Anyone who is frail, has a functional disability or is a carer and fits the HACC target population can be referred to a HACC service, including people with episodic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and some forms of mental illness.

The following people are eligible to receive HACC services:

• Older and frail persons with moderate, severe or profound disabilities.
• Younger persons with moderate, severe or profound disabilities.
• Such other classes of persons as are agreed upon by the Commonwealth and the State Minister.
• The carers of these people.

The HACC Program also aims to address the unique requirements of special needs groups within the target population, including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI).
• People from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB).
• People living with dementia.
• People experiencing geographical isolation.
• People experiencing financial disadvantage.

It should be noted, however, that HACC is not an entitlement service. Access to a HACC service is based on relative need - one person's assessed needs compared with the needs of other people applying for that service, so that limited resources are allocated to those with the greatest need for support to enable them to stay in their homes.