The Supplemental Respite Grant Program (SRGP) supports primary caregivers who are not eligible for other Long Term Care waiver or caregiver support programs by providing $250 per application for supplemental respite items.
Eligible supports include qualified home modifications, technology that promotes safety and social connection, housekeeping and laundry services, lawn mowing, snow removal, transportation to respite activities or medical appointments, and sensory items.
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: All applicants must have a valid email address and create a profile on RCAW’s online fillable grant portal. RCAW reserves the right to request additional information and supporting documentation from applicants when approving a grant request to maximize the use of our grant funds and serve the largest number of family caregivers possible.
An Eligibility Criteria Form (ECF) and an updated Supporting Documentation Form (SDF) are required before each grant request. If approved, the applicant must use the supplemental funds within 60 days. The SRGP cannot provide retroactive payment for goods or services.
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 SRGP.
This grant supports families caring for individuals living at home. Care recipients residing in assisted living facilities, adult family homes, or skilled nursing facilities are not eligible for this program.
Grant Report Policy: Applicants are expected to track all expenses using the SRGP Grant Report. RCAW will randomly select applicants for audit and will notify them by email. Applicants must retain receipts and invoices for all services and purchases made with SRGP funds. If an applicant is selected for a random audit and cannot provide a completed SRGP Grant Report with receipts or invoices within seven days, they will become ineligible for future funds and may be required to repay the SRGP grant amount.
If applicants use SRGP funds for any service not listed in the Allowable Expenses or in any way that violates the SRGP terms and conditions, they will be required to repay the portion of funds that were improperly spent. If the funds are not returned to RCAW by the requested date, the applicants will be ineligible for any future RCAW funding.
Applicants must keep the SRGP Grant Report and receipts for three years.
Procedure:
1. The SRGP applicant completesthe Eligibility Criteria Form (ECF) & the ADRC or County completes the Supporting Documentation Form (SDF).
2. Once the ECF & SDF have been submitted, if eligible, RCAW will email the applicant the link to the SRGP application.
3. Once the applicant applies, RCAW will notify them via email if the application is approved.
4. The applicant must use the SRGP Grant Report to track the allowable expenses. If approved, the applicant must use the supplemental funds within 60 days.
Disclaimer: RCAW is not the employer of respite care providers and does not provide direct or indirect services through the SRGP. By applying for and using SRGP 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.
Allowable Expenses: Please reference this link. If you have questions, please get in touch with [email protected].
Terms and Conditions:
a) RCAW’s SRGP is the payer of last resort for family caregivers & care recipients who cannot be served by other caregiver support programs or those who do not qualify for other caregiver support programs that assist with respite care.b) The care recipient’s age is not required. This program is available to children, adults, and older people.
c) The County, ADRC, governmental office, etc., must complete the Supporting Documentation Form.
d) Reapplying applicants must provide updated Eligibility Criteria Forms and have their representative complete and update the Supporting Documentation Form.
e) RCAW will not dictate who provides supplemental respite services. Family caregivers and care recipients can self-direct whom they hire to provide services. However, applicants may not employ a respite provider who resides on the same property as the family caregiver and care recipient, nor can biological parents be hired as the respite care provider.
f) RCAW is not the employer of service providers and will not pay them directly. The applicant receives approved grant funds and is responsible for paying providers.
g) Applicants need to provide their Social Security number. For those who received a cumulative of $2,000 or more in grant funds in a calendar year, RCAW must issue a Form 1099-MISC for that year.
h) Per the Grant Report Policy, if an applicant is chosen for a random audit and cannot provide a completed SRGP Grant report with receipts or invoices within seven days, they will immediately be ineligible for future funds. They may have to repay RCAW for the SRGP grant funds.
i) If it is suspected or determined that the application contains misinformation or RCAW’s SRGP funds are misused, the applicant will be held accountable, including but not limited to repaying grant funds and suspension from the SRGP. RCAW reserves the right to notify the appropriate authorities.