How to apply for National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E)

Who it's for

Title III-E of the Older Americans Act funds support specifically for the family members and informal caregivers who look after an older adult — not the senior, the person caring for them. Through the local Area Agency on Aging, an unpaid family caregiver (an adult child, a spouse, or another relative) of a person 60 and older can access respite care that gives them a break, individual counseling and caregiver support groups, training on safe transfers, medication management and dementia care, information and assistance navigating other programs, and limited supplemental services like consumable supplies or minor home modifications. There is no income test for the caregiver. Caregiver burnout is one of the leading reasons a senior ends up institutionalized, so this program protects both the caregiver's health and the senior's ability to stay home.

What you'll need

• Proof that the care recipient is age 60+ (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
• Proof of residency
• A brief caregiver intake assessment by the local Area Agency on Aging (identifies which services — respite, counseling, training, supplemental — fit the caregiving situation)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title III-E). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof that the care recipient is age 60+ (driver's license, state id, or birth certificate), proof of residency, a brief caregiver intake assessment by the local area agency on aging (identifies which services — respite, counseling, training, supplemental — fit the caregiving situation) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm that you are an unpaid family caregiver — such as an adult child, spouse, or other relative — for a person who is age 60 or older.
2. Gather proof that the care recipient is age 60 or older, such as a driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate. Also collect proof of residency.
3. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to start the process. In California, call 1-800-510-2020 or apply online. In Florida, New York, Kentucky, or Texas, call 1-800-677-1116 or apply online.
4. Complete a brief caregiver intake assessment with the Area Agency on Aging. A staff member will ask about your caregiving situation to identify which services — such as respite care, counseling, training, or supplemental supplies — are the right fit for you.
5. Submit any required documents, such as the care recipient's proof of age and your proof of residency, as directed by the Area Agency on Aging.

What to expect: After you submit your intake assessment and documents, the Area Agency on Aging will review your information and connect you with the services that match your caregiving needs. Processing times vary, so ask your local agency for an estimate of when services can begin. There is no income test, so eligibility is not based on how much you earn. This program has no set end date, but the Area Agency on Aging will conduct periodic reassessments over time to make sure the services you receive continue to fit your situation. Stay in touch with your local agency so your support plan stays up to date.

Renewals

ongoing (periodic reassessment by the Area Agency on Aging)