Program Description
The Home Care Allowance (HCA) is a financial assistance program for elderly, low income and / or disabled Colorado residents. It is intended to help program participants avoid placement in a nursing home by paying for unskilled home care services, which allow them to continue living independently.
The program’s name is somewhat misleading in that the financial assistance can be used for a variety of purposes. It is not strictly limited to home care. For the most part, program participants use the allowance for non-medical care, which includes assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, and basic mobility. Chore services that help the individual maintain their home’s safety and upkeep are also permitted under this program, as is respite care and other forms of caregiver support for informal (unpaid) caregivers.
This program is designed under the consumer direction model of service, which allows program participants flexibility. Payments may be made toward any provider of the recipient’s choosing. This includes paying family members to provide assistance services, as long as they are over the age of 18.
The Home Care Allowance is not an entitlement program, which means that assistance is dependent on the availability of funds.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
An individual’s functional ability is considered for the Home Care Allowance Program. An assessment is made of the candidate’s capacity to complete Activities of Daily living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily living (IADLs). Both the number and frequency of activities they require assistance with are considered.
There is no age requirement. However, the beneficiary must be a legal Colorado resident. There is no length of residency requirement. Thus, newcomers to the state are eligible as well as long term residents.
Financial Requirements
The candidate must be eligible for and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or be enrolled in the Colorado Aid to the Needy Disabled – State Only program (AND-SO).
Income Limits
As of 2024, individuals are permitted a monthly income up to $943 (or $1,415 for married couples).
Asset Limits
Countable resources, which do not include one vehicle and the value of one’s home, given the applicant lives in the home, cannot exceed $2,000 (or $3,000 for married couples).
Beneficiaries cannot concurrently receive assistance from the Home Care Allowance program and the Elderly and Disabled Medicaid Waiver or the Adult Foster Care program
Benefits and Services
Usage of the Home Care Allowance, with the maximum allotted amount of $605 per month, is largely left to the discretion of the program participant. Note that an assessment is done and payment amount varies based on one’s level of need. There are three monthly payment tiers based on one’s need: $330, $472, and $605. (The latest updates where made in 2021.) The types of eligible services include:
- Personal care (assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and basic mobility)
- Preparation of meals
- Household tasks – shopping, laundry, housekeeping, etc.
- Respite care (to relieve an unpaid family caregiver)
- Light yard work
- Money management assistance
- Appointment management assistance
- Home upkeep and safety maintenance
- Pest fumigation – limited to one time
How to Apply / Learn More
The Home Care Allowance is a Colorado Department of Human Services program. Interested parties should contact their County Department of Social Services office. An application can be downloaded here.
