How to apply for Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) — Home & Community-Based Waiver in North Carolina

Who it's for

CAP/DA is North Carolina's Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver. It provides supports such as personal care, case management, and home modifications so adults who would otherwise need nursing-home care can stay in their own home. You must be 18 or older, need a nursing-facility level of care, and qualify for long-term-care Medicaid. Contact a local CAP/DA case-management agency in your county to request a referral.

What you'll need

• Proof of age (18+) or disability
• NC Medicaid (long-term-care) approval
• A nursing-facility level-of-care assessment (arranged through the CAP/DA case-management agency)
• Proof of income and resources

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) — Home & Community-Based 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 age (18+) or disability, nC Medicaid (long-term-care) approval, a nursing-facility level-of-care assessment (arranged through the CAP/DA case-management agency) — 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. Confirm basic eligibility: You must be 18 or older, need a nursing-facility level of care, and qualify for North Carolina long-term-care Medicaid (the MAA, MAB, MAD, or HCWD categories). Your county Department of Social Services (DSS) determines income and resource eligibility.
2. Gather your documents: proof of age or disability, proof of income and resources, and your NC Medicaid (long-term-care) approval. A nursing-facility level-of-care assessment will be arranged through the CAP/DA case-management agency — you do not need to obtain this on your own.
3. Contact a local CAP/DA case-management agency in your county to request a referral. This is the required first step to enter the program.
4. Apply online or by phone. To apply by phone, call 1-888-245-0179. A case manager will guide you through the process and help schedule your level-of-care assessment.
5. Complete the level-of-care assessment arranged by the CAP/DA case-management agency. This assessment confirms you need the level of care that CAP/DA is designed to support.
6. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the agency or your county DSS to avoid delays in processing your application.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the CAP/DA case-management agency and your county DSS will review your eligibility, including your level-of-care assessment and long-term-care Medicaid status. Processing times vary, so ask your case manager for an estimate. Be aware that CAP/DA has a limited number of enrollment slots, so a waitlist may apply — ask about current wait times when you contact the agency. If approved, you will work with a case manager to build a care plan covering services such as personal care, case management, and home modifications. Enrollment must be renewed annually, so watch for renewal notices and respond quickly to keep your benefits active.

Renewals

annual