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Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in North Carolina?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
North Carolina residents who are 65 or older, live in an assisted living facility and are financially eligible may qualify for the State-County Special Assistance program. This program offers a cash supplement to low-income residents of assisted living facilities, helping to offset the costs of room and board.
State-County Assistance Program
The State-County Assistance Program is administered at the local level by the Department of Social Services. This program covers the cost of room and board in an approved assisted living facility. To participate in this program, the assisted living facility where the resident lives must accept the state rate for special assistance residents. Participants of this program will receive a monthly stipend.
The number of benefits provided each month is determined by the maximum rate that assisted living facilities can charge a program participant. The individual’s monthly income will be subtracted from that rate to determine how much they can receive. In other words, benefits are variable depending on the participant’s income. Approved participants also receive a monthly personal needs allowance that covers basic costs, such as clothing or personal care products.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To qualify for the State-County Special Assistance program, applicants must be 65 years of age or older and be a resident of North Carolina currently living in an assisted living facility. They also must meet income and asset eligibility requirements.
To apply, interested individuals can contact their county’s Department of Social Services. They will need to provide income information, including pay stubs, Social Security benefits, savings and checking account information and details on any assets such as property or stocks. Individuals will also need to provide identification, proof of age and their Social Security card.