Delaware
Diamond State Health Plan Plus Self-Directed Attendant Care (DSHP+ SDAC)
Self-directed care programs in Delaware that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Diamond State Health Plan Plus Self-Directed Attendant Care
Open - No WaitlistPA Hourly Rate
$15.92 - $18.13
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,200 - $3,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse or any family member as a paid attendant
- Manage your own care schedule and attendant selection
- Create a person-centered spending plan for your care
- Receive help with ADLs including bathing, dressing, and meal preparation
- Use a support broker for guidance and planning assistance
- Request changes to your plan if your needs evolve
What You Can't Do
- Use funds for room, board, or rent payments
- Exceed your approved spending plan budget
- Hire an attendant who fails the background check
- Receive services in a nursing facility or institution
- Use SDAC funds for skilled medical or nursing services
- Skip using the state's fiscal intermediary for payroll
How to Apply
Apply for Delaware Medicaid
Ensure you are enrolled in Delaware Medicaid through the Division of Social Services.
Request HCBS assessment
Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) at (302) 255-9040 to request an assessment for home and community-based services.
Complete level of care assessment
A nurse assessor determines if you meet nursing facility level of care requirements.
Choose self-directed option
Elect the Self-Directed Attendant Care option over agency-directed services.
Work with a support broker
A support broker is assigned to help you develop your person-centered spending plan.
Develop your spending plan
Create a detailed plan for how you'll use your approved budget, including attendant hours and rates.
Hire and enroll attendants
Recruit attendants and complete enrollment paperwork through the fiscal intermediary, including background checks.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Delaware
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification such as driver's license or state ID
Social Security card
Original or certified copy for payroll enrollment
W-4 tax withholding form
Federal tax withholding elections
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Documentation of work authorization
Delaware criminal background check
State Bureau of Investigation background check
Adult Abuse Registry check
Clearance from the Delaware Adult Abuse Registry
Direct deposit form
Bank routing and account number for payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DSHP+ Self-Directed Attendant Care in Delaware?
The Diamond State Health Plan Plus Self-Directed Attendant Care option allows eligible Medicaid members to hire, train, and supervise their own attendant care workers, including family members and spouses.
Can my spouse be my attendant in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware allows spouses to serve as paid attendant care workers under the DSHP+ SDAC program, making it one of the more flexible states for family caregiving.
How do I qualify for DSHP+ SDAC?
You must be 18 or older, enrolled in Delaware Medicaid, require a nursing facility level of care, and be able to direct your own services (or have an authorized representative).
How are my service hours determined?
A support broker works with you to develop a spending plan based on your assessed needs. The plan outlines the types and amounts of services, including attendant care hours.
What is a support broker?
A support broker helps you navigate the self-directed program. They assist with developing your spending plan, finding attendants, understanding your employer responsibilities, and resolving issues.
What fiscal intermediary does Delaware use?
Delaware contracts with a fiscal intermediary to handle employer-related tasks like payroll, taxes, and workers' compensation for your attendants.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Delaware's DSHP+ SDAC program.