How to Pay for Home Care in Georgia: CCSP, SOURCE, ICWP, NOW/COMP & VA Benefits Explained (2026 Guide)
Paying for in-home care can feel complicated, especially when you are trying to understand Medicaid waivers, VA benefits, eligibility requirements, and out-of-pocket costs at the same time.
The good news is that several programs may help eligible Georgians receive support at home or in their community. These programs can assist older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and families who need help with daily activities.
Caring Hearts of Georgia Health Services accepts eligible recipients of CCSP, SOURCE, ICWP, and Veteran Benefits programs. Our team works with clients and families to provide personalized, dependable care based on the authorized service plan.
This guide explains the primary ways to pay for home care in Georgia in 2026, including CCSP, SOURCE, ICWP, NOW/COMP, VA benefits, and other common payment options.
> Important: Program rules, eligibility requirements, service authorizations, and available funding may change. The state of Georgia, Medicaid, or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs makes the final eligibility determination.
What Are the Main Ways to Pay for Home Care in Georgia?
Most families use one or more of these payment options:
Georgia Medicaid waiver programs, including CCSP, SOURCE, ICWP, and the NOW/COMP waivers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Veteran benefits, including VA-funded health care and qualifying pension benefits.
Long-term care insurance, if the individual has an active policy.
Private pay, using personal income, savings, or family contributions.
A combination of benefits and private funds when authorized hours do not meet every care need.
Medicare generally does not pay for ongoing, non-medical personal care when that is the only care a person needs. Medicaid waivers and VA programs may be more appropriate for continuing assistance with daily activities.
CCSP Waiver Services in Georgia
The Community Care Services Program, commonly called CCSP, is part of Georgia’s Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program. It helps eligible individuals receive services at home or in a community setting instead of moving into a nursing facility.
CCSP may be appropriate for someone who:
Is age 65 or older, or meets certain disability requirements.
Is eligible for Georgia Medicaid or may qualify for waiver Medicaid.
Meets a nursing home level of care.
Chooses to receive services in the home or community.
Has an approved care plan and service authorization.
Depending on the individual’s needs and authorization, CCSP waiver services in Georgia may include:
Personal support with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility.
Meal preparation and assistance with eating.
Light housekeeping and laundry.
Respite support for unpaid family caregivers.
Adult day health services.
Home-delivered meals.
Emergency response systems.
Other approved community-based services.
Georgia’s official Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program page explains the screening and application process.
A CCSP participant may have a cost share based on income. The amount is determined through the Medicaid eligibility process. Program availability may also depend on capacity, care needs, and waiting lists.
SOURCE Program Home Care in Georgia
The SOURCE program, or Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment, is another Georgia Medicaid waiver option. It combines care coordination with health and community-based services for eligible individuals who need ongoing support.
SOURCE may be helpful for people managing chronic health conditions or multiple care needs. A care coordinator helps connect the individual with appropriate services and supports.
SOURCE program home care in Georgia may include assistance with:
Personal care and activities of daily living.
Meal preparation.
Housekeeping related to health and safety.
Mobility and transfers.
Respite for family caregivers.
Adult day services.
Nursing or other authorized services.
Care coordination across providers and services.
CCSP and SOURCE have similarities, but the best fit depends on the person’s medical needs, functional limitations, Medicaid status, and care plan. You do not need to determine the correct program alone. An Area Agency on Aging or care coordinator can help explain the available options.
ICWP for Georgians With Significant Physical Disabilities
The Independent Care Waiver Program, or ICWP, is a Georgia Medicaid waiver designed for eligible individuals with significant physical disabilities who need substantial support to live safely in the community.
ICWP may help individuals who would otherwise require institutional care. Services are based on eligibility, medical need, and an approved plan of care. Depending on authorization, support may involve personal assistance, attendant care, nursing, therapies, equipment, or other approved services.
If you are seeking personal care assistance in Georgia for a younger adult with a significant physical disability, ask the individual’s Medicaid representative, case manager, or the appropriate state screening organization whether ICWP may apply.
Caring Hearts of Georgia accepts eligible ICWP recipients. Our care team can provide services according to the authorized plan and the individual’s preferences.
NOW and COMP Waivers for Georgians With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Georgia’s NOW (New Options Waiver) and COMP (Comprehensive Supports Waiver) are Medicaid waiver programs for eligible individuals with an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability. This may include individuals with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy, depending on program criteria and functional needs.
These waivers are designed for people who need long-term supports to live safely and meaningfully in the community. Services can vary by authorization and individual need, but may include personal support, community access, respite, nursing, therapies, behavioral supports, and other approved services.
NOW and COMP are different from CCSP, SOURCE, and ICWP. Those programs generally focus on aging, physical disability, medical need, or nursing-home-level care. NOW and COMP are IDD-specific waivers administered through Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). That means families should follow the DBHDD intake and eligibility process rather than the standard aging or physical disability waiver screening pathway.
Families who want to explore NOW or COMP can begin through the Individual IDD Connects portal on the Georgia Collaborative ASO website or by contacting a DBHDD regional field office. The process may include an application, review of diagnostic and functional information, Medicaid-related eligibility steps, and placement based on need and waiver availability.
If your loved one may qualify, it can help to gather records related to diagnosis, daily support needs, current providers, and Medicaid status before starting the process.
Veteran In-Home Care in Georgia
Veterans and surviving spouses may have access to several VA programs that can support care at home or in the community.
Potential resources include:
VA Health Care and Community Services
Eligible veterans may receive home-based health care or community care when clinical requirements are met. The VA may provide or authorize services depending on the veteran’s health needs, enrollment status, location, and available resources.
The VA’s Home Based Primary Care program provides team-based medical support for qualifying veterans who have difficulty traveling to a clinic or need ongoing care at home.
Aid and Attendance
VA Aid and Attendance is an increased monthly pension benefit for qualified veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities, are bedridden, live in a nursing home because of a disability, or meet certain vision requirements.
Aid and Attendance is not the same as a guaranteed home care service. It is a pension supplement that may help a qualified recipient pay for care and other daily living expenses.
Review the VA’s Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits page for current eligibility information and application instructions.
Caregiver Support
The VA also offers caregiver resources and programs for eligible veterans and their families. A VA social worker or Caregiver Support Coordinator can explain which services may be available based on the veteran’s circumstances.
When exploring veteran in-home care in Georgia, keep records of medical information, functional needs, income documentation, and current benefits. These details may be needed during the application or assessment process.
What Does Personal Care Assistance Include?
Personal care assistance helps with everyday activities that may become difficult because of aging, illness, injury, or disability.
At Caring Hearts of Georgia, services may include:
Bathing and personal hygiene.
Dressing and grooming.
Oral care and toileting assistance.
Mobility and transfer support.
Fall prevention.
Meal preparation and feeding assistance.
Grocery shopping and prescription pickup.
Light housekeeping, laundry, and changing linens.
Escorting to appointments or social activities.
The purpose of personal care is to support safety, dignity, and independence. Services are tailored to the client’s needs rather than delivered as a one-size-fits-all package.
How to Apply for Home Care Benefits in Georgia
The application process depends on the program, but these steps provide a helpful starting point.
1. Gather important information
Collect:
Proof of income.
Information about bank accounts and assets.
Medicaid or VA identification.
Medical records and diagnoses.
A list of daily activities that require assistance.
Names and contact information for current providers.
2. Apply for Medicaid if needed
You can review the state’s Georgia Medicaid application information to begin the process.
Medicaid eligibility and waiver eligibility are related but are not always determined at the same time. Ask specifically about home- and community-based waiver services.
3. Request CCSP or SOURCE screening
Call Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection at 1-866-552-4464. The Area Agency on Aging can screen the individual, discuss urgency, and explain the next steps.
The process may include an in-home assessment and the development of a care plan.
4. Ask about ICWP when appropriate
If the individual is a younger adult with a significant physical disability, ask whether ICWP screening is available and what documentation is required.
5. Start the NOW or COMP process if IDD services may apply
If the individual has an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability, families can begin through the Individual IDD Connects portal on the Georgia Collaborative ASO website or by contacting a DBHDD regional field office. Ask what diagnostic, functional, and Medicaid-related documentation will be needed.
6. Contact the VA in parallel
Veterans should contact their VA medical center, social worker, or Caregiver Support Coordinator. If Aid and Attendance may apply, review the official VA application instructions.
7. Confirm the provider and authorization
Before services begin, confirm that:
The agency participates in the applicable program.
The requested service is authorized.
The number of approved hours is clear.
Any cost share or private-pay responsibility is understood.
The care plan reflects the client’s current needs.
Home Care in Newnan, GA
Families looking for home care in Newnan, GA can contact Caring Hearts of Georgia to discuss available services and program participation.
We serve clients in Newnan and surrounding Georgia communities with a focus on compassionate care, accurate documentation, safety, and dependable communication. Our team supports eligible CCSP, SOURCE, ICWP, and Veteran Benefits recipients with services designed around the client’s authorized needs.
Visit our service area page or contact Caring Hearts of Georgia to begin a conversation.
Questions Families Often Ask
Does Caring Hearts of Georgia accept Medicaid waiver recipients?
Yes. Caring Hearts of Georgia accepts eligible recipients of CCSP, SOURCE, and ICWP when services are authorized and the client meets program requirements.
Can veterans use VA benefits for home care?
Some veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA health care, community care, Aid and Attendance, or caregiver support. Eligibility depends on the specific program and the individual’s circumstances.
Will benefits pay for every hour of care?
Not always. Waiver and VA programs authorize services according to eligibility, medical need, and the approved care plan. Families may use long-term care insurance or private pay for additional support.
What are NOW and COMP in Georgia?
NOW and COMP are Georgia Medicaid waivers for eligible individuals with an intellectual disability or a closely related developmental disability, such as autism, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy. They are administered through DBHDD and are separate from CCSP, SOURCE, and ICWP.
How do I apply for NOW or COMP?
Families can begin through the Individual IDD Connects portal on the Georgia Collaborative ASO website or by contacting a DBHDD regional field office to ask about intake, documentation, and next steps.
How do I get started?
A manageable first step is to contact the appropriate program administrator and request screening or intake. You may also contact Caring Hearts of Georgia so our team can learn more about your needs and help you understand the next steps.
You do not have to navigate the process alone. With the right information and support, your family can move forward with greater confidence and a clearer plan for care at home.
