How to apply for Community Care Services Program (CCSP) — Medicaid Elderly & Disabled Waiver in Georgia

Who it's for

The Community Care Services Program (CCSP) is Georgia's Medicaid waiver that lets frail seniors and adults with disabilities receive care at home or in the community instead of moving to a nursing home. Services can include in-home personal support and homemaker help, adult day health, home-delivered meals, emergency response systems, respite for family caregivers, and skilled nursing or therapy in the home. To qualify you must be a Georgia resident, meet a nursing-home level of care (decided by a care assessment), and meet Medicaid's financial rules — the waiver uses the higher institutional income limit of 300% of the SSI benefit rate ($2,982/month in 2026) with countable assets at or below $2,000. There is often a waiting list. Start by contacting your local Area Agency on Aging or the Aging & Disability Resource Connection.

What you'll need

• Proof of Georgia residency and identity
• Medicaid eligibility (or application)
• A care assessment showing nursing-home level of care
• Proof of income and countable resources

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Community Care Services Program (CCSP) — Medicaid Elderly & Disabled Waiver. 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 Georgia residency and identity, medicaid eligibility (or application), a care assessment showing nursing-home level of care — 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. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the Aging & Disability Resource Connection to start the process — call 866-552-4464 or apply online through Georgia's Medicaid portal.
2. Gather your required documents: proof of Georgia residency and identity, proof of income, and proof of countable resources.
3. Apply for Georgia Medicaid if you are not already enrolled, or confirm your current Medicaid eligibility — CCSP requires Medicaid financial eligibility under the institutional income limit.
4. Complete a care assessment arranged through the Area Agency on Aging — this assessment determines whether you meet the nursing-home level of care that CCSP requires.
5. Work with a care coordinator at your local Area Agency on Aging to confirm all three eligibility requirements are met: Medicaid financial eligibility (income at or below $2,982/month in 2026 and countable assets at or below $2,000), a nursing-home level-of-care determination, and an available program slot.
6. Ask about the waiting list — CCSP frequently has one — and request an estimate of current wait times and processing timelines from your care coordinator.
7. Once enrolled, work with your care coordinator to set up your approved services, which may include personal support, homemaker help, adult day health, home-delivered meals, emergency response systems, caregiver respite, or skilled nursing and therapy at home.

What to expect: After submitting your application and completing the care assessment, a care coordinator at your local Area Agency on Aging will review your Medicaid financial eligibility, your level-of-care determination, and slot availability. Because CCSP frequently has a waiting list, you may be placed on one even if you meet all eligibility requirements — ask your care coordinator for an estimate of current wait times, as processing times vary. If you are approved and a slot opens, a care coordinator will help develop your care plan and connect you with approved community-based services. Your care plan is reviewed annually to confirm continued eligibility and update your services as your needs change.

Renewals

annual care plan review