Rider and Trip Type Eligibility Determination

This section applies to Human Service Providers (HSP), whose staff are responsible for determining eligibility and ordering transportation services. Transportation Providers (TP) are encouraged to be familiar with the criteria used for eligibility determination.

Consumers may qualify for transportation services under a variety of programs administered by DHS and other participating agencies. Eligibility criteria vary based on DHS Division or other Department/Agency, Division, or Office. HSPs determine consumer eligibility.

The Regional Transportation Office (RTO), working in coordination with the pertinent Department/Agency, Division, or Office, also reserves the right to recommend an attendant, provided by the consumer or consumer’s caregiver, to travel with any consumer whose actions dictate the need for an attendant, as documented by the transportation provider and reviewed by the RTO and Department/Agency, Division, or Office.

DHS seeks to provide the maximum amount of essential transportation services that can be accomplished with available funding. A priority listing of essential trips is established for each Division or Department based on statewide input gathered through needs assessments. Priorities are updated as needed, based on the input and needs of the partner agencies. Transportation funding is committed to transportation for access to the services listed as highest priorities first. As transportation funding increases or decreases, the priority lists are used to determine which essential trips will be performed.

Rider eligibility and trip type criteria are provided below for each DHS Division or Office and for other Departments/Agencies or programs served by Coordinated Transportation.

Rider Eligibility

Division of Aging Services (DAS)

DAS HSP staff (e.g., Senior Centers) use standard assessment instruments to determine eligibility. Individuals age 60+ are eligible. Priority is given to those with the greatest social and economic need, with emphasis on persons who fall into the categories of low-income, minority, limited English speaking, rural, and/or functionally impaired.

For the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility, refer to the DAS manual (MAN5300) on the state’s Online Directive Information System (ODIS) at odis.dhs.ga.gov. On the ODIS homepage, you can navigate to the manual by going to the Manuals tab, then select Division of Aging Services, and finally click on Home and Community Based Services. The information is in Chapter 218 – Transportation Requirements.

Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)

The Parental Accountability Court (PAC) program is a joint effort of the Division and Superior Court Judges to offer an alternative to incarceration and to help chronic nonpayers of child support make regular payments. The goal of PAC is to reduce recidivism, reduce the burdens and cost of jail, and reduce the public debt for public assistance and public medical care. Through judicial oversight and partnership with public agencies and community-based organizations, PAC will assist and transition noncustodial parents in overcoming barriers to gain self-sufficiency with the integration of screening, assessment, treatment, and the use of rehabilitative services.

For information regarding eligibility and funding, contact the Regional Transportation Office (RTO).

Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

Eligible DFCS consumers for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are eligible for transportation assistance to support their participation in job search activities, work activities, or to meet personal responsibilities. DFCS case management staff may authorize transportation for additional child welfare trips and other trips for non-TANF trip purposes. If you are uncertain about the availability of funding for non-TANF transportation needs, contact the RTO to inquire.

Transportation assistance for DFCS consumers requires prior-approval by a DFCS case manager.

Department of Behavioral Health and Disabilities (DBHDD)

Eligible consumers within DBHDD are those consumers who meet the consumer eligibility requirements for disability services of the Department and have no other reasonable and affordable means of accessing Holman DBHDD services. Holman services are those services that are outlined on the consumer’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and, as needed, approved by a physician, which applies to individuals with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities). Holman services are varied and wide-ranging depending upon the severity of the consumer’s disability and the need for intervention.

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA)

Eligible consumers within GVRA require a vocational counselor to determine eligibility for transportation services.

Trip Type Eligibility

Division of Aging Services (DAS)

Essential Trips for DAS are listed below, in order of priority:

  • Trips to and from Senior Centers,

  • Trips to and from medical appointments (including dialysis, chemotherapy, etc.),

  • Trips to and from preventative health screenings and appointments (including dental, vision, hearing, etc.),

  • Trips for shopping (groceries, medications, etc.),

  • Trips to and from work/employment,

  • Field trips,

  • Trips that support application and management of public benefits,

  • Trips to pay bills, conduct banking, etc.,

  • Trips that support civic engagement and continued involvement in the community (including cultural activities),

  • Trips that support evidence-based programs offered through DAS and health/wellness activities offered in the community,

  • Trips that facilitate attendance at support group meetings for both caregiver services and kinship care services.

For the most up-to-date information regarding eligibility, refer to the DAS manual (MAN5300) on the state’s Online Directive Information System (ODIS) at odis.dhs.ga.gov. On the ODIS homepage, you can navigate to the manual by going to the Manuals tab, then select Division of Aging Services, and finally click on Home and Community Based Services. The information is in Chapter 218 – Transportation Requirements.

Division of Child Support Services (DCSS)

Essential Trips for the DCSS are listed below:

  • Trips in support of the Parental Accountability Court (PAC) to and from court.

Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

Essential Trips for the DFCS are listed below, in order of priority:

  • Trips in support of TANF and SNAP Works Program recipients (employment, job training, job search, etc.),

  • Trips to and from technical schools and adult education,

  • Trips to and from work experience sites for food stamp recipients,

  • Trips to and from medical appointments,

  • Trips to and from mental health centers,

  • Transitional support service trips,

  • Other non-TANF trips,

  • Trips to and from substance abuse treatment,

  • Trips for Social Service consumers,

  • Trips for children in foster care and under child protective services.

Department of Behavioral Health and Disabilities (DBHDD)

Essential Trips for DBHDD are listed below:

  • Trips to and from employment locations,

  • Trips to and from mental health appointments,

  • Trips to and from community training and integration activities,

  • Trips to and from medical appointments,

  • Trips for social services.

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA)

Essential Trips for GVRA are listed below, in order of priority.

  • Trips to and from school,

  • Trips to and from employment,

  • Trips for job search and job placement,

  • Trips to and from job training,

  • Trips to and from workshops and assessment sites.

Suspension of Eligibility

The RTO reserves the right to deny services to any DHS consumer due to excessive no shows, safety concerns, budget constraints, or other situations as deemed appropriate.