CDPAP questions and answers
Short answers to the questions New York City families ask most about CDPAP, each with a link to the full guide. Facts checked October 7, 2026.
The basics
What does CDPAP stand for?
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. It is a New York Medicaid program that lets a person who needs home care choose, hire and direct their own caregiver, including a family member or friend.
How is CDPAP different from a home care agency?
With an agency, the agency sends and directs its aides. With CDPAP, the person getting care picks the caregiver and directs the care, and PPL pays the caregiver. Compare the two.
Is cdpap.nyc part of New York State, Medicaid or PPL?
No. cdpap.nyc is an independent guide. We cannot approve anyone for CDPAP, set pay or change hours. How we make money.
Who qualifies
Who qualifies for CDPAP?
A person with New York Medicaid that covers home care who needs hands-on help with daily activities, can direct their own care or has a designated representative, and has a stable medical condition. Full requirements.
How much help does the person need?
Since September 1, 2025, adults 21 and older being assessed must need at least limited physical help with more than two daily activities, or supervision with more than one if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Do you need Medicaid for CDPAP?
Yes. CDPAP is a Medicaid service. If the person does not have Medicaid, they apply first. How to apply.
Caregivers
Can I get paid to take care of my mom or dad?
Yes, in many cases, if your parent has Medicaid and qualifies for CDPAP and you are not also their designated representative. How it works.
Can a spouse be the paid caregiver?
No. A spouse cannot be paid, and a parent cannot be paid to care for a child under 21. Other adult relatives and friends can.
Do caregivers need a license or training?
No license or certificate is needed. Caregivers pass PPL’s health assessment and paperwork, and the person getting care trains them. Caregiver requirements.
Pay
How much does CDPAP pay in New York City?
$20.65 an hour in 2026, PPL’s base rate for the five boroughs. It is $20.05 in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester and $18.65 in the rest of the state. Pay guide.
When do CDPAP caregivers get paid?
Every Thursday, for the week before. Hours must be submitted by Saturday at midnight.
Is there overtime?
Yes. Time and a half for authorized hours over 40 in a week. Full-time caregivers also get time and a half on seven holidays.
Applying
How do I apply for CDPAP?
Get Medicaid, request the assessment from the New York Independent Assessor Program (1-855-222-8350) or your plan, get hours approved, choose a facilitator and register with PPL. Step-by-step guide.
How long does it take?
There is no set timeline. It depends on the Medicaid application, the assessment date, the plan’s decision and the paperwork.
How do I choose a facilitator?
Pick one that serves your borough and speaks your language, and ask a few questions first. Compare all NYC facilitators.
PPL
What is PPL?
Public Partnerships LLC, New York’s statewide fiscal intermediary for CDPAP. It registers families and caregivers and runs payroll. PPL guide.
What is PPL’s phone number?
1-833-247-5346 in English and 1-833-281-0927 in Spanish, Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. These are PPL’s numbers, not ours.
Facts checked October 7, 2026, against New York State, PPL and federal sources listed on each guide. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Don’t see your question?
Ask us and we will reply by email, in English or Spanish.