Benefits · Home Care
How to apply for Home Care Program (State-Funded, via the ASAPs)
Executive Office of Aging & Independence, through the Aging Services Access Points
Who it's for
Massachusetts' state-funded Home Care Program helps adults 60 and older (and younger people with Alzheimer's disease needing respite) stay at home with care management, homemaker and personal care, chore services, home-delivered meals, adult day health, respite, and transportation. Households with annual gross income under $35,784 (calendar year 2026) pay small fixed monthly co-payments; higher-income households can still receive services on a sliding fee of 50-100% of service cost — there is no absolute income cut-off. A free in-home assessment by the regional ASAP sets the service plan. Call MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636.
Services are based on an ASAP needs assessment, and cost-sharing rises with income (small fixed co-payments under $35,784/year for a single person in 2026, then a 50-100% sliding fee) — so this shows as a may-qualify result.
What you'll need
- Free in-home assessment by the regional ASAP
- Income information for cost-share determination
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-800-243-4636
What to say when you call
“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Home Care Program (State-Funded, via the ASAPs). 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 free in-home assessment by the regional asap, income information for cost-share determination — 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
- Call MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636 or apply online to connect with your regional Aging Services Access Point (ASAP).
- Schedule a free in-home assessment with your regional ASAP. A care manager will visit your home to review your needs and build a service plan.
- Gather your income information before or during the assessment. This is used to determine your cost-sharing amount.
- Complete the assessment with the ASAP care manager. Services such as homemaker and personal care, home-delivered meals, transportation, and adult day health will be based on the results.
- Review your service plan and cost-share determination. Households with annual gross income under $35,784 (calendar year 2026) pay small fixed monthly co-payments. Higher-income households pay a sliding fee of 50–100% of service cost — there is no absolute income cut-off.
What to expect: After the in-home assessment is complete, your regional ASAP will finalize your service plan and notify you of any cost-sharing amount. Processing times vary, so ask your ASAP care manager for an estimate of when services can begin. Enrollment is reviewed annually, so expect to complete a renewal process each year to confirm continued eligibility and update your service plan as your needs change.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.