National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Support services for family caregivers of older adults, including respite care and counseling.
About This Program
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) funds states and local Area Agencies on Aging to provide services specifically for unpaid family caregivers — the spouses, adult children, and other family members who care for an older adult or relative with a disability. Caregiving is demanding work that often takes a significant physical, emotional, and financial toll, and NFCSP provides targeted support to help caregivers sustain their role. Core services include information and assistance about available services, individual counseling and support groups, caregiver training (how to safely provide personal care, manage medications, recognize health changes), and respite care — temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities through substitute care arrangements. Supplemental services address the specific needs of individual caregivers and care recipients when other funding sources are unavailable. The program also serves grandparents and other older relatives (age 55+) who are raising grandchildren or other related children, and caregivers of any age who care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related disorders. The Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias provisions provide targeted support recognizing the unique challenges of dementia caregiving. Respite care — which gives caregivers time off — is one of the program's most important services. Caregiver burnout is a leading factor in premature nursing home placement; respite care helps delay that outcome and improves caregiver health and wellbeing. To access NFCSP services, contact your local Area Agency on Aging through eldercare.acl.gov or by calling 1-800-677-1116.
Eligibility Requirements
| Other | Family caregivers of adults age 60+ |
| Other | Grandparents or older relatives raising children |
| Other | Grandparents caring for adults with disabilities |
Related Programs
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Services
Local coordination of in-home and community services for seniors 60+.
Meals on Wheels (NSIP)
Home-delivered and congregate meals for seniors 60+.
Medicaid
Free or low-cost health coverage for low-income individuals and families.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly grocery benefits for low-income households.
Eligibility requirements may have changed. Verify at the official source before applying.