State Home Care Program through Elder Services
The state Home Care Program, run on the Cape by Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, provides help such as homemaking, personal care, meals and emergency response for people 60 and older who live at home. In 2026, the income guideline is under $35,784 a year ($2,982 a month); there is no asset test, and co-pays are based on income.
The numbers
| Minimum age | 60 (or under 60 with Alzheimer's disease and needing respite) |
| Income guideline (2026) | under $35,784 a year / $2,982 a month |
| Asset test | none — the co-pay is based on income only |
| Voluntary co-pay, 1 person with income $16,291 or less | $10 a month |
| Voluntary co-pay, couple with income $21,939 or less | $14 a month |
| Fixed co-pay, 1 person ($16,292–$36,598) | $10 to $141 a month |
| Fixed co-pay, couple ($21,940–$51,785) | $14 to $199 a month |
| Percentage co-pay above those bands | 50% to 100% of the cost of services |
| MassHealth members under $35,784 | no co-pay |
Who qualifies
You must be 60 or older, live at home in Massachusetts (not in assisted living or a nursing home), and have a real unmet need for help with daily activities. MassHealth members are automatically financially eligible.
What it can provide
A care manager visits your home, assesses your needs and arranges services such as:
- Homemaking and shopping
- Personal care
- Meal preparation or home-delivered meals
- Personal emergency response systems
- Adult day care
What it costs
There is no asset test. The co-pay depends on gross annual income and household size. The co-pay chart effective March 31, 2026 also lists percentage co-pays for incomes above the income guideline, so if your income is higher, ask Elder Services whether you can still be served at a higher co-pay.
How to apply
Call Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands Information & Referral, or submit their online referral form. A care manager will visit your home.
Mistakes families make
- Assuming savings disqualify you. There is no asset test.
- Waiting for a crisis. Home care may have waiting periods when funding is tight.
- Not asking about the Frail Elder Waiver if care needs are heavy; it can provide more services.
Who to call on Cape Cod
| Who | Number | For |
|---|---|---|
| Elder Services — Information & Referral | 508-595-8106 | Start a home care referral |
| Elder Services of Cape Cod & the Islands | 1-800-244-4630 (508-394-4630) | Free home assessment, home care, Frail Elder Waiver, nursing-home screening; South Dennis |
| MassOptions | (800) 243-4636 | Statewide line that connects you to elder and disability services |
What we could not confirm: Income guideline and co-pay chart from mass.gov (issued 27 Feb 2026, effective 31 Mar 2026). The published chart runs above the income guideline; how Elder Services handles applicants over $35,784 was not confirmed in writing, so ask them.
Next: All the ways to pay for care · Two-minute benefits check · What care costs on the Cape · Elder law attorneys
This page explains the rules; it is not legal advice. For your own situation, talk to an elder law attorney or SHINE.