CDPAP requirements in New York (2026)
What the person who needs care must meet to get CDPAP in New York City, how the state decides, and what to do if the answer is no. In plain language, from cdpap.nyc, an independent guide.
3 or more daily activities
is the main need for new adult applicants since September 1, 2025: they must need at least limited hands-on help with more than two daily activities, or supervision with more than one if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s. They also need New York Medicaid that covers home care.
Last checked October 7, 2026, against New York State Department of Health rules listed at the bottom of this page.
The requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Medicaid | Full New York Medicaid that covers home care. See the 2026 income and savings limits below. |
| Daily-activity need | At least limited physical help with 3 or more daily activities, or supervision with 2 or more for dementia or Alzheimer’s (adults 21 and older assessed on or after September 1, 2025). |
| Directing care | The person directs their own care, or a designated representative does it for them. |
| Stable condition | A medical condition that is not expected to change suddenly. |
| Assessment and order | A state assessment and a practitioner’s order confirm the need for care. |
Medicaid income and savings limits for 2026
For people 65 and older, or certified blind or disabled, New York’s 2026 Medicaid limits are:
| Household | Monthly income | Savings and other resources |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,800 | $32,396 |
| 2 people | $2,433 | $43,781 |
Some things, such as your home and one car, may not count toward the limit, and people over the income limit may still qualify through a spend-down or a pooled income trust. HRA or a free legal services group can tell you what applies to you. Most adults under 65 without a disability apply through NY State of Health, which uses its own rules.
The daily-activity need, explained
Daily activities, often called ADLs, include things like bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, and moving around or getting from a bed to a chair.
- Limited physical help means someone has to physically help with part of the activity, such as guiding an arm into a sleeve, not only remind the person.
- Supervision, the level that counts for dementia or Alzheimer’s, means someone needs to watch, cue or remind the person so they can do the activity safely.
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s must be diagnosed by a doctor (M.D. or D.O.) and documented on the state’s DOH-5821 form.
- Already getting CDPAP or personal care? If you were authorized before September 1, 2025, you keep “legacy” status and are reassessed under the older rules.
Directing care, or having a designated representative
CDPAP is “consumer directed”: the person getting care, or their representative, hires, trains and supervises the caregiver and approves their hours. If the person cannot do this, a designated representative can, such as a parent, legal guardian or another responsible adult. The designated representative cannot also be the paid caregiver.
How eligibility is decided
- Call the New York Independent Assessor Program at 1-855-222-8350, or your Medicaid plan if you already have one.
- Complete the Community Health Assessment, about 2 to 3 hours, in person or by video.
- Complete a clinical appointment of up to 1 hour, where a practitioner signs the order for services.
- Your Medicaid plan, or HRA if you have regular Medicaid, decides whether you qualify and how many hours you get.
Joining a managed long term care (MLTC) plan has the same minimum need, plus a need for care lasting more than 120 days. Children under 18 are assessed by their Medicaid plan or HRA instead of the assessor program.
If you are denied or your hours are cut
You can challenge the decision. If the person is in a Medicaid plan, ask the plan for an appeal first; after that, you can request a state fair hearing. The notice you receive explains the steps and the deadlines, so act quickly. Free legal services groups in New York City help families with these appeals.
cdpap.nyc is an independent guide. We are not New York State, Medicaid or PPL, and we cannot approve anyone for CDPAP. Only the assessment and the Medicaid plan or HRA decide eligibility and hours.
Common questions
Does the caregiver have to meet requirements too?
Yes, different ones. The caregiver must be an adult who is not the person’s spouse or designated representative, and must finish PPL’s paperwork and health assessment. See who can be the paid caregiver.
Is there an age limit for CDPAP?
There is no upper age limit. The minimum need rules on this page apply to adults 21 and older; children are assessed by their Medicaid plan or HRA.
Do I need Medicaid before I apply for CDPAP?
Yes. CDPAP is a Medicaid service, so the person needs active Medicaid that covers home care. You can apply for Medicaid first, then request the assessment.
Can someone with dementia get CDPAP?
Yes, if they meet the need and have a designated representative to direct their care when they cannot. For dementia or Alzheimer’s, the minimum need is supervision with more than one daily activity. Read the dementia guide.
How long does approval take?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on how fast the assessment is scheduled, the practitioner’s order is completed and the plan or HRA makes its decision.
Sources
- NYS Department of Health: Minimum Needs Requirement for personal care and CDPAS
- NYS Department of Health: MLTC Policy 25.04, Minimum Needs Requirement
- NYS Department of Health: New York Independent Assessor Program FAQ (October 2025)
- NYS Department of Health: 2026 Medicaid income and resource levels (PDF)
- 18 NYCRR 505.28: CDPAP regulation
- PPL: New York CDPAP frequently asked questions
All sources checked October 7, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Not sure if your family member qualifies?
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