·Federal program
Eldercare Locator
National free information and referral service connecting older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers to local aging and disability resources. Operated by USAging under an ACL/AoA grant. The primary national caregiver front door — connects callers to local Area Agencies on Aging, ADRCs, respite programs, transportation, meal delivery, caregiver support, and legal services. Receives approximately 400,000 requests per year.
What it offers
Free national information and referral service: (1) Phone: 1-800-677-1116, Monday-Friday 8am-9pm ET, Saturday-Sunday 8am-5pm ET; (2) Website: eldercare.acl.gov — searchable directory of local services by ZIP code; (3) Referrals to: Area Agencies on Aging, ADRCs/No Wrong Door, Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs, transportation assistance, respite care programs (NFCSP), caregiver support groups and counseling, legal and financial assistance, Medicaid HCBS enrollment, SHIP Medicare counseling, housing options. Serves approximately 400,000 requests per year. The single most important first contact for a caregiver who does not know where to start. Has no income test and can refer to any locally available service.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
- 01
Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
- 02
Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
- 03
Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- 04
What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- 05
Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?