Overview
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- The E-CAF (Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form) supersedes the need to have students complete paper based forms for both FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP. Previously other E-CAF methods were accepted by HEIMS but these are being phased out and all providers will be required to access the HEIMS E-CAF portal either via direct method or via the Paradigm / HEIMS API.
- Please note that paper based forms are acceptable in extenuating circumstances and are available in limited supply.
- To apply for API access please complete and email completed form to either HEenquiries@education.gov.au(higher education providers). When the relevant login details have been received please forward to support@silverband.com.au
- https://docs.education.gov.au/documents/government-ecaf-api-system-access-request-form
Workflow
Method 1 - Institution request to Government
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If the student has completed the form a green bar will appear with an e-CAF Remote ID number
2.7 Once the TFN e-CAF has been retrieved click Student tab on the side menu > Student Details >Edit details page and press the "Get CHESSN" to obtain a CHESSN number for the student.
2.8 Click on the Student Details option from the side menu.
2.9 Click on the Edit details page from the side menu.
2.10 Click the Get CHESSN button to obtain a CHESSN number.
2.11 Ensure that the detailed message has returned a successful CHESSN number
2.12 Click on the Request Balance button to obtain a current Fee-HELP remaining balance for the student.
Method 2 - Student Submission
This method requires a few assumptions. Firstly that the student has completed an application and that the student can login into Paradigm with their username and password.
The E-caf can be linked to the application form so that it is completed as part of the application process or it can be separate and completed as part of the enrolment.
These instructions are designed for Student users.
3 How students submit an e-CAF from Paradigm
3.1 Log into Paradigm
3.2 Click on the Student tab from the side menu
3.3 Click on the ECAF option from the side menu
3.4 Click on the Request for Fee-HELP assistance link
3.5 Read the Fee-HELP declaration and click the Next button
3.6 Your personal detail are displayed, ensure they are correct and click on the Next button.
3.7 Select the Citizenship option that applies to you and click the next button.
3.8 Complete any addition questions that appear from your citizenship answer.
3.9 Enter your Tax File Number into the field provided, read the declaration and click on the Next button
3.10 Read the final declaration and click on the Agree and Submit button.
3.11 The Success message will appear. It is suggested that you keep a copy of this form for future reference.
3.12 Log out of Paradigm by pressing the log out icon 
in the top right hand corner of the pa
4 How to enter the data once an e-CAF from a student has been received (Method 2 submission type)
4.1 Load the Student record
4.2 Click on the Student Details option from the side menu.
4.3 Click on the Edit details page from the side menu.
4.4 Click the Get CHESSN button to obtain a CHESSN number.
4.5 Ensure that the detailed message has returned a successful CHESSN number
4.6 Click on the Request Balance button to obtain a current Fee-HELP remaining balance for the student.
4.7 Save the copy of the e-CAF to the students file for auditing purposes.
Further reading
This section of the KB contains links to any further related information that would be helpful for the purpose understanding this topic.