Page Reviewed / Updated – June 25, 2023

Program Description

The Maryland Attendant Care Program, abbreviated as ACP, provides financial reimbursement assistance for attendant care services for individuals who are severely physically disabled. Services may include personal care assistance, household chores, and transportation. These services are intended to assist individuals in living in the community, rather than in a nursing home facility. While this program is not specifically intended for seniors, it is relevant for those up to the age of 64.

This program is a self-directed program, also referred to as a consumer-directed program. This means that participants are able to hire the person of their choosing to provide care. An additional benefit is that family members who are 18 and older can be hired to provide care. One exception is spouses, who cannot be hired to provide care.

The Maryland Attendant Care Program is administered by the Maryland Department of Disabilities.

Eligibility Guidelines

General Requirements

Residency – Applicants must be residents of the state of Maryland.

Age – Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 64.

Disability – Applicants must be diagnosed with a severe disability by a doctor, and must be unable to perform basic activities of daily living without assistance, such as bathing, grooming, and mobility.

Other – In addition to the above requirements, an applicant must meet one of the following additional requirements:

  • Have a job, OR
  • Be searching for employment, OR
  • Be attending college or another higher educational program, OR
  • Be at risk of requiring nursing home care if not for attendant care services, OF
  • Currently be residing in a nursing home, but could live in the community with assistance from this program

Make note, if an applicant is receiving attendant care services via another program, he or she is not eligible for the Attendant Care Program.

Financial Requirements

Income – Annual income must be under $119,999 (in 2023).

Benefits and Services

Eligible applicants are reimbursed for a variety of services. The amount that one is reimbursed varies and is based on available funding, one’s income, and how many people live in the household. A sliding scale is used; the higher one’s income, the lower their reimbursement will be.

Benefits and services include transportation assistance, chore services, such as yard work and cleaning windows, and personal care assistance, such as help with bathing, grooming, and eating.

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How to Apply / Learn More

For additional information click here, or call the Maryland Department of Disabilities at 410-767-6025 or 800-637-4113. To apply, applicants must first register for a OneStop account.