AFL in Connecticut at a Glance
- AFL is a service of the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS). It is offered under two state programs: the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) and the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Waiver. [1]
- The person receiving care must be eligible for one of those programs. [1]
- The caregiver lives in the home and is often a family member or friend. [1]
- Caregivers receive a stipend that the state describes as non-taxable. [1]
1. What Is Adult Family Living (AFL) in Connecticut?
AFL lets an older adult or an adult with a disability receive personal care at home from a caregiver who lives there. Either the caregiver moves into the home of the person receiving care, or the person moves into the caregiver’s home. [1] DSS added AFL as a service under CHCPE and the PCA Waiver in 2013. [4]
Care can include personal care, meal preparation, supervision for safety, social and recreational activities, and reminders to take medication. [4] Recipients also get help with transportation, shopping, and meals. [1]
2. Who Qualifies to Receive Care Through Connecticut’s AFL Program?
The person receiving care has to qualify for one of two programs:
- CHCPE: Connecticut residents age 65 or older who are at risk of nursing home placement or need a nursing home level of care, and who meet the program’s financial criteria. [2] See our guide to CHCPE and the PCA Waiver for the differences.
- PCA Waiver: adults ages 18 to 64 with a physical disability and a long-term health condition that requires hands-on care, cueing, or supervision, who also meet financial criteria. [3] The state keeps a waiting list for this program, and openings are filled in the order referrals arrive. [3]
3. Who Can Be a Paid Family Caregiver Under AFL?
- The caregiver lives in the home. [1][4]
- Friends and relatives can both qualify. A relative can be the paid caregiver as long as they are not a “legally liable relative.” [4] That is a legal term, so check with DSS or our team before planning around AFL if you are unsure whether your relationship qualifies.
- The caregiver must meet basic requirements. The AFL agency verifies that the caregiver is at least 18, in good health, and able to follow instructions, report changes in the person’s condition, and keep records. [4]
4. How AFL Works: Levels of Care, Stipends, and Caregiver Support
- A DSS assessment sets the level of care. There are four levels, based on the person’s needs with daily activities, supervision, and any cognitive or behavioral challenges. [1][4]
- A state-authorized agency supports the caregiver. It provides training and support, supervises the care, and pays the caregiver. [1][4]
- The stipend depends on the care level. The state describes it as non-taxable. [1] For your own situation, ask a tax professional.
- Medication has limits. AFL caregivers may supervise a person taking their own medication, but they may not administer it. [4]
- Room and board are not covered. Those costs are negotiated between the caregiver and the person receiving care. [4]
State rules also call for relief for the caregiver. [4] That is where respite care can help.
5. How to Apply for Adult Family Living in Connecticut
- Check which program fits. CHCPE is for ages 65 and older who need help with daily activities, and the PCA Waiver is for ages 18 to 64 with a physical disability. See our CHCPE vs. PCA Waiver comparison if you’re not sure.
- Apply through DSS. For CHCPE, download the DSS application and mail it to DSS Community Options or fax it to 860-424-4963, or complete the online form. [2] For the PCA Waiver, call DSS at 860-424-4904 or apply online, then wait for an opening. [3]
- Complete the care manager’s assessment. DSS’s assessment sets the level of care, from four levels. [1][4] For the PCA Waiver, when a slot opens, a care manager visits the home, assesses the person’s needs, and explains how the program works. [3]
- Work with an AFL provider. A state-authorized agency supervises the care, trains and supports the caregiver, and handles caregiver pay. [1][4] You can search for AFL providers in your area through 211 Connecticut. [1]
Questions about applying? Call DSS toll-free at 800-445-5394. [5]
For the Medicaid side of the process, see our page on Home Care Covered By Connecticut Medicaid.
6. Paid Family Caregiver FAQs: Living Together, Taxes, and Eligibility
Can I get paid to care for my parent in Connecticut? Yes, through AFL, if your parent is eligible for CHCPE or the PCA Waiver and you live in the same home. [1][4]
Do I have to move in with the person I care for? The caregiver has to live in the home, but it can be either person’s home. Either the caregiver moves in, or the person moves into the caregiver’s home.[1][4]
Is the AFL stipend taxable? The state describes it as non-taxable. [1] A tax professional can confirm how that applies to you.
7. Check Eligibility Before You Apply for AFL
Three questions trip up many families:
- Is your loved one eligible, and for which program?
- Does your relationship qualify under the “legally liable relative” rule?
- Can you wait for a PCA Waiver opening?
It is worth checking all three before you apply. Talk to our team first. We can help you understand eligibility, what DSS will look at, and what to expect. Call us at 475-290-0060 or request a callback by completing our quick contact form.
8. References
[1] Adult Family Living: Connecticut Department of Social Services, MyPlaceCT.
[2] CT Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE): Connecticut Department of Social Services, MyPlaceCT.
[3] Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Waiver: Connecticut Department of Social Services, MyPlaceCT.
[4] CT Home Care Program for Elders: Adult Family Living: Medical Assistance Program Provider Bulletin 2013-50, Connecticut Department of Social Services, December 2013.
