Short-term support at home: Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program
The Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program offers short-term (up to six months), non-clinical support if you need:
- help to leave hospital safely
- help to recover at home
- assistance with everyday life.
Who is eligible
You may be eligible if you live in the ACT and:
- need short-term support due to illness, injury, hospital discharge, or while waiting for other services
- are a carer or family member of an eligible participant
- don’t have other forms of support available to you.
The services we provide
Short-term support is available for up to six months and may include services such as:
- personal care
- domestic assistance
- food services
- support for unpaid carers to improve their personal and social wellbeing
- social worker support
- advocacy support to protect and promote your rights
- transport for medical appointments
- support while waiting for NDIS or My Aged Care
- support to connect you to the services you need.
How to check eligibility
Anyone can call the Central Intake Service on 02 5124 6500 to check if they are eligible for support.
Referrals can be made by yourself, family or support networks, carers, health professionals and community organisations.
The phone line is open on these days (except public holidays):
- Monday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Cost
The CATS Program is free for eligible ACT residents.
Those who offer services
You can access the full list of CATS Program service providers.
Your rights and responsibilities
If you access the program, you have rights and responsibilities [PDF 188kB].