# Human Services (GHU)

## Title 10. Department of Aging

### Subtitle 12. Miscellaneous Grant Programs

#### Section 10-1201

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Aging-in-place program" means a program or service that enables an individual to live in the individual's own home and participate in a community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.

  (3) "Multigenerational third place" means a community space other than a personal home or workplace that supports social connection, events, or gathering among individuals of different ages.

  (4) "Senior village" means a local, member-driven, nonprofit organization that:

    (i) supports community members who choose to age in place by:

      (1) fostering social connections through activities and events; and

      (2) coordinating volunteer help at home using a neighbor-helping-neighbor model; and

    (ii) is exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(b) The Department may make grants to nonprofit organizations and area agencies on aging to:

  (1) expand and establish aging-in-place programs for seniors; and

  (2) support social connection for individuals in aging-in-place programs through events or gatherings at multigenerational third places.

(c) Any nonprofit organization or area agency on aging may apply to the Department for a State grant to be applied toward:

  (1) the cost of expanding or establishing an aging-in-place program that provides to seniors:

    (i) assistance with the costs of in-home personal care services for activities of daily living, including bathing, personal hygiene and grooming, dressing, toileting, functional mobility, food preparation, laundry, and house cleaning;

    (ii) psychological, economic, or functional assistance to enable successful health management, access to medical care, or compliance with treatment recommendations;

    (iii) awareness of and access to resources, services, and benefits;

    (iv) support services and care coordination;

    (v) affordable transportation;

    (vi) assistance making in-home modifications or repairs to improve safety, mobility, and accessibility; or

    (vii) the opportunity to live in a senior village; or

  (2) operational costs, including administrative costs or short-term or long-term leases or rental costs, for a senior village to provide access to multigenerational third places.

(d) To be eligible for a State grant to expand an existing aging-in-place program under this section, a nonprofit organization or area agency on aging shall demonstrate an equal match for funds requested.

(e) The Department shall publicize the availability of grant opportunities under the aging-in-place program to eligible organizations at least 6 weeks before grant applications are due.

(f) The amount of the State grant for an aging-in-place program shall be determined after consideration of:

  (1) all eligible applicants;

  (2) the total amount of State funds available for grants; and

  (3) the priorities of area need as may be established by the Department in consultation with area agencies on aging and in alignment with area plans on aging.

(g)

  (1) For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of at least $100,000 for the purpose of making the State grants under this section.

  (2) At least 20% of the funding appropriated under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be used to support senior villages.

(h) The Department shall notify an area agency on aging within 2 weeks after a grant award to a nonprofit located within the jurisdiction of the area agency on aging.

(i) The Department may adopt regulations for receiving and considering applications and for disbursing funds to applicants.

#### Section 10-1202

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Caregiver" means an individual who provides care or support to a qualified family member.

  (3) "Licensed physician" has the meaning stated in Sec. 14-101 of the Health Occupations Article.

  (4) "Physician assistant" has the meaning stated in Sec. 15-101 of the Health Occupations Article.

  (5) "Program" means the Caregiver Expense Grant Program.

  (6)

    (i) "Qualified expenses" means expenses paid or incurred by a caregiver for goods or services that relate directly to the care or support of a qualified family member, including:

      (1) the improvement or alteration of the caregiver's primary residence to enable or assist the qualified family member to be mobile, safe, or independent;

      (2) the purchase or lease of equipment to enable or assist the qualified family member to carry out one or more day-to-day activities;

      (3) employing a home care aide or personal care attendant; or

      (4) the costs for:

      (A) adult day care;

      (B) specialized transportation;

      (C) legal or financial services; or

      (D) assistive care technology.

    (ii) "Qualified expenses" does not include:

      (1) unspecialized food, clothing, or transportation expenses;

      (2) ordinary household maintenance or repair expenses that are not directly related to or necessary for the care of the qualified family member; or

      (3) any amount that is paid or reimbursed:

      (A) under an insurance policy;

      (B) by the federal government;

      (C) by the State; or

      (D) by a political subdivision of the State.

  (7) "Qualified family member" means an individual who:

    (i) requires assistance with one or more daily living activities, as certified by a licensed physician, physician assistant, or registered nurse practitioner; and

    (ii)

      (1) is at least 60 years old and is cared for by an adult relative or informal caregiver who is at least 18 years old;

      (2) has Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder and is cared for by an adult relative or informal caregiver who is at least 18 years old; or

      (3) is a child or an adult with developmental or functional disabilities and is cared for by a parent, grandparent, or other relative that is at least 55 years old.

  (8) "Registered nurse practitioner" has the meaning stated in Sec. 8-101 of the Health Occupations Article.

(b) There is a Caregiver Expense Grant Program in the Department.

(c) Subject to the limitations of this section, the Department may award a grant to a caregiver for qualified expenses paid or incurred by the caregiver if the caregiver's federal adjusted gross income does not exceed:

  (1) $75,000 if the caregiver is filing an individual tax return; or

  (2) $150,000 if the caregiver is filing a joint tax return.

(d) A caregiver shall apply for a grant under the Program in the form and manner the Department requires.

(e)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the amount of the grant allowed under subsection (c) of this section is equal to 30% of the qualified expenses paid or incurred by the caregiver that exceed $2,000.

  (2) For any fiscal year, the amount of the grant may not exceed $2,500.

(f) For any fiscal year, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of up to $5,000,000 to the Program.

(g) The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

---

Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)