How to Pay for In-Home Care
How to Pay for Home Care in Connecticut
Jump to a state to see its Medicaid programs, waivers, and other ways to help pay for in-home care.
This directory lists Connecticut-specific and federal payment sources that can pay for, reimburse, offset, or help plan for home care. Some are direct payment sources; others are indirect supports that reduce the amount of private home care a family must buy. Connecticut's strongest state-specific pathways include Community First Choice with self-direction, the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), the PCA and ABI disability-focused HCBS waivers, DDS waivers that may allow paid family caregivers, Statewide Respite and other Area Agency on Aging caregiver supports, and various cost-offset programs, and VA benefits are broken out because they can be one of the strongest payment pathways for eligible Connecticut veterans and surviving spouses.
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by Valerie VanBooven, RN, BSN
Connecticut Medicaid / CFC
Community First Choice (CFC)
YesHelps pay for: Medicaid State Plan LTSS that lets eligible people access personal attendant care and other services/supports through self-direction while living in the community.
Who qualifies: Must meet Medicaid/CFC functional and program eligibility; assessed needs drive the service plan.
How to start: Apply online or call 2-1-1, Option 3, for application assistance.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially through self-direction; relationship rules apply
CFC Support & Planning Coach
Supports home careHelps pay for: Planning support can help a participant organize and manage self-directed services, workers and responsibilities.
Who qualifies: Available when authorized under CFC/self-direction rules and individual plan.
How to start: Ask CFC whether support-and-planning coaching is appropriate for the participant.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
CFC PERS / Home-Delivered Meals
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Personal emergency response systems and home-delivered meals can reduce supervision, transportation and meal-preparation burden when authorized.
Who qualifies: CFC/PCA service-plan rules and assessed need; availability depends on service authorization.
How to start: Ask the care planner whether PERS or meals can be included in the plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Connecticut Medicaid / Self-Direction
CFC Self-Directed Personal Attendant Care
YesHelps pay for: Participant directs authorized personal-attendant services, including hiring, scheduling and supervising workers within the approved plan.
Who qualifies: CFC eligibility, assessed need and ability to self-direct or use an authorized representative.
How to start: Ask CFC about self-direction and fiscal-management enrollment after eligibility screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially — confirm current worker/relationship rules before hiring
PCA Waiver Self-Direction
YesHelps pay for: Eligible participants can direct/supervise private household employees for authorized personal-assistance services.
Who qualifies: PCA Waiver eligibility and ability to direct care, or use an appropriate conservator/representative under program rules.
How to start: Ask DSS about self-directed PCA versus agency-based PCA options.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially; verify relative eligibility under current waiver rules
Connecticut Medicaid / Paid Family Care
CFC Family / Friend Attendant Option
YesHelps pay for: Self-direction can create a pathway to hire people chosen by the participant; whether a particular relative may be paid depends on current relationship and program rules.
Who qualifies: CFC authorization, worker enrollment and current rules for the proposed caregiver relationship.
How to start: Confirm the specific family relationship with CFC/fiscal-management staff before arranging paid care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes; verify before hire
Connecticut Aging / LTSS
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
YesHelps pay for: Home- and community-based services that help eligible adults age 65+ remain at home rather than enter a nursing facility.
Who qualifies: Age 65+, Connecticut resident, at risk of nursing-home placement and meet program financial criteria.
How to start: Make an online referral or call CHCPE and select Option 4.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Generally no for PCA family members; rare exceptions
Connecticut State / CHCPE
CHCPE State-Funded Component
YesHelps pay for: State-funded CHCPE can provide a package of home-care services for eligible older adults who fit state-funded program rules.
Who qualifies: CHCPE functional and financial criteria; state-funded clients are subject to a 9% copay.
How to start: Apply through CHCPE and review the assessed service package and copay.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific; PCA relatives generally not paid
Connecticut Medicaid / CHCPE
CHCPE Medicaid Waiver Component
YesHelps pay for: Medicaid HCBS pathway for eligible older adults who need nursing-facility-level support but can be served in the community.
Who qualifies: Must meet CHCPE/Medicaid financial and functional requirements, including applicable level-of-care criteria.
How to start: Start with CHCPE referral and Medicaid/LTSS eligibility review.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific; verify current rules
Connecticut Aging / CHCPE
CHCPE Personal Care Attendant
YesHelps pay for: Hands-on assistance with activities of daily living under an approved CHCPE plan.
Who qualifies: CHCPE eligibility plus assessed PCA need and service authorization.
How to start: Ask the CHCPE care manager whether PCA is part of the service plan.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually no — CHCPE says family members are not eligible except very rare exceptions
CHCPE Homemaker Services
YesHelps pay for: Help with household tasks needed to maintain a safe home and support community living.
Who qualifies: CHCPE eligibility and assessed homemaker need.
How to start: Ask CHCPE care manager to assess homemaker needs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage unless separately authorized under another program
CHCPE Companion Services
Yes / supervisionHelps pay for: Companion support and supervision that can reduce private-pay caregiving hours.
Who qualifies: CHCPE eligibility and assessed need for companion services.
How to start: Discuss companion services during CHCPE assessment.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
CHCPE Adult Day Health
Offsets care cost / respiteHelps pay for: Structured daytime care and supervision can reduce hours of paid in-home care and provide caregiver relief.
Who qualifies: CHCPE eligibility, assessed need and participating provider availability.
How to start: Ask CHCPE care manager about adult day health options.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
CHCPE Home-Delivered Meals
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Meal delivery can reduce meal-preparation burden and preserve caregiver time.
Who qualifies: CHCPE eligibility and assessed nutrition/support need.
How to start: Ask the CHCPE care manager about home-delivered meals.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
CHCPE Adult Family Living
Supports care settingHelps pay for: Residential/support arrangement within CHCPE that may provide an alternative to facility placement for eligible participants.
Who qualifies: CHCPE eligibility plus service-specific assessment and provider requirements.
How to start: Discuss Adult Family Living with the assigned care manager before choosing a provider.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Provider/relationship rules apply
CHCPE Care Transitions / Assistive Technology
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Care-transition support and assistive technology can make community living safer and reduce reliance on paid assistance.
Who qualifies: CHCPE eligibility, assessed need and service-plan authorization.
How to start: Ask the care manager to assess transition and technology needs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Connecticut Medicaid / Disability
Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Waiver
YesHelps pay for: Medicaid waiver pays for personal care assistance to help adults with severe permanent disabilities remain independent at home.
Who qualifies: Generally age 18-64; severe chronic permanent disability; hands-on help with at least two ADLs; Medicaid/Med-Connect and other waiver criteria.
How to start: Contact DSS/regional office and submit the PCA Waiver request form.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Varies; worker and relationship rules must be verified
MED-Connect (Medicaid for Employees with Disabilities)
Supports Medicaid accessHelps pay for: Lets qualifying workers with disabilities retain full Medicaid/HUSKY coverage while working, preserving access to covered health/LTSS services.
Who qualifies: Medically certified disability/blindness and paid work. Current CT page lists up to $85,000 annual income and $20,000 individual/$30,000 couple countable asset limits; premiums may apply.
How to start: Apply through ConneCT or DSS.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Connecticut Medicaid / HCBS
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Person-centered non-medical HCBS for adults with qualifying acquired brain injury who would otherwise require institutional care.
Who qualifies: Generally age 18-64, acquired brain injury, Medicaid/Med-Connect requirements and qualifying institutional level of care.
How to start: Contact DSS regional office and submit ABI Waiver Request Form W-1130.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific; verify family-worker rules
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver II
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Additional ABI waiver authority for eligible people with acquired brain injury who need community-based supports.
Who qualifies: Must meet current ABI II waiver, Medicaid, functional and financial criteria.
How to start: Ask DSS Community Options/waiver staff which ABI authority applies.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific
Connecticut Medicaid / Autism
Waiver for Persons with Autism
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: HCBS for Connecticut residents with autism and no intellectual disability; supports can include life skills, community mentor, PERS, respite, assistive technology and more.
Who qualifies: Autism diagnosis; IQ 70+; qualifying functional limitations; waiver funding/capacity. Services are capped at $50,000 annually per participant and a waiting list applies.
How to start: Apply through DSS Autism Spectrum Disorder Services.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific
Autism Waiver Respite / Live-in Companion
Yes / respiteHelps pay for: Respite and live-in companion are among available Autism Waiver supports, helping reduce unpaid-caregiver burden and support community living.
Who qualifies: Must be enrolled in the Autism Waiver and have the service authorized within the individual plan and annual cap.
How to start: Ask the waiver care team whether respite or live-in companion is appropriate.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially service-specific; verify provider relationship rules
Connecticut Medicaid / Mental Health
Mental Health Waiver
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Home- and community-based services for eligible people with serious psychiatric disabilities to support community living.
Who qualifies: Program clinical, Medicaid, functional and waiver criteria apply.
How to start: Submit referral to the Mental Health Waiver program or call the toll-free line.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific
Mental Health Waiver Recovery Assistant
Yes / in-home supportHelps pay for: In-home skill-building help with activities of daily living and maintaining the home, designed to increase independence.
Who qualifies: Must be enrolled in the Mental Health Waiver with Recovery Assistant authorized in the Individualized Recovery Plan.
How to start: Ask the waiver clinician/team to assess Recovery Assistant needs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No general family wage; provider rules apply
Connecticut Medicaid / I/DD
DDS Individual and Family Supports (IFS) Waiver
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Specialized services and supports for eligible people with intellectual disability, including authority to self-direct supports.
Who qualifies: DDS eligibility, Medicaid waiver criteria, assessed level of need and authorized plan.
How to start: Contact DDS case manager or regional Help Line.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes for certain family-caregiver arrangements under current rules
DDS Comprehensive Supports Waiver
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Comprehensive HCBS for people with intellectual disability who need a high level of support in the community.
Who qualifies: DDS and Medicaid waiver eligibility, assessed high support need and authorized services.
How to start: Work with DDS case manager/Help Line on waiver and service planning.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes for certain family-caregiver arrangements under current rules
DDS Employment and Day Supports Waiver
Supports community careHelps pay for: Employment/day and community supports for eligible people with intellectual disability, with some respite/behavioral supports that can reduce family caregiving burden.
Who qualifies: DDS and Medicaid waiver eligibility plus service-plan authorization.
How to start: Contact DDS case manager or regional Help Line.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes for certain eligible supports under current family-caregiver rules
Connecticut DDS / Self-Direction
DDS Self-Direction
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Participant or family can hire and manage personnel, set schedules and supervise supports using authorized DDS funding.
Who qualifies: DDS eligibility/funding; person-centered plan and fiscal/employer requirements.
How to start: Discuss self-direction with the DDS case manager or Help Line.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially
Connecticut DDS / Paid Family Care
DDS Paid Family Caregivers
YesHelps pay for: As of May 1, 2024, DDS allows legal guardians and parents of school-age children to be compensated for specified waivered supports such as IHS, respite, personal supports and senior supports, subject to criteria.
Who qualifies: DDS waiver enrollment, service authorization, extraordinary-care/relationship and other program criteria; not every support is appropriate.
How to start: Ask the DDS case-management team for a paid-family-caregiver review.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes — for specified supports/relationships
Connecticut DDS / Cash Support
DDS Individual and Family Grants
Cash / supportHelps pay for: Cash subsidies can help pay for respite, in-home support, behavioral, nursing/clinical, temporary and crisis supports or other disability-related expenses.
Who qualifies: DDS eligibility; amount is based on need and available resources. Historical DDS guidance describes typical grants of $600-$1,000 and up to $5,000 in extraordinary circumstances.
How to start: Ask DDS case manager or Regional Help Line about an Individual and Family Grant.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Can fund care-related needs; not automatically a wage
Connecticut DDS / Respite
DDS Respite Services
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Hourly, overnight and other respite options can give family caregivers temporary relief; waiver and non-waiver pathways vary.
Who qualifies: DDS eligibility; type/priority depends on waiver status, region and existing supports.
How to start: Ask DDS case manager/Help Line about center-based, hourly or grant-funded respite.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes through separately approved family-caregiver arrangements
Connecticut DDS / Children
DDS Children’s In-Home Support Program
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: State-supported in-home help for eligible young people with DDS-related needs beyond other community/state/federal supports; typical services include respite, IHS and behavioral support.
Who qualifies: DDS eligibility, age/program criteria, documented needs and available appropriations; not an entitlement.
How to start: Contact DDS Regional Help Line / Children’s Services Division.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific
Connecticut Medicaid / Children
Katie Beckett Waiver
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Medicaid pathway for children and young adults up to age 21 with qualifying physical disability/level of care who may not otherwise qualify because of family income.
Who qualifies: Age, disability, institutional-level-of-care and waiver/Medicaid criteria apply; capacity may be limited.
How to start: Apply through DSS Community Options / Katie Beckett process.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Service-specific
Connecticut Medicaid / Transition
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Offsets transition / supports careHelps pay for: Helps Medicaid-eligible people living in nursing homes or other long-term-care facilities transition to community living with supports.
Who qualifies: Current MFP/Medicaid institutional residence and transition criteria apply.
How to start: Ask facility social worker or DSS Community Options about MFP screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
Connecticut State / Disability
Social Work In-Home Support Program (SWIS)
Yes / supports careHelps pay for: Non-medical homecare such as adult companion, homemaker, chore, meals, adult day and PERS for adults with disabilities who would otherwise need institutional placement.
Who qualifies: Connecticut resident with disability, income/assets tied to program rules, clinical certification and DSS social-work assessment. Intake has been reported closed with referrals waitlisted; verify current intake status.
How to start: Submit SWIS application / contact DSS social work services.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No general family wage
Personal Services Program
Cash for personal assistanceHelps pay for: Grants for personal assistants designed to help people with severe disabilities remain outside institutional settings.
Who qualifies: Severe disability and current program eligibility/funding rules.
How to start: Ask DSS Disability/Social Work Services whether the program is accepting/serving applicants.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Potentially; verify who may be hired
Family Support Grant Program
Offsets household/care costHelps pay for: Subsidies intended to defray extraordinary expenses of raising a child with a developmental disability at home.
Who qualifies: Child/family must meet current program and disability criteria; funding/availability rules apply.
How to start: Ask DSS/DDS which family-support grant pathway applies.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No automatic caregiver wage
Connecticut Medicaid
Medicaid / HUSKY Home Health
Yes - skilled/covered careHelps pay for: Medically necessary home-health services can reduce out-of-pocket skilled nursing, therapy and home-health costs when covered and authorized.
Who qualifies: HUSKY/Medicaid eligibility, medical necessity, orders and participating-provider rules.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician and HUSKY/DSS about covered home-health services.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicaid / HUSKY Hospice
Yes - hospiceHelps pay for: Hospice coverage can reduce nursing, aide, equipment, medication and symptom-management costs for eligible members with terminal illness.
Who qualifies: Medicaid/HUSKY coverage, hospice eligibility/election and participating-provider rules.
How to start: Ask clinician/hospice provider and HUSKY about coverage.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
Connecticut Medicaid / Transportation
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Offsets caregiver driving costHelps pay for: Rides to covered medical appointments for eligible Medicaid and CoveredCT enrollees who have no other transportation; mileage reimbursement may also be available.
Who qualifies: Eligible HUSKY/CoveredCT member, covered appointment and transportation need; scheduling rules apply.
How to start: Call MTM to arrange transportation in advance.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Connecticut Caregiver Support
Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Respite and care-planning support for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia; participant can use an agency or hire someone trusted.
Who qualifies: Program/caregiver eligibility and available funding; amount depends on need and funds. Current program page says up to $7,500 per year.
How to start: Call the statewide aging line for the nearest Area Agency on Aging.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes — can hire someone trusted
National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Respite / offsets care costHelps pay for: Information, respite, training, support groups and supplemental services for eligible family caregivers.
Who qualifies: Caregiver/care-recipient relationship and age/disability criteria; local services depend on need and resources.
How to start: Call 800-994-9422 for the local Area Agency on Aging.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No ongoing wage
Connecticut Navigation
Aging and Disability Resource Centers / MyPlaceCT
Navigation / cost avoidanceHelps pay for: No-wrong-door benefits and LTSS navigation for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers; can help identify care options and community services.
Who qualifies: Open for information/navigation; each referred program has its own eligibility.
How to start: Call the statewide ADRC line or use MyPlaceCT resources.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Connecticut Aging / Nutrition
Elderly Nutrition Program
Offsets household/care costHelps pay for: Congregate and home-delivered meals for eligible older adults can reduce food costs and meal-preparation burden.
Who qualifies: Generally serves eligible residents age 60+ and spouses; local program rules and availability apply.
How to start: Ask local Area Agency on Aging / nutrition provider.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Food Assistance
SNAP
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Monthly EBT food benefits reduce grocery spending. For older/disabled households, allowable medical costs can include certain homemaker/home-health-aide or other care expenses, which may affect benefit calculations.
Who qualifies: Household income/resources and SNAP rules; current federal/state work rules and exemptions may apply.
How to start: Apply through ConneCT, by mail or at DSS.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Monthly food package for qualifying low-income Connecticut residents age 60+, reducing grocery costs.
Who qualifies: Age 60+, Connecticut resident and current income limit; DSS page currently lists income at or below 150% FPL.
How to start: Apply through a participating CSFP site / CT Foodshare.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare Cost Reduction
Connecticut Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Offsets health costsHelps pay for: QMB, SLMB and ALMB can pay Medicare Part B premiums; QMB can also cover certain Medicare deductibles/copays, preserving income for care.
Who qualifies: Connecticut resident, Medicare Part A eligibility and current income limits. Connecticut does not use an asset test for MSP.
How to start: Apply through DSS; CHOICES can screen and assist.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Part D Extra Help
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Federal Low-Income Subsidy lowers Medicare prescription-drug costs and can preserve cash for home care.
Who qualifies: Medicare and income/resource rules; some Medicaid/MSP beneficiaries qualify automatically.
How to start: Apply through Social Security/Medicare or ask CHOICES.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare
Medicare Home Health
Yes - skilled/limited aideHelps pay for: Part-time/intermittent skilled nursing, therapy and limited home-health aide services when Medicare coverage criteria are met.
Who qualifies: Homebound and skilled-care criteria, clinician certification/plan of care and Medicare-certified agency requirements.
How to start: Ask treating clinician for Medicare home-health certification/referral.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare Caregiver Training Services
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Medicare may cover caregiver training when it is needed as part of the beneficiary’s treatment plan, reducing private training expense.
Who qualifies: Medicare coverage and clinician-determined training need.
How to start: Ask clinician whether caregiver training is medically necessary and covered.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No wage
Medicare Hospice
Yes - hospiceHelps pay for: Hospice benefit can cover nursing, aide, equipment, medications related to terminal illness, counseling and short-term respite.
Who qualifies: Medicare hospice eligibility/election and certified-provider requirements.
How to start: Ask clinician or hospice provider for eligibility assessment.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare / Dementia
GUIDE Dementia Model
Respite / supportHelps pay for: Participating Medicare organizations can provide dementia care coordination, caregiver support/training and respite services for eligible beneficiaries.
Who qualifies: Traditional Medicare plus participating GUIDE organization and clinical criteria.
How to start: Ask Medicare/clinician whether a GUIDE participant serves the beneficiary.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No continuous wage
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Supplemental Home Benefits
Sometimes / plan-specificHelps pay for: Some MA plans offer in-home support, meals, transportation or caregiver-related supplemental benefits beyond Original Medicare.
Who qualifies: Must be enrolled in a plan offering the benefit; eligibility/utilization rules vary by plan and year.
How to start: Review Evidence of Coverage and call the plan/CHOICES before purchasing care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually no
Income Replacement
CT Paid Leave - Caring for a Family Member
Indirect income supportHelps pay for: Eligible covered workers may receive income-replacement benefits when taking qualifying leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition.
Who qualifies: Covered worker, qualifying family relationship and serious-health-condition/claim rules.
How to start: Review caregiver-leave rules and file a CT Paid Leave claim if eligible.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Pays worker replacing wages, not a caregiver wage
Health Cost Reduction
Covered Connecticut
Offsets health/transport costHelps pay for: No-cost health insurance, dental coverage and NEMT for qualifying Connecticut residents ages 19-64, preserving household funds for care.
Who qualifies: Current program requires income at or below 175% FPL, ineligibility for HUSKY due to income, exchange financial-help eligibility and enrollment in a Silver plan.
How to start: Apply/enroll through Access Health CT and CoveredCT process.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Energy Assistance
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Seasonal heating assistance can reduce utility spending and preserve income for care.
Who qualifies: Income/household and seasonal program rules. As of August 2026, CT says 2026-27 season information will be posted when available.
How to start: Apply through local Community Action Agency when season opens.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Housing / Energy
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Energy-efficiency improvements can lower utility bills and improve home comfort/safety.
Who qualifies: Income/home eligibility and provider capacity; eligible measures follow WAP rules.
How to start: Contact CT WAP/DEEP or use 2-1-1 for an intake site.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Tax / Cost Reduction
Renters’ Rebate for Elderly / Disabled Renters
Offsets household costHelps pay for: State rebate can reduce housing/utility burden for qualifying older or totally disabled renters.
Who qualifies: Age/disability, Connecticut residency, income and eligible rent/utility-payment rules. Application is through local municipality.
How to start: Apply with local assessor/social-service agency during the annual filing window.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Property Tax
Homeowners’ Elderly / Disabled Circuit Breaker
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Property-tax credit can reduce housing costs for qualifying owner-occupants age 65+ or totally disabled.
Who qualifies: Age/disability, owner-occupancy and annual income limits; local assessor calculates the credit.
How to start: Apply through local assessor during the program filing period.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Tax / Caregiver
Connecticut Family Caregiver Tax Credit - Starts 2027
Offsets care costHelps pay for: New state income-tax credit equal to 50% of eligible caregiver expenditures, up to $2,000 per tax year, subject to voucher/application rules and a statewide annual cap.
Who qualifies: Not available for 2026 taxes. Legislation is effective January 1, 2027 for taxable years beginning on/after that date; DRS applications are first-come-first-served under the statutory cap.
How to start: Track DRS implementation guidance before incurring/claiming expenses for the credit.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance
YesHelps pay for: Private LTC insurance may reimburse covered home-care/personal-care expenses once policy benefit triggers and elimination periods are met.
Who qualifies: Policy-specific ADL/cognitive triggers, elimination period, limits and covered-provider rules.
How to start: Request the current policy schedule and claim packet before hiring care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes, depending policy
Insurance / Medicaid Planning
Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care
Yes via insuranceHelps pay for: Qualified Partnership LTC insurance pays covered care and can earn dollar-for-dollar Medicaid Asset Protection equal to benefits paid under program rules.
Who qualifies: Must hold a Connecticut Partnership-qualified policy and later meet Medicaid eligibility rules. For policies applied for in 2026, CT lists minimum daily benefits of $344 nursing facility / $172 home-community care.
How to start: Confirm Partnership status and policy benefits with insurer/Partnership office.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends policy
Housing Finance
HECM Reverse Mortgage
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Eligible homeowners age 62+ can convert home equity to cash that may be used for home-care expenses.
Who qualifies: Age, home equity, property and FHA HECM requirements; loan becomes due under specified events and affects estate equity.
How to start: Use HUD-approved HECM counseling before applying.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
VA Benefits
Veteran-Directed Care
YesHelps pay for: Flexible self-directed VA budget for eligible Veterans who need personal care; participant may hire workers, including family, subject to local program rules.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment/community-care eligibility, clinical criteria and local VDC availability.
How to start: Ask VA Connecticut social worker whether VDC is available in the Veteran’s area.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes
VA Aid & Attendance Pension Add-On
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Additional monthly pension amount for qualifying Veterans/survivors who need help with daily activities or meet other Aid & Attendance criteria; cash can help pay for care.
Who qualifies: Must qualify for VA pension plus Aid & Attendance medical/financial criteria.
How to start: Apply through VA or an accredited representative/Connecticut VSO.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide
YesHelps pay for: VA may authorize a community aide to help an eligible Veteran with ADLs and selected daily tasks.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment/community-care eligibility, clinical need and local availability; copay may apply. Ask VA primary care/social worker for assessment/referral.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Veteran-Directed Care
YesHelps pay for: Flexible self-directed budget for eligible Veterans who need personal care; participant can hire workers, including family, subject to local rules.
Who qualifies: Enrolled Veteran, community-care eligibility, clinical criteria and local VDC availability. Ask VA Connecticut social worker whether VDC serves the Veteran’s location.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Veteran-Directed Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes
VA Skilled Home Health
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: VA may purchase skilled nursing, therapy and related home-health services from authorized community providers.
Who qualifies: Clinical need, VA eligibility/authorization and provider availability. Ask VA care team for skilled-home-health referral.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Skilled Home Health.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Respite Care
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: VA may provide in-home, adult-day or facility respite to give caregivers a break.
Who qualifies: Enrollment, clinical need and local availability/authorization. Ask VA social worker or Caregiver Support Coordinator.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Respite Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
VA Aid & Attendance Pension Add-On
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Additional pension payment for qualifying Veterans/survivors needing ADL help or meeting other A&A criteria.
Who qualifies: Must first qualify for VA pension plus A&A medical/financial criteria. Apply via VA or an accredited representative.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Aid & Attendance Pension Add-On.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
PCAFC Caregiver Stipend
Direct caregiver stipendHelps pay for: VA may pay an approved primary family caregiver a monthly stipend and provide training, counseling, respite and other supports.
Who qualifies: Veteran and caregiver must meet PCAFC eligibility and complete VA assessment/enrollment. Apply jointly through VA Caregiver Support.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about PCAFC Caregiver Stipend.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes
VA Community Care Network - Region 1
Pays authorized providerHelps pay for: VA-authorized community care can include home health and other approved services. Connecticut is in CCN Region 1, administered by Optum.
Who qualifies: VA referral/authorization and community-care eligibility generally apply. Obtain VA authorization before routine community care.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Community Care Network - Region 1.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Home Based Primary Care (HBPC)
Home-based clinical careHelps pay for: Interdisciplinary VA primary care delivered in the home for eligible Veterans with complex chronic conditions.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment, clinical need and local program availability. Ask VA Connecticut primary care/social worker about HBPC.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Home Based Primary Care (HBPC).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medical Foster Home
Residential care alternativeHelps pay for: Private-home residential option paired with VA home-based services for Veterans who need substantial assistance and prefer a small-home setting.
Who qualifies: Clinical suitability, local program availability and private-pay/VA benefit coordination. Ask VA social worker about Medical Foster Home.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Medical Foster Home.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct family wage
VA Caregiver Support Program
Support / respite navigationHelps pay for: Coaching, education, peer support, respite navigation and caregiver services; also gateway to PCAFC screening.
Who qualifies: Veteran/caregiver relationship and program-specific criteria vary. Call Caregiver Support Line or local VA Connecticut coordinator.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Caregiver Support Program.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: PCAFC may pay stipend
VA Pension
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Needs-based monthly pension for qualifying wartime Veterans/survivors; pension income can help fund home care.
Who qualifies: Service, age/disability, income/net-worth and other VA pension rules. Apply through VA or accredited VSO.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Pension.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
Connecticut Veterans Service Officers
Benefits accessHelps pay for: State Veterans Affairs Office of Advocacy and Assistance provides accredited benefits/claims help through district Veterans Service Officers.
Who qualifies: Veteran/survivor seeking benefits or claims assistance; benefit-specific eligibility applies. Contact the appropriate CT DVA district office or central advocacy office.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Connecticut Veterans Service Officers.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
Where Connecticut Families Can Start
Not sure where to begin? Match your situation to a contact below.
Medicaid/HUSKY C, LTSS, MED-Connect and general DSS application questions
Connecticut DSS Client Information Line / HUSKY C
CFC application, self-directed personal attendant care and service planning
Community First Choice (CFC)
Age-65+ home-care screening, referral and care-management entry point
Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
No-wrong-door LTSS navigation, caregiver support, respite, meals and local aging resources
Aging and Disability Resource Centers / Area Agencies on Aging
Free Medicare counseling, MSP/Extra Help screening and plan review
CHOICES (Connecticut SHIP)
I/DD waivers, family supports, respite, self-direction and paid-family-caregiver questions
Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Serious-mental-illness HCBS waiver screening and referrals
Mental Health Waiver
Schedule HUSKY/CoveredCT medical rides and mileage-reimbursement questions
MTM - Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
Verify Partnership policy status, asset-protection rules and consumer information
Connecticut Partnership for Long-Term Care
Income-replacement claims for qualifying leave to care for a family member
CT Paid Leave
Accredited state Veterans Service Officer help with VA pension, Aid & Attendance and claims
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs - Advocacy & Assistance
PCAFC stipend screening, caregiver support, respite navigation and local VA caregiver help
VA Caregiver Support / VA Connecticut
Before You Rely on Any Payment Source
Planning Point
Why It Matters
CFC is active now; a 2027 transition is only proposed
Connecticut’s public materials describe a proposal to sunset/transition CFC participants effective April 1, 2027. Treat that as a planning risk, not a current termination date, until state/federal approvals and implementation details are final.
CFC and CHCPE have very different family-caregiver rules
CFC is self-directed and may permit participant-selected workers subject to relationship rules. CHCPE explicitly says family members are not eligible to be paid as Personal Care Attendants except in very rare circumstances. Verify the exact program before promising family wages.
CHCPE state-funded services carry a 9% copay
Connecticut DSS states that clients on the state-funded portion of CHCPE must pay a 9% copay. Medicaid-waiver and state-funded CHCPE pathways should not be treated as financially identical.
Statewide dementia respite is unusually flexible
The Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program can use a home-care agency or someone the caregiver trusts and can pay up to $7,500 per year depending on funding and need. It is respite funding, not an unlimited caregiver wage.
DDS has a specific paid-family-caregiver pathway
DDS allows eligible legal guardians and parents of school-age children to be compensated for specified waiver supports under current criteria. Service type, extraordinary-care assessment, employer-of-record status and authorization still matter.
SWIS availability needs current verification
DSS materials have described Social Work In-Home Support intake as closed/waitlisted. Screen it as a possible pathway, but verify intake before building a care plan around it.
Autism Waiver has both a cap and a waiting list
Connecticut lists Autism Waiver services as capped at $50,000 annually per participant and says access may be limited by funding/program capacity, with a waiting list.
MED-Connect can preserve Medicaid while working
For eligible workers with disabilities, MED-Connect can maintain full Medicaid/HUSKY coverage at much higher earnings than many Medicaid categories. Current CT guidance lists $85,000 annual income and $20,000/$30,000 countable asset limits, with possible premiums.
The Family Caregiver Tax Credit begins in 2027 — not 2026
The new Connecticut credit is not claimable for the 2026 tax year. It is effective for taxable years beginning on/after January 1, 2027, is capped at $2,000 per year, and uses first-come-first-served vouchers under an annual statewide cap.
Partnership insurance is different from ordinary LTC insurance
Only a qualified Connecticut Partnership policy earns Medicaid Asset Protection. The protection is generally dollar-for-dollar based on benefits paid; confirm Partnership status before relying on asset-disregard planning.
VA community care requires VA authorization
Connecticut is in VA Community Care Network Region 1, administered by Optum. Routine community home care generally requires VA referral/authorization; do not assume VA will reimburse a privately hired provider after the fact.
Coordinate benefits before restructuring finances or caregiver employment
Medicaid/waivers, VA cash benefits, tax credits, insurance, reverse mortgages and family-caregiver payroll can affect eligibility, taxes, estate recovery, labor rules and household finances. Verify interactions before transferring assets or formalizing pay.
Program rules, income limits, and availability change over time and can vary by county. Confirm current details with the program directly, or ask a home care provider in Connecticut to help you navigate the application process.
← Back to How to Pay for In-Home CareHome Care Providers in Connecticut
These providers serve families in Connecticut and can help you apply what you've learned above to your specific situation.
Elderly Caregivers
Serving Connecticut
Elderly Caregivers provides home care services in Danbury, CT and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Danbury area, parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and surrounding areas
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Family Pride Private Home Care – Oxford, CT
Serving Connecticut
Family Pride Private Home Care provides home care services in Oxford, CT and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Oxford, Southbury
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Gently Aging Home Care
Serving Connecticut
Gently Aging Home Care provides home care services in Guilford, CT and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
The Shoreline, Branford, North Branford and surrounding areas
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Home Care Advantage
Serving Connecticut
Home Care Advantage provides home care services in Danbury, CT and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Bethel, Danbury, Easton and surrounding areas
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Pansy Homecare Service, LLC – North Haven, CT
Serving Connecticut
Pansy Homecare Service, LLC provides home care services in North Haven, CT and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
Woodbridge, Madison, Guilford and surrounding areas
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Pansy Homecare Service, LLC – West Hartford, CT
Serving Connecticut
Pansy Homecare Service, LLC provides home care services in West Hartford, CT and the surrounding communities it serves.
Services Available
24-Hour Home Care • Companion Care • Personal Care • Dementia & Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care
Communities Served
West Hartford, Hartford, Farmington and surrounding areas
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