Caregiver Compensation

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) Grants

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) administer locally funded caregiver support through the Older Americans Act National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). While grants are typically small — $200 to $2,000 per year — they require no Medicaid eligibility and can be stacked on top of Medicaid HCBS and VA benefits. Many AAAs also have dedicated Alzheimer's/dementia caregiver funds with higher values.

Local programs

Updated October 2026

Pathway 8 — Key Details

What it isLocally administered caregiver support funded through the Older Americans Act National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

What's availableRespite care vouchers, caregiver stipends, supplemental services grants, training, counseling, legal services

Typical amounts⚠️ $200–$2,000/year — small, but stackable on top of Medicaid and VA benefits with no income test

Who qualifiesFamily or informal caregivers of adults 60+, or grandparents/relatives raising children. No Medicaid required.

Dementia-specificMany AAAs have Alzheimer's/dementia caregiver funds with higher values and fewer restrictions

Veteran-specificSome AAAs offer additional funds for veteran caregivers — ask specifically about veteran programs

How to findeldercare.acl.gov/home · Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116

Eligibility: What to Expect & How to Prepare

NFCSP grants are designed as a "safety net" to help family caregivers who might not qualify for Medicaid or who need a small boost for specific expenses like respite, medical supplies, or home modifications. Instead of cash, you usually receive vouchers to pay for services from a pre-approved list of providers.

Key facts about how NFCSP grants work before you apply.

"These funds are often reserved for those who do not receive other federal or state assistance."
NFCSP targets caregivers who fall through the cracks of larger programs like Medicaid.
"If the care recipient has Alzheimer's or a related dementia, the standard age requirement (60+) is often waived."
Dementia-specific funds may also have higher grant amounts than standard NFCSP allocations.
"Benefits are typically distributed as vouchers, not cash."
You receive vouchers to pay for services from a pre-approved list of providers in your area.

When you call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, ask these specific questions.

"Do you have 'Alzheimer's Respite' or 'Dementia-Specific' funds currently available?"
These often have different funding pools than the standard NFCSP — and may have more money available.
"Is there a waiting list for respite vouchers?"
Some AAAs have immediate availability while others maintain waitlists.
"Can I use the grant for 'Consumer Directed' care?"
This would allow you to hire a friend or neighbor rather than an agency.
"What is the maximum annual cap per family for supplemental services?"
e.g., grab bars, incontinence supplies, or nutritional supplements — caps vary by AAA.
"Do I need to pay a 'cost-share' or co-payment based on my income?"
Some states require a 20% co-pay for certain respite programs.

Application Documents

Standard intake paperwork for both the caregiver and the care recipient
Physician statement — a signed note confirming the diagnosis (especially for Alzheimer's/Dementia-specific funds) and the need for ADL assistance

Financial & Care Planning

Proof of income — while many NFCSP grants aren't strictly means-tested, agencies may ask for tax returns or income statements to prioritize families with the greatest need
Care Plan — the AAA will often complete a Caregiver Assessment with you to develop a formal plan before funds are released

Pro Tips

Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find your local AAA — they can tell you exactly which funds are available in your county right now.
Ask specifically about Alzheimer's/Dementia respite funds — these are often separate budget lines with different (and sometimes higher) caps than standard NFCSP.
NFCSP grants stack on top of Medicaid HCBS and VA benefits with no income test — even if you're already receiving other caregiver compensation, you may still qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is caregiver support funded by the Older Americans Act and run locally by Area Agencies on Aging. It can include respite vouchers, caregiver stipends, supplemental services grants, training, counseling and legal services.

Grants are usually $200 to $2,000 a year. They are small, but you can stack them on top of Medicaid and VA benefits.

Family or informal caregivers of adults 60 and older, caregivers of a person of any age with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, and relatives 55 and older raising a child or caring for an adult with a disability. No Medicaid is required.

Many Area Agencies on Aging have Alzheimer's and dementia caregiver funds with higher amounts and fewer restrictions. Some also offer extra funds for veteran caregivers, so ask about both.