Overview: The Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP) supports primary caregivers who are not eligible for other Long-Term Care (LTC) waiver programs or caregiver support programs. The CRGP provides funding for up to five days of respite care within a 30-day period. Depending on available funding, caregivers may be able to reapply for this grant multiple times each year. Please refer to the CRGP webpage for the most current grant information, and a list of LTC waiver or caregiver support programs.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must have a Supporting Documentation Form (SDF) submitted by the ADRC or County verifying that the applicant has applied for Long-Term Care Waiver support(s) or other programs and meets at least one of the following conditions:
Is not expected to receive services or approval within thirty (30) days, or is currently on a waitlist;
Has been denied services;
Has been approved but has exhausted available funding;
Has applied for and is receiving support through CLTS and needs flexibility for supplemental respite services not covered by CLTS; or
Has not applied because they are ineligible.
Policy: Applicants must have a valid email address and create a profile in RCAW’s online fillable grant portal. There is currently no maximum lifetime amount a primary caregiver may receive through the CRGP. Based on the care recipient’s acuity and the respite provider’s credentials, primary caregivers may request an hourly rate that falls within a fair market service rate, as determined by the respite provider’s usual charge. The CRGP does not cover retroactive services.
RCAW reserves the right to request additional information and supporting documentation as part of the approval process to maximize grant funds and serve as many primary caregivers as possible. Depending on the number of respite hours requested and the availability of respite providers, an overnight stipend may be required in place of an hourly rate. Before each grant request, applicants must submit an updated Eligibility Criteria Form and an updated Supporting Documentation Form. Reapplying applicants will be considered only after completing the Grant Impact Survey.
RCAW may deny grant requests at any stage of the process at its discretion. Applicants may appeal a denial using the Grant Denial Appeal Form. If an appeal is denied by the RCAW Executive Committee, the applicant must wait 90 days before reapplying to the CRGP.
RCAW’s CRGP serves as the payer of last resort for primary caregivers and care recipients who cannot be served by other caregiver support programs or who do not qualify for other programs that provide respite care.
The Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP) may be used to cover respite services provided in facility settings. However, funds may not be used to pay for ongoing room and board or other costs for individuals who already reside in a facility (such as assisted living, adult family homes, or skilled nursing facilities), as these expenses are not considered respite care.
Procedure:
The CRGP applicant completes the Eligibility Criteria Form (ECF), and the ADRC or County submits the Supporting Documentation Form (SDF).
After the ECF and SDF are received, RCAW will review eligibility. If the applicant is eligible, RCAW will email a link to the SRGP application.
Once the application is submitted and approved, RCAW will send an approval email that includes a link to the Grant Report. RCAW will reimburse respite services only for dates occurring after the approval email is sent, as retroactive services are not covered.
After respite care has been provided, the applicant must complete and submit the Grant Report. RCAW will then issue the awarded funds. The Grant Report must be submitted within seven (7) days of the final date of respite care.
Disclaimer: RCAW is not the employer of respite care providers and does not provide direct or indirect services through the CRGP. By applying for and using CRGP funds, applicants agree to hold harmless and indemnify RCAW and its representatives from any damages or liabilities arising from participation in the program. An applicant may be denied funding and encouraged to reapply at a later date if RCAW determines that Long-Term Care Waiver support(s) or other program funding have not been fully exhausted. All applications are reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis, considering the merits of the request, the care recipient’s acuity and unique needs, geographic location, available resources, and the program’s responsibility to preserve grant funds for those with the greatest need.
Emergency Respite Care: The Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP) may be used in emergency situations when the health or safety of the caregiver or care recipient is at risk. RCAW can provide flexibility with CRGP funding to help families navigate urgent and unexpected circumstances.
Please contact [email protected] and indicate “Emergency Respite” in the subject line or call 608-222-2033.
Emergency Use of the Caregiver Respite Grant Program: Overview, Policy, and Procedure.
Emergencies may include, but are not limited to, the following circumstances:
- Is the need to prevent abuse and neglect for the care recipient?
- Is there a need to prevent a mental health crisis for the caregiver or care recipient?
- Does the caregiver need medical attention in the immediate future?
- Does the caregiver have a medical emergency within their immediate family?
- Do they need emergency assistance to attend a funeral/wake/celebration of life?
- Has there been a loss of employment or a work-related situation?
- Drug or alcohol abuse counseling or support?
Terms and Conditions:
a) RCAW’s CRGP is the payer of last resort for primary caregivers and care recipients who cannot be served by other caregiver support programs, or who do not qualify for programs that provide respite care.
b) Applicants must provide a Social Security number. If an applicant receives a cumulative total of $2,000 or more in grant funds within a calendar year, RCAW will issue a Form 1099-MISC for that year.
c) There is no age requirement for care recipients. The program is available across the lifespan, including children, adults, and older adults.
d) The grant is intended to provide primary caregivers respite from caregiving duties. It does not cover housekeeping, lawn care, snow removal, or other similar expenses.
e) Reapplying applicants must submit updated Eligibility Criteria and Supporting Documentation Forms.
f) Applicants may not hire a respite provider who resides on the same property as the primary caregiver and care recipient. Biological parents may not be employed as respite care providers.
g) Applications will not be approved if the Respite Grant Budget section is left blank. RCAW cannot approve requests without a stated amount.
h) RCAW is not the employer of respite providers and does not pay them directly. Approved grant funds are generally issued to the applicant after respite services have been provided, and the applicant is responsible for paying the respite provider.
i) Approved applicants will receive grant funds for respite services as authorized. It is the responsibility of the primary caregiver (the approved applicant) to pay the respite care provider.
j) Applications must include the respite provider’s name, phone number, and email address. RCAW reserves the right to contact the provider to verify that payment has been made. Applicants will be held accountable if the provider cannot verify payment or if RCAW suspects fraud or misuse of CRGP funds. In such cases, the applicant may be deemed immediately ineligible for future funding and required to repay RCAW.
k) RCAW will issue awarded grant funds to the primary caregiver within 45 days of receiving the completed Grant Report Form.
l) If it is suspected or determined that an application contains misinformation or that CRGP funds have been misused, the applicant will be held accountable, including but not limited to repayment of funds and suspension from the CRGP. RCAW reserves the right to notify appropriate authorities.
m) A committee of RCAW’s Board of Directors will review applicant disputes and determine final resolution requirements.