How to apply for Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program (CSP)

Who it's for

The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program helps the adult who is the main unpaid caregiver for a person age 60 or older with functional needs, or for a person of any age with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. A care manager from the local Area Agency on Aging assesses the caregiver's needs and sets up a plan. The program can reimburse out-of-pocket caregiving costs and supplies up to $600 a month and can help pay for home modifications and assistive devices, plus respite care and support services. There is no income limit to enroll; the reimbursement percentage depends on the care receiver's household income (100% at or below 200% of the poverty level, sliding down to 10% just under 380%, and care management only above that). Apply through the Area Agency on Aging that serves the county where the care receiver lives.

What you'll need

• Proof of Pennsylvania residency for both the caregiver and the care receiver
• Care receiver's household income (used to set the reimbursement percentage)
• Receipts for caregiving-related expenses and supplies (for reimbursement)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program (CSP). 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 Pennsylvania residency for both the caregiver and the care receiver, care receiver's household income (used to set the reimbursement percentage), receipts for caregiving-related expenses and supplies (for reimbursement) — 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. Make sure the main unpaid caregiver applies. This program is for the caregiver, not the older adult directly. The care receiver must live in Pennsylvania and be age 60 or older with functional needs, or be any age with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.
2. Check that the household is not already enrolled in Medicaid long-term services through Community HealthChoices or LIFE, since those households are not eligible.
3. Gather proof of Pennsylvania residency for both the caregiver and the care receiver. Gather the care receiver's household income information, since it is used to set the reimbursement percentage.
4. Apply through the Area Agency on Aging that serves the county where the care receiver lives. Apply online or call 1-717-783-1550 for help getting started.
5. Complete the assessment with the Area Agency on Aging care manager. The care manager assesses both the caregiver and the care receiver, then sets up a care plan based on the caregiver's needs.
6. Keep receipts for caregiving-related expenses and supplies if seeking reimbursement. The Area Agency on Aging uses the assessment, the care plan, and the care receiver's household income to decide what support and reimbursement can be approved.

What to expect: After you apply, the Area Agency on Aging will review the information and arrange an assessment with a care manager. The agency makes the final decision about services and any reimbursement amount based on the assessment plan and the care receiver's household income. If approved, keep receipts for eligible expenses you want reimbursed. The program has an annual reassessment, so expect to update information each year.

Renewals

annual reassessment