How to apply for Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) in Washington

Who it's for

TSOA helps Washingtonians 55 and older who need nursing-facility-level care stay at home without enrolling in Medicaid — with much higher financial limits than Medicaid: monthly income up to $3,976 and resources up to $84,354 for a single person ($156,883 with a spouse at home). It funds caregiver supports (respite, training, home-delivered meals, minor home modifications, transportation) and personal-assistance services for those without an unpaid caregiver. Apply at Washington Connection or through the local Area Agency on Aging (1-855-567-0252).

What you'll need

• HCA 18-005 application for TSOA (mail/fax route)
• Proof of income
• Proof of resources

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA). 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 hCA 18-005 application for TSOA (mail/fax route), proof of income, proof of resources — 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 you meet the basic eligibility requirements: you must be 55 or older, live in Washington State, and need nursing-facility-level care but want to stay at home. Monthly income must be at or below $3,976 and resources at or below $84,354 for a single person (or $156,883 if a spouse lives at home). Note that TSOA is not Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage and has higher financial limits than Medicaid.
2. Gather your required documents before you apply: your proof of income (such as Social Security award letters or pay stubs) and proof of resources (such as bank statements or asset records). If applying by mail or fax, you will also need to complete form HCA 18-005, the TSOA application.
3. Apply online through Washington Connection or call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-855-567-0252 to apply by phone or get help finding your local office.
4. If applying by mail or fax, complete form HCA 18-005 and send it along with your proof of income and proof of resources to the address or fax number provided by your local office.
5. After submitting your application, expect to be scheduled for a CARE assessment. A trained assessor will evaluate your care needs to confirm you require nursing-facility-level care. The outcome of this assessment determines whether you qualify for TSOA services.
6. During the CARE assessment process, the agency will also confirm whether you have an eligible unpaid caregiver at home or whether you qualify for personal-assistance services without one. Both pathways can lead to approval.
7. If approved, work with your assigned case manager to set up your approved services, which may include respite care, caregiver training, home-delivered meals, minor home modifications, or transportation support.

What to expect: After submitting your application, the agency will review your information and schedule a CARE assessment to determine your level of care need. Processing times vary, so contact the Area Agency on Aging at 1-855-567-0252 to ask for an estimate. Because TSOA requires both a qualifying assessment and either an eligible unpaid caregiver or approval for services without one, it shows as a "may qualify" result until that review is complete. If approved, your benefits are reviewed annually, so watch for renewal notices and respond promptly to avoid a gap in services. Keep in mind that TSOA provides in-home support services only — it is not Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage.

Renewals

annual