How to apply for Florida Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)

Who it's for

Home Care for the Elderly is a state-funded program that helps frail Florida seniors aged 60 and older stay in a private home with a non-spouse adult caregiver instead of moving to a nursing facility. Each enrolled participant receives a basic monthly subsidy of $160 paid to the caregiver to help offset the cost of food, household supplies, and personal care. The program can also authorize 'special subsidies' for specific needs — incontinence supplies, medications, medical and assistive devices, ramps and home accessibility modifications, nutritional supplements, home health aide visits, home nursing, and respite. To qualify, you must be at risk of nursing-home placement, have monthly income at or below the Institutional Care Program (ICP) standard (300% of the SSI federal benefit rate — about $2,901 a month for 2026), have countable assets at or below $2,000 ($3,000 for a couple), and live with an adult caregiver other than a spouse who is willing and able to provide or arrange care. HCE is administered statewide by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs through 11 regional Area Agencies on Aging, which contract with local Lead Agencies to manage cases and authorize subsidies. Apply through the statewide Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

What you'll need

• DOEA Form 701B (functional assessment) completed by a Lead Agency case manager
• Proof of age (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
• Proof of monthly income (Social Security award letter, pension statements)
• Bank statements and documentation of countable resources
• Identity and basic information for the designated adult caregiver who lives with you
• Medical or functional documentation supporting risk of nursing-home placement

Where to apply

Renewals

annual reassessment by Lead Agency case manager