacer payment. |
| Criminal Record Check |
Up to $28 CAD |
Upon proof of second criminal record check payment and written confirmation from your employer. |
| Immunizations |
Up to $300 CAD |
Upon proof of immunization payment. As the Hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three (3) doses, documentation will only be accepted if the receipts clearly indicate that all three doses have been received. |
| Violence Prevention Program (Tuition) |
Up to $110 CAD |
Upon proof of program payment and course completion. |
Required Documents
- Proof of enrollment into HCAP – a complete offer of employment or letter from a hiring manager confirming acceptance into the Health Career Access Program (HCAP), working as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW).
- Photo of yourself holding a valid government-issued picture identification.
- Void Cheque or Direct Deposit Form.
- Receipts for any additional funding requested.
*Please ensure to review all requirements and gather appropriate documents before completing the application form as the system will not allow to save your progress. If you experience any issues with the application form, please contact applications@choose2care.ca.
Note: Payment can be expected within 4-6 weeks of submitting all required documentation.
HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend Application Form
HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend FAQ
1. What is the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend?
The Health Career Access Program (HCAP) is a pathway to receive training and education towards certification as a Health Care Aide while working in a new non-direct care role as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW). This initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, supports the increased need for additional staff in long-term care, assisted living sites, and home and community care settings.
Once conditionally accepted into the HCAP program and hired into a HCSW position, a $342.00 stipend is available to support successful applicants with costs related to the completion of pre-requisite courses (Food Safe, Standard First Aid/CPR). Applicants who are required to complete additional requirements as part of HCAP, may be eligible for additional funding.
2. What level of education and skills do I need to qualify for the Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) position?
The required qualifications for Health Care Support Workers include:
- Grade 10, including the successful completion of English 10, or equivalency
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships with clients, residents, and coworkers
- Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
- Ability to operate related equipment
3. What are the typical duties of the HCSW position?
Health Care Support Workers are supervised by Registered Nurses or other regulated health care professionals. They provide a variety of critical non-clinical, non-direct care supports to patients and residents.
Typical duties include:
- Participating as an integral member of a healthcare delivery team
- Establishing a caring relationship with clients, residents, and families
- Providing support and assistance with mealtime activities
- Providing support and assistance in carrying out activities
- Performing housekeeping duties
- Greeting and directing visitors
- Restocking supplies
- Completing and maintaining relevant records
4. Do I get any financial support from the government to cover the cost of the pre-requisite courses?
Once accepted into the HCAP program and hired into a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW) position, the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend of $342.00 is available to support successful applicants with the costs related to the completion of pre-requisite courses.
Applicants who are required to complete additional requirements as part of HCAP, may be eligible for additional funding.
* Please note, offers may be contingent upon confirmation of requirements - for example, passing an English proficiency test. In these cases, conditional offers are accepted for an applicant to receive the stipend.
5. Does the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend vary, or is it a fixed amount?
The stipend is a fixed amount at $342 and not dependent on the type, number, or costs of the pre-requisites required by the applicant.
Applicants who are required to complete additional requirements as part of HCAP, may be eligible for additional funding.
6. What is the eligibility criteria to qualify for the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend (one-time payment)?
A one-time payment of $342.00 will be paid to qualified HCAP applicants based on the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must submit proof of acceptance into HCAP – a complete offer of employment or letter from a hiring manager confirming acceptance into the Health Career Access Program (HCAP), working as a Health Care Support Worker (HCSW). Offers may be contingent upon confirmation of requirements - for example, passing an English proficiency test. In these cases, conditional offers are accepted for an applicant to receive the stipend.
* Please note: Acceptance letters from institutions offering the Health Care Assistant Program are not sufficient proof of enrollment into HCAP.
- Applicants must complete and submit an HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend Application Form with all supporting documents to the HCA Team.
- Applicants must provide a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) to Health Match BC as of the application date and to receive a T4A, as this stipend is a taxable income.
Further notes on eligibility:
This stipend is only available to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.
7. What are the approved English Language Tests eligible for the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend?
Currently, the English Language Tests eligible for funding include:
- Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
- CELPIP
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT
8. Am I eligible for reimbursement for an English Language Proficiency Test?
Applicants who are required to complete an English Language Proficiency Test as part of their enrollment into the HCAP program, may be eligible for funding in addition to the $342 stipend based on the following criteria:
- All criteria as outlined for the Stipend.
- Applicants must submit an official receipt from a recognized English Language Proficiency Test showing the applicant name, institution name, total amount paid, and date.
If applicants are required to complete an Accuplacer for enrollment into a post-secondary institution, an additional reimbursement is available to cover this cost.
9. Am I eligible for reimbursement if I appeal or retake an English Language Proficiency Test?
The English Language Test (ELT) stipend is available for up to two (2) attempts of the test, whether an applicant is successful or not. Funding is up to $400 per test and is based on official receipts from a recognized English Language Proficiency Test.
If applicants are required to complete an Accuplacer for enrollment into a post-secondary institution, an additional reimbursement is available to cover this cost.
10. Am I eligible for additional funding for a Criminal Record Check?
A second criminal record check may be requested by some Post Secondary Institutes for approval to do practicum training. To qualify for this reimbursement, applicants must provide written confirmation from their employer that an original criminal record check has been completed and they must submit the second criminal record check receipt.
Once your application has been received, the HCA team will respond to you directly with instructions on how your employer can provide written confirmation.
11. Am I eligible to for additional funding for Immunizations?
If a participant needs to update their required immunizations for program compliance, they may do so from their doctor or travel clinic. Health Authority employees can receive these immunizations from their employer. Funding is up to $300 and is based on official receipts.
Reimbursement would be dependent on the participant showing place of employment (confirming it is not a Health Authority site), an itemized receipt limited to: form review or assessment fees; Tdap-IPV (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio/Pertussis); Hepatitis B; MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and confirmed payment. As the Hepatitis B vaccine is administered in three (3) doses, documentation will only be accepted if the receipt clearly indicates that all three doses have been received.
*If Tuberculosis (TB) Skin Test is not covered by your employer or post-secondary institution, you may submit a receipt for reimbursement.
12. Am I eligible for a Violence Prevention Program (Tuition) reimbursement?
If a participant is asked to complete a Violence Prevention Program by their Post-Secondary Institution, they may be eligible for reimbursement.
*Applicants must submit proof from the school showing fee paid and course completion.
13. How can I expect to receive the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend Funds?
The stipend is paid via direct deposit after applicants submit all required documents outlined above. Applicants will receive a confirmation email with the date and amount of funds, once the stipend is processed.
14. Is the HCAP Pre-Requisite Stipend considered a taxable income?
The stipend is a taxable income and HEABC will issue a T4A at the end of the year. This is the reason a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required as of the application date.
15. How long does it take for me to receive the stipend from the date I submit my application?
The HCA Team will acknowledge receipt of the application within five (5) to seven (7) business days from the submission date. Please note that the processing time may vary if the application is incomplete. A payment in full can be expected within 4-6 weeks of all required documentation being submitted.
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