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Short-term support when you are unwell: Community Assistance and Temporary Supports Program

You or your carer may be able to get help through the Community Assistance and Temporary Support (CATS) Program if you find daily living difficult due to a short-term health issue, illness or injury.

These support services can help you stay well and may prevent you from going to hospital. If you do go to hospital, the program can help you return home safely.

Who can apply

You must live in the ACT. You can be of any age to access support.

You must also have one of the following situations apply to you:

  • You are ready to leave hospital but are unable to access supports to help you return home safely through an existing program such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme or Commonwealth aged care programs.
  • You have a health condition that is temporary or terminal and are not likely to get assistance through another program.
  • You have a health condition that is significant and permanent and are in the process of applying for or appealing an application for supports through another program.

Carers are eligible for specific supports if they are an unpaid carer or family member of a person who is eligible for the program.

Services

You can get help with:

  • connected support for when you are discharged from hospital to home
  • individual advocacy support to help you uphold your rights when accessing the program, including accessing information and resolving issues
  • carers can access supports to build skills, engage in self-care and ensure wellbeing
  • care coordination to identify and arrange access to community supports to help you recover
  • personal care to help you with showering, toileting, eating and drinking, getting in and out of bed, and supporting you at medical appointments
  • domestic assistance to help you with house cleaning, dishwashing, and washing clothes and linen
  • medical and allied health transport to go to medical and allied health appointments as part of your recovery
  • food services to help you with the provision or delivery of healthy food to support your recovery
  • supporting you to access and apply for longer-term assistance if required such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme or aged care programs
  • some types of non-medical equipment (up to $500).

How to apply

  1. Check if you are eligible for services and if the services available are right for you.
  2. Choose a service and contact a provider listed so they can:
    • confirm you are eligible to apply
    • discuss your needs
    • conduct an assessment.

There may be waiting times before services start. If your situation and needs change while you are waiting, contact your provider to let them know what has changed.

Fees

The program is subsidised by the ACT Government.

Service providers

Find contact details of service providers in the CATS directory.

Resources for participants

Information for CATS service providers

This page is managed by: ACT Health Directorate