Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP)

Applicants can reapply for the Caregiver Respite Grant Program every 60 days.

Please reference this page for up-to-date grant information.

view the slides for the four-step application process

Step One

The CRGP applicant completes the Eligibility Criteria Form & the ADRC or County completes the Supporting Documentation Form.

Step Two

Once the Eligibility Criteria Form and Supporting Documentation Form have been submitted, RCAW will email the applicant the link to the CRGP application.

Step Three

Once the applicant applies, RCAW will notify them if the application is approved via email with a link to The Grant Report.

Step Four

The applicant submits The Grant Report after the respite care has been provided, and RCAW will send the awarded grant funds.

You likely devote a lot of time and energy to caring for a loved one with disabilities and special needs, but you must take care of yourself, too! How can you give your best to the people you love if you are not at your best? The Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP) is here to help you do that!

Our CRGP provides financial support for family caregivers for up to five days of respite care within 30 days of approval. The grant helps you pay for one-on-one personal care from the caregiver of your choice for your loved one living with disabilities or special needs.

This grant is available when financial support through other caregiver support or long-term care waiver programs is not available or has been used up. Depending on funding, caregivers may be able to reapply for this grant a few times a year. Please look at the top of the grant’s webpage for up-to-date information. What a great way to recharge your batteries or spend one-on-one time with another family member or friend!

Imagine being able to:

Take a special day with another child in your family for some one-on-one quality time so they feel important and loved.
Going fishing with a buddy after years of not doing so because caring for your family member has required your constant attention.
Just take a few hours to get a massage, run some errands, visit a park or catch up on some reading.

CAREGIVER RESPITE GRANT ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW

To be eligible for the grant, each applicant must have their applicable ADRC, county case manager, etc., complete the Supporting Documentation Form showing the applicant:

Has applied for a Long-term Care Waiver or other programs and not expecting to receive services or approval within thirty (30) days of the application
Has been denied Long-Term Care Waiver support(s) or other programs that provide respite services
Has been approved for Long- Term Care Waiver support(s) or other programs that provide respite services and has exhausted funds from said programs
Has applied and is receiving other supports, and the applicant needs flexibility for services not covered by current funding supports
Has not applied for a Long-Term Care Waiver support(s) because they are ineligible for other supports

"I got back from fishing a week ago Thursday. I had a great time and brought home a full limit of crappies for the freezer. My wife and I already had one meal of fish with plans for several more over the winter months. Thank you very much for the opportunity to getaway. All went well with in-home respite providers."

"I had a wonderful time at the three-day bridge tournament. I went with three friends and met up with other friends there, also. We are all addicted to bridge (worse than the golfers!) and it has been such a long time since I was able to play. We were looking for gold points and reached our goal! Thanks again and it is such a pleasure to know about Respite Care Association of Wisconsin!"

"I truly appreciate the opportunity that I was able to get a break without having to worry about caring for my husband. I am also a caregiver to my mom, who has been disabled since 2008 and care for my dad who is living with cancer. I am only 56 and I want to enjoy my kids and grandkids and be the BEST caregiver to all, and still take dare of myself."

Read the Overview, and Policy and Procedure Document

CRGP Overview, Policy, and Procedure Form

This explains all of the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and additional resources to help you apply.

Eligibility Criteria Form (ECF)

The CRGP Eligibility Criteria Form can be found HERE

Supporting Documentation Form (SDF)

The Supporting Documentation Form can be found HERE

Link to the Application

Once RCAW has notified the applicant (via email) that the ECF & SDF has been received, they will receive a link to the CRGP application.

Grant Report and Respite Experience Survey

Once RCAW has approved the application, applicants will receive a link to complete the fillable Grant Report. Applicants will also receive a link within the same email to complete the Caregiver Respite Experience Survey. Only those who wish to reapply for the CRGP need to complete the survey.

Resources

Be sure to first check your eligibility with these programs before applying for the Caregiver Respite Grant Program.

For primary caregivers of children, use this Wisconsin County Contact List to locate and contact your county representative for the CLTS Waiver Program or CCOP services.

For primary caregivers of adults or older adults, use this Wisconsin Aging & Disability Resource Center List to locate and contract your ADRC for the LTC programs listed above.

Appeals: RCAW’s board of directors will review CRGP applicants’ disputes and provide resolution requirements for RCAW. Anyone who wishes to file an appeal must use the Grant Denial Appeal Form.