How to apply for National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) — Ohio

Who it's for

Ohio's NFCSP supports informal caregivers caring for adults age 60+ (or any age if person has Alzheimer's-related disease). Services include: respite care (in-home, adult day, or short-term residential); supplemental services (consumable supplies, home modifications, assistive technology); caregiver counseling and support groups; caregiver training and education; information and referral. NO income test for most services — based on need. Apply through the local AAA. Distinctive — Ohio's NFCSP delivery infrastructure through 12 regional AAAs makes it one of the more accessible in the US.

What you'll need

• Proof of caregiver-recipient relationship (no formal documentation usually required)
• Proof that the care recipient is age 60+ (or any age with Alzheimer's)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) — Ohio. 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 of caregiver-recipient relationship (no formal documentation usually required), proof that the care recipient is age 60+ (or any age with Alzheimer's) — 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. Check that the person you care for is age 60 or older, or is any age with Alzheimer's-related disease.
2. Gather proof that the person you care for meets the age or Alzheimer's-related disease rule.
3. Be ready to explain your caregiver relationship to the person you care for. Formal paperwork is usually not required.
4. Apply through your local Area Agency on Aging. You can apply online or by phone at 1-866-243-5678.
5. Ask about the services that fit your needs, such as respite care, supplies, home modifications, assistive technology, counseling, support groups, training, education, and information and referral.
6. Complete any follow-up steps the Area Agency on Aging gives you and provide any extra details they request.

What to expect: After you apply, the local Area Agency on Aging reviews your request and helps match you to services based on need. Most services generally do not have an income test, and respite is a common service to ask about. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate. Coverage is renewed every year, so watch for renewal instructions and respond when it is time to renew.

Renewals

annual