North Carolina
Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA)
Self-directed care programs in North Carolina that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults
Wait: VariesPA Hourly Rate
$21.90 - $23.84
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,500 - $4,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse or family members as paid caregivers
- Self-direct your personal care services
- Receive home modifications and assistive technology
- Access respite care for your regular caregiver
- Get specialized medical equipment through the waiver
- Request reassessment as your needs change
What You Can't Do
- Enroll if under 18 years old
- Use CAP/DA funds for room, board, or rent
- Receive services in a nursing facility
- Exceed your authorized service plan
- Hire a caregiver who fails background checks
- Use funds for services not in your approved plan
How to Apply
Apply for NC Medicaid
Ensure Medicaid enrollment through your county Department of Social Services.
Contact CAP/DA lead agency
Call your county's designated CAP/DA lead agency or (919) 855-4000 for a referral.
Complete level of care assessment
A nurse assesses whether you meet nursing facility level of care.
Receive CAP/DA enrollment
If eligible and slots are available, you'll be enrolled in the program.
Choose self-directed services
Elect the consumer-directed option for managing your own care.
Develop person-centered plan
Work with your case manager to create a service plan.
Hire and enroll caregivers
Recruit caregivers and complete enrollment with background checks.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in North Carolina
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For payroll
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax withholding
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
NC criminal background check
North Carolina criminal history check
Health Care Personnel Registry check
Clearance from NC HCPR
Direct deposit form
Banking information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAP/DA in North Carolina?
The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults provides home and community-based services to adults with disabilities who meet nursing facility level of care. It includes a self-directed option for managing your own caregivers.
Can my spouse be my caregiver?
Yes. North Carolina allows spouses to serve as paid caregivers under CAP/DA.
What's the pay rate for caregivers?
Caregiver rates range from $21.90 to $23.84 per hour, among the highest nationally.
Is there a waitlist?
Availability varies by county. Some areas have waitlists while others have open slots. Contact your local CAP/DA lead agency.
What services does CAP/DA cover?
Personal care, respite, home modifications, assistive technology, specialized medical equipment, and community transition services.
What is the age requirement?
You must be 18 or older. There is no upper age limit for CAP/DA.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for North Carolina's CAP/DA program.