How to apply for Oregon Project Independence (OPI and OPI-M) — in-home help

Who it's for

Oregon Project Independence (OPI) helps adults stay in their homes. It is for people 60 or older, or people of any age with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, who do not have Medicaid long-term care. Services can include personal care, housekeeping, home-delivered meals, transportation, and support for unpaid family caregivers. OPI is funded by the state and has no income or asset limits; you pay part of the cost on a sliding scale. Some areas have a waiting list. A Medicaid-funded version, OPI-M, is free for adults who need help with personal care and have income up to $5,320 a month (2026) and savings and assets up to $103,645 (July 2026 to June 2027). To apply, call or visit your local Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office, or call the ADRC at 1-855-673-2372.

What you'll need

• In-home needs assessment by the local APD or AAA office
• Household income and monthly medical costs (for the OPI sliding-scale fee)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Oregon Project Independence (OPI and OPI-M) — in-home help. 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 in-home needs assessment by the local APD or AAA office, household income and monthly medical costs (for the OPI sliding-scale fee) — 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 Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) office, your Area Agency on Aging (AAA) office, or call the ADRC at 1-855-673-2372 to start an application.
2. Ask for an in-home needs assessment through the local APD or AAA office.
3. Gather information about your household income and monthly medical costs. This is used for the OPI sliding-scale fee.
4. Complete the application and assessment with the local office. You must be assessed as at risk of needing to leave home for care.
5. Tell the local office if you already get other ODHS financial help. You cannot get OPI if you get other ODHS financial help, except SNAP and Medicare premium help.
6. If you are applying for OPI-M, be ready for the office to check whether you meet its separate income and asset limits.

What to expect: After you apply, the local APD or AAA office reviews your assessment and information and makes the final decision. In some areas, there may be a waiting list, and people with the highest need are served first. If approved for OPI, you may pay part of the cost on a sliding scale. Renewals are annual.

Renewals

annual