From 1 March 2026, iCare HBCF has announced a number of updates to the HBCF Eligibility Manual. As your HBCF distributor, HBW Solutions is providing this information so you understand the changes, their implications, and how they may apply to your business.
The Eligibility Manual has been refreshed to provide a clearer, more consistent and more transparent framework. Key changes are outlined below.
Automated Scorecard Review (ASR) updates
The Automated Scorecard Review (ASR) has undergone significant improvement. Key updates include:
- Expanded ASR coverage: ASR now applies to builders with Open Job Value (OJV) up to $12 million, bringing more builders into automated review.
- Three ASR tiers: Each tier has defined OJV outcomes and minimum eligibility score thresholds.
- Updated scoring model: Equifax has recalibrated the commercial scoring model to reflect current economic conditions and risk.
- Clearer rules for tier movement: Movement between tiers occurs during eligibility reviews and requires the builder to meet the minimum ASR score of 523 and financial assessment requirements, including ANTA where applicable.
- Special Eligibility Review (SER): Builders who do not meet the ASR minimum score of 523 will be referred to a SER. If successful, the builder receives the lowest OJV outcome for the tier that they are already a part of.
- 30 percent protection cap: At a builder’s first eligibility review under the updated ASR model, any reduction in OJV will be capped at 30 percent. Reductions below 30 percent apply in full. Subsequent reviews follow standard settings without a cap.
- No immediate changes to OJV: All builders retain their current OJV until their next scheduled review.
Construction Type limit increases
Construction Type Limits have been updated to reflect current construction costs and the expanded ASR tiers. Key changes include:
- Limits have been updated across most tiers.
- Tier 1 builders automatically receive increased limits for H01 and H04.
- Tier 2 builders at the $3.5 million OJV step receive an automatic uplift for H04.
- OJV steps within Tier 2 have been adjusted to $3.5 million, $4 million, $6 million and $8 million.
- The H03 profile limit has increased to $3 million.
Builders with existing Construction Type Limits above the new profiles retain their current limits until their next ASR review.
BCRP decommissioning
The Building Construction Contract Review Program (BCRP) is ending. Recent reviews and feedback show that it no longer delivers the intended value and now overlaps with other parts of the eligibility process. Key points:
- BCRP ends when the new Manual takes effect in March 2026.
- A six-month transition window.
- Existing BCRP jobs must be completed before 2 September 2026.
- Builders currently using BCRP will be contacted directly.
HBW Solutions is here for you
icare HBCF have shared that in 2026 builders will have more choice in how they work with them. We want to reassure you that HBW Solutions will continue to be here for you, and you can rely on us for the same trusted service, guidance and support you’ve come to expect. As icare releases further information throughout 2026 about the changes, we’ll keep you updated.
If you have any questions on how any of these changes might impact you, you can email us at team@hbwsolutions.com.au or call us on 02 8075 0975.