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Essential Person Program


Helps you stay in your home by paying part of the cost to have someone live with you and provide essential care.

Who Is Eligible

To be eligible, you must be blind, 65 or older, or disabled, AND:

  • Meet the income guidelines,
  • Receive or have applied for SSI and/or SSDI benefits, and
  • Have an essential person living with you to provide the daily assistance you need to stay at home.

Who Can Be An Essential Person

Someone who:

  • Lives with you.
  • Is not eligible for SSI/AABD or Reach Up.
  • Is not getting paid by the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living to provide personal services to you.

If Your Application Is Approved

You can choose to receive monthly cash assistance through direct deposit or an EBT card.


How To Apply

You may apply one of three ways:

  1. ONLINE: Use our online application.
  2. BY MAIL: Call 1-800-479-6151 to get a paper application.
  3. IN PERSON: Apply in person at your local district office.

Where To Learn More