Maryland Assisted Living Subsidy Program: Eligibility & Benefits

Program Description

Maryland’s Assisted Living Subsidy is also more formally referred to as the Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program. This is a financial assistance program provided to elderly Maryland residents that helps pay for the cost of assisted living. The objective of this program is to prevent premature, costly nursing home placement. By providing financial assistance to needy individuals, both the state and individuals benefit. The state saves money on expensive nursing home care and individuals have the opportunity to live in environments better suited to their needs.

Assisted living facilities, which require licensing and approval by the Maryland Department of Aging and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, must be able to accommodate at least 4 and no more than 16 clients. This program is not available in every county and there may be waiting lists for assistance in some counties. If the program is not available in their county, seniors can move to an approved assisted living residence in a county where the program is available, and then enroll to receive assistance.

The Maryland Department of Aging monitors this program via Area Agencies on Aging.

Eligibility Guidelines

The Assisted Living Subsidy is available to Maryland residents who currently live in an assisted living facility, as well as those who are assessed as having the need for assisted living and have plans to move to such a residence in the very near future.

• Applicants must be at least 62 years of age.
• Monthly income cannot exceed 60% of the state’s median. As of July 2020, this amount is $3,002 ($36,021 / year) for an individual and $3,925 ($47,104 / year) for a couple. Please note that the income limits will increase October 1, 2020 and will be $3,121 / month ($37,454 / year) for an individual and $4,081.50 / month ($48,978 / year) for a couple.
• Countable asset limits for an individual or a couple are set at $11,000 and $14,000, respectively. This includes cash, savings and checking accounts, stocks, mutual funds, and certificates of deposit.
• Individuals must be assessed to determine their personal care needs. Eligible applicants must require assistance with Activities of Daily Living, such as grooming, dressing, walking, and eating.

Benefits and Services

The subsidy comes in the form of direct financial assistance for assisted living services. This includes helping to cover the cost of personal care assistance, supervision around the clock, and meals. The actual amount of assistance available depends on the individual and the county in which they are applying for assistance. Typically, the total monthly assistance available to any participating individual is limited to $650. Please note that payments are made directly to the provider, not the program participant.

How to Apply / Learn More

One should contact their local Maryland Area Agency on Aging, also called Maryland Access Points (MAPs), to determine if this subsidy is available in their geographic area and to apply. Please make note, there may be a waiting list for this program. For additional information about this program, click here.