Benefits · Housing Assistance
How to apply for Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) — Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Department of Aging, certified and administered by the local Area Agencies on Aging
Who it's for
Dom Care gives adults who cannot live on their own a place in someone else's home rather than in an institution. A Dom Care provider opens their own home to no more than three residents and offers supervision, support and encouragement in an ordinary household setting. It is open to adults aged 18 and over. Your Area Agency on Aging certifies the homes, decides who is eligible, matches you with a provider, and keeps supporting you afterwards. The Department of Aging sets one standard payment rate for every Dom Care resident, and that payment usually comes out of your monthly SSI and State Supplement and goes straight to the provider. Contact your county Area Agency on Aging, or call the Department of Aging on 717-783-1550.
This is a housing arrangement, not a cash benefit, and two conditions decide it that this check cannot test. You must need supervision and support and be unable to live on your own, which the Area Agency on Aging determines. And you must have no relative who is willing or able to provide that support — if you have family who can, the programme is not for you. A place also depends on a certified provider being available near you and on the agency matching you with one, since each home takes no more than three residents. The payment normally comes out of your own SSI and State Supplement and goes to the provider, so it reduces the money you handle yourself. There is no age limit: it is open to adults 18 and over, not only older adults. Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final decision.
What you'll need
- An eligibility determination by your county Area Agency on Aging
- Proof of income, including any SSI and State Supplement you receive
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 717-783-1550
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) — Pennsylvania. 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 an eligibility determination by your county Area Agency on Aging, proof of income, including any SSI and State Supplement you receive — 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.
Renewals
ongoing, with care management by the Area Agency on Aging
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.