Caregivers in Wisconsin have access to several programs that provide respite support and funding. This page helps you compare the Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support Program (AFCSP), National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), and RCAW’s grant programs.
Use the summary below to quickly understand the differences, then expand each section for full eligibility details, funding information, and referral guidance.
Prefer a printable version? Download the full comparison chart as a PDF
Quick Comparison of Caregiver Programs
AFCSP
- Focus: Dementia caregiving
- Max: Up to $4,000/year
- Best for: Alzheimer’s and related dementias
NFCSP
- Focus: General caregiving support
- Max: No statewide hourly cap
- Best for: Older adults or disability caregiving
CRGP
- Focus: Gap funding for respite
- Max: No set limit
- Best for: Families not served by other programs
SRGP & HMHM
- Focus: Supplemental supports
- Max: $250 per application
- Best for: Flexible, non-traditional needs
Click each section below to explore eligibility requirements, funding details, and how to apply for each program.
Funding Source
- State of Wisconsin GPR
- State and GWAAR distribute funds to counties
Maximum Annual Allocation
- Up to $4,000 per year
- Agencies may set lower limits to serve more families
- Actual payment based on care needs
Eligibility Requirements
- Diagnosis of probable irreversible dementia (Alzheimer’s, vascular, Lewy body, etc.)
- Lives at home OR in CBRF, RCAC, or independent living (not for room and board)
- Cannot be enrolled in NFCSP or Family Care at the same time
- No asset test
How to Refer
- Anyone may refer (ADRC staff, medical staff, family, friends)
- Coordinator assesses eligibility and completes paperwork
- Works with case managers and dementia specialists
Fund Dispersal
- Based on DHS eligibility worksheets
- Paid via invoices and receipts
- May pay provider directly or reimburse caregiver
Important Notes
- Waitlist may occur if funds are exhausted
- Enrollment continues until formally disenrolled
- NFCSP may be used if needs exceed AFCSP limits
- Best practice: enroll dementia cases in AFCSP first
For more information on the AFCSP, use this link.
Funding Source
- Federal Administration on Aging (AOA)
- Funds distributed through Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
- Wisconsin tribes receive funding directly from ACL
Maximum Annual Allocation
- No statewide hourly cap (recent update)
- Counties determine service levels
Eligibility Requirements
- Care recipient needs help with at least 2 activities of daily living
- Must live at home (not in a facility)
- Care recipient is 60+ OR has dementia (any age)
- Includes:
- Caregivers 55+ caring for adults with disabilities (18–59)
- Grandparents/relatives 55+ caring for children under 18
- No income or asset test
- Priority for low-income individuals and dementia cases
- Typically not available if enrolled in Family Care or LTC programs
How to Refer
- Anyone may refer (ADRC staff, medical staff, family, friends)
- Coordinators collaborate to determine best program placement
Fund Dispersal
- Must be pre-approved by administrative agency
- Payments typically made monthly to providers
Important Notes
- Check AFCSP availability first for dementia cases
- If AFCSP funds unavailable, may enroll in NFCSP
- May be used when AFCSP limits are exceeded
For more information on the NFCSP, use this link.
Funding Source
- State GPR + Federal Lifespan Respite Grant funds
- Administered by RCAW
Maximum Annual Allocation
- No set maximum
- No hourly limits
- Based on caregiver and care recipient needs
Eligibility Requirements
- Primary family caregiver (does not need to live with care recipient)
- Care recipient must live in Wisconsin
- No other funding source available for respite
- Care recipient must:
- Be an adult (18+) OR
- A child with special needs
- Must meet one of these:
- Applied for LTC but no approval within 30 days
- Denied LTC or other programs
- Approved but funds exhausted
- Needs flexibility beyond existing funding
- Not eligible for LTC programs
How to Refer
- Anyone may refer
- Coordination with ADRC and related programs encouraged
Fund Dispersal
- Reimbursement to caregiver for approved expenses
- May pay providers directly in some cases
- Multiple applications allowed per year
Important Notes
- Designed for caregivers not served by other programs
- No strict limits, but requests must be reasonable
- Fast processing (as little as hours in emergencies)
For more information on RCAW’s grants for family caregivers, use this link.
Funding Source
- State GPR + Federal Lifespan Respite funds
- Administered by RCAW
Maximum Annual Allocation
- $250 per application
- Supports supplemental respite needs
Eligibility Requirements
- Must include professional verification (ADRC, Tribal ADRS, or case manager)
- Must meet one of the following:
- Applied for LTC but not approved within 30 days
- Denied LTC or other programs
- Approved but funds exhausted
- Needs flexibility beyond current funding
- Not eligible for LTC programs
How to Refer
- Anyone may refer
- Coordination with ADRC and other programs encouraged
Fund Dispersal
- Paid directly to caregiver
- Can apply multiple times per year
Covered Services
- Home modifications
- Technology for safety and social engagement
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Lawn care and snow removal
- Transportation
- Sensory items
- Healthy Minds, Healthy Meals supports
Important Notes
- Designed for gaps in other programs
- Flexible use for non-traditional respite supports
For more information on RCAW’s grants for family caregivers, use this link.