New York
Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)
Self-directed care programs in New York that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program
Open - No WaitlistPA Hourly Rate
$18.10 - $21.09
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,800 - $5,500
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire a family member or friend (not spouse) as your PA
- Direct all aspects of your personal care
- Receive help with ADLs and skilled tasks (under RN supervision)
- Enroll without a waitlist (state plan benefit)
- Have multiple PAs for around-the-clock coverage if needed
- Receive up to 24 hours of care per day for qualifying needs
What You Can't Do
- Hire your spouse as a paid PA
- Receive services while in a hospital or nursing facility
- Have your PA perform tasks outside the authorized care plan
- Bypass the nursing assessment process
- Skip enrollment through the fiscal intermediary
- Receive CDPAP without active Medicaid
How to Apply
Verify Medicaid enrollment
Ensure active New York Medicaid through HRA (NYC) or your local DSS.
Request CDPAP assessment
Contact your Medicaid managed care plan or local DSS to request a CDPAP assessment.
Complete nursing assessment
A nurse evaluates your functional needs and documents the tasks you require assistance with.
Receive authorization
Your plan authorizes a specific number of CDPAP hours per week based on the assessment.
Connect with fiscal intermediary
Enroll with the state-designated fiscal intermediary for payroll and benefits administration.
Hire your PA
Recruit your personal assistant — can be a family member, friend, or community member.
PA completes enrollment
Your PA registers with the FI, completes orientation, and begins providing services.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in New York
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For employment processing
W-4 tax withholding form
Federal and state tax withholding
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
NYS criminal background check
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services check
Statewide Central Register (SCR) clearance
Clearance from the child abuse and maltreatment registry
Physical exam and TB test
Medical clearance including tuberculosis screening
CDPAP orientation completion
Completion of required CDPAP orientation program
Direct deposit form
Banking information for payroll
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDPAP in New York?
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program lets Medicaid recipients hire almost anyone — including friends and family — as their personal assistant. You direct your own care with maximum flexibility.
Can a family member be my CDPAP PA?
Yes. Family members, friends, and neighbors can be hired. However, spouses are not eligible to be paid PAs under CDPAP.
How has CDPAP changed recently?
New York transitioned CDPAP to a new administrative model. A lead fiscal intermediary now manages enrollment and payroll statewide, streamlining the process but requiring re-enrollment for some participants.
What is the PA pay rate in New York?
PA rates range from $18.10 to $21.09 per hour depending on location. New York City and surrounding counties tend to have higher rates.
How are my CDPAP hours determined?
A nurse assessor from your managed care plan or local DSS evaluates your care needs. Hours are based on the tasks you need help with and how often you need them.
Is there a waitlist?
No. CDPAP is a Medicaid state plan benefit, meaning there is no waitlist. If you qualify, you can enroll.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for New York's CDPAP program.