ACT Community Assistance and Temporary Supports Program [CATS]
The Community Assistance Support Program (CASP), Flexible Family Support program and the Transitional Care Program are ending on 30 November 2023.
If you are currently receiving CASP, Flexible Family Support or Transitional Care Program supports from Community Services #1 – please contact us about the changes to these programs by emailling us at: CATS@communityservices1.org
A new program, the Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program commenced on 1 October 2023.
More about CATS
You and/or your carer may be able to get help through the Community Assistance and Temporary Supports (CATS) Program if you need short-term support for a health issue, illness or injury.
These support services can help you stay well at home and may prevent you from going to hospital.
If you do go to hospital, the program can help you return home safely. These supports can also help you apply for longer-term support programs if required.
For more information about the CATS Program visit: www.health.act.gov.au/CATS
Who can apply
You must:
- Live in the ACT.
You must also meet one of the following:
- Be ready to leave hospital but unable to access the supports to help you return home safely through an existing program such as the NDIS or Commonwealth aged care programs.
- Have a health condition* that is temporary or terminal and not likely to get assistance through another program such as the NDIS or Commonwealth aged care programs.
- Have a health condition* that is significant and permanent, and either be in the process of applying for or appealing an application for supports through another program such as the NDIS or Commonwealth aged care programs.
* Health conditions for the CATS Program include health and mental health conditions.
Carers are also eligible for specific supports if they are an unpaid carer, or a direct family member living with, a person who meets the eligibility requirements of the program.
You can be of any age to access supports through the CATS Program.
In the ACT there are seven organisations providing different CATS Program services. To find out more about the service providers and the CATS program:
To contact Community Services #1 about the CATS program please email: CATS@communityservices1.org
