Caregiver Support Program: What It Is & How to Qualify

What is Caregiver Support Program?

Caregiver support programs provide training, counseling, financial assistance, and community connections to family members and unpaid caregivers of elderly adults. The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), funded under the Older Americans Act, provides grants to states to support family caregivers. Beyond the NFCSP, many states have additional caregiver support initiatives including paid caregiver training, mental health counseling, support groups, legal assistance for caregiving-related issues, and emergency financial assistance.

In 2026, Caregiver Support Program programs are available in all 50 states, though program names, income limits, and available services vary significantly by state. Many eligible families never apply because they don't know the program exists or assume they won't qualify.

General Eligibility Requirements

Caregiver support programs in most states are available to adult family members and other unpaid caregivers of individuals 60 and older. Special priority is given to caregivers who are 55+ caring for an adult child with disabilities, grandparents raising grandchildren, and caregivers in greatest social and economic need. Contact your state agency at the state agency for program-specific eligibility.

How to Apply for Caregiver Support

1. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about caregiver support services
2. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 for nationwide program referrals
3. Contact your state Medicaid agency at the phone number listed on your state page for state-level caregiver programs
4. Ask about NFCSP services: information, counseling, training, support groups, and respite care
5. Inquire about financial assistance programs for out-of-pocket caregiving expenses

Find Caregiver Support in Your State

Select your state to see the specific program name, income limits, application URL, and current waitlist status for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What financial assistance is available for family caregivers in your state?
  Financial assistance may include: supplemental services grants (up to $2,000/year to purchase goods and services), reimbursement for caregiving expenses, tax credits (some states offer caregiver tax credits), and compensation programs if you meet Medicaid eligibility.
• Can I be paid to care for my parent in your state?
  Some states allow Medicaid recipients to use their benefits to pay a family member (excluding spouses in most states) as a paid caregiver through consumer-directed programs. Contact your state Medicaid agency at your state agency to learn about consumer-directed options in your state.
• What counseling services are available for caregivers in your state?
  NFCSP-funded programs in your state offer individual counseling, caregiver support groups, family counseling, and caregiver education programs. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find services near you.
• Are there caregiver support programs specifically for dementia caregivers?
  Yes. The Alzheimer's Association has 24/7 support and resources. Many Area Agencies on Aging offer dementia-specific caregiver programs. Ask about the Savvy Caregiver Program and other evidence-based interventions in your state.
• What is the National Family Caregiver Support Program?
  The NFCSP is a federal program funded through the Older Americans Act that provides grants to states to fund five types of services: information, assistance, counseling/training/support, respite care, and supplemental services. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to access NFCSP services.