Maine
Consumer Directed Attendant Services (CDAS)
Self-directed care programs in Maine that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Consumer Directed Attendant Services
Open - No WaitlistPA Hourly Rate
$18.31 - $19.50
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,000 - $2,100
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire a family member (not spouse) as your paid attendant
- Direct your own attendant's schedule and tasks
- Receive personal care assistance at home
- Have multiple attendants for scheduling coverage
- Access the program without a waitlist
- Request additional hours if needs increase
What You Can't Do
- Hire your spouse as a paid attendant
- Use CDAS for skilled nursing services
- Exceed authorized service hours
- Have your attendant perform non-care-related tasks
- Receive services in a nursing or institutional facility
- Skip required attendant enrollment and background checks
How to Apply
Verify MaineCare eligibility
Ensure active MaineCare coverage. Apply through DHHS at (800) 977-6740 if needed.
Request CDAS assessment
Contact DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services for a referral and assessment.
Complete functional assessment
A nurse assessor evaluates your personal care needs in your home.
Receive service authorization
Based on assessment, you'll receive authorization for specific attendant hours.
Choose CDAS option
Elect consumer-directed services over agency-directed.
Recruit your attendant
Find and hire your preferred attendant care worker.
Complete attendant enrollment
Your attendant completes enrollment paperwork, background check, and fiscal intermediary registration.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Maine
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For payroll processing
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax withholding elections
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization verification
Maine SBI background check
State Bureau of Identification criminal background check
Direct deposit form
Bank account for electronic payments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDAS in Maine?
Consumer Directed Attendant Services allows eligible MaineCare members to hire and supervise their own attendant care workers for personal care assistance at home.
Can a family member be my attendant in Maine?
Yes. Family members can serve as paid attendants. However, spouses are not eligible to be paid under CDAS.
What is the pay rate for CDAS attendants?
Attendant rates range from $18.31 to $19.50 per hour.
Is there a waitlist?
No. Maine's CDAS program is generally open without a waitlist, though approval still requires assessment and documentation.
What services can my attendant provide?
Personal care tasks including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, meal preparation, medication reminders, and light housekeeping directly related to your care needs.
How do I find an attendant?
You're responsible for recruiting your own attendant. You can hire friends, family members, community members, or advertise the position. CDAS gives you full hiring control.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Maine's CDAS program.