Program Description
The Nebraska Lifespan Respite Subsidy program provides financial assistance to low-income individuals to help pay for respite care. This type of care provides temporary caregiving assistance to allow a primary caregiver time away from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite care can be provided at home, in adult day care, or very occasionally, in the home of the respite care provider.
In addition to this program, Nebraska residents may be eligible for financial assistance from the Disabled Persons and Family Support (DPFS) Program.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
Residency
To receive respite caregiving assistance, the individual that requires care must be a resident of Nebraska. How long the individual has been a resident does not impact eligibility. They must live at home (or in a home) with their full-time, unpaid caregiver. Persons residing in a nursing home or assisted living residence are not eligible.
Functional Need
They must have a chronic condition that requires near constant supervision, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia from Parkinson’s, or multiple challenges managing their activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, eating, mobility, etc.) resulting from normal aging, stroke, or other conditions.
Financial Requirements
Income Limits
In addition to these requirements, eligibility is based on income, assets, and family size. In order to be eligible for the Lifespan Respite Subsidy program, income is limited to 312% of the current Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For 2023, this means that for a single person, the monthly income limit is $3,791. For a family of two (married couple), the monthly limit is $5,127.
One can deduct care-related expenses from the applicant’s countable income. Therefore, individuals with monthly income in excess of these limits may still qualify.
Asset Limits
For single individuals, the asset limit is $35,000, and for married couples the asset limit is $50,000. Certain assets, such as an individual’s home, personal effects, and a vehicle, are not counted towards the asset limit.
Make note, individuals who are receiving respite services via another government program are not eligible for services via the Lifespan Respite Program.
Benefits and Services
A maximum monthly subsidy amount of $125 is available to be applied towards respite care services from an approved provider list. Respite care can be provided in the home or in other approved locations such as senior centers or adult day care.
How to Apply / Learn More
To apply, one can call the program’s toll-free number at 866-737-7483 or visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services webpage. An application is also available for download here.
A helpful Fact Sheet can be downloaded here.
