SOAR
Supporting Older Adults with Resources — Maryland's statewide subsidy for assisted living, how it works, and how to apply.
Supporting Older Adults with Resources (SOAR)
Maryland's statewide, state-funded long-term services and supports subsidy
What Is SOAR?
Supporting Older Adults with Resources (SOAR) is Maryland's consolidated state-funded program for long-term services and supports, effective July 1, 2026, under House Bill 36 / Senate Bill 212.
SOAR replaced these three former programs:
- Senior Care
- Senior Assisted Living Subsidy (SALS)
- Congregate Housing Services
The most important change for families: eligibility is now standardized statewide. Under the old SALS program each county set its own income limits and rules. SOAR applies the same financial and functional criteria everywhere in Maryland, administered by the Maryland Department of Aging through local Area Agencies on Aging.
SOAR pays a subsidy, not the full cost. It is capped at $1,056 per month, and you keep a $137/month personal needs allowance. Your Area Agency on Aging calculates what you contribute toward the rest.
Eligibility Requirements
- Aged 62 or older
- A U.S. citizen, or meets the narrow qualifications under 8 U.S.C. § 1622
- Gross monthly income at or below the FY 2027 limit — 60% of Maryland's median income under US HUD guidelines
- Countable assets at or below the FY 2027 limit (your home and primary vehicle are not counted)
- Meets functional eligibility, determined by an interRAI-HC assessment through your Area Agency on Aging
- Has not transferred income or assets for less than fair market value in order to qualify
Only certain assisted living facilities accept SOAR
Facilities have to agree to accept the SOAR subsidy, and not every Maryland facility does. A facility being licensed does not mean it accepts SOAR. Check before you choose, so the subsidy can actually be applied to your care.
Financial Eligibility
These are the FY 2027 limits Maryland uses to decide whether you qualify financially, and how much SOAR can pay toward your care.
Income limit
$4,358
per month
Per person. $4,983/month for a couple.
Asset limit
$20,064
per person
$26,400 for a couple.
Maximum subsidy
Up to $1,056
per month
Plus a $137/month personal needs allowance you keep.
Limits by household size
SOAR's income and asset limits are higher for a couple than for an individual, shown below. Income is counted gross, before taxes or deductions.
Income limit
| Household | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $4,358 | $52,296 |
| Couple | $4,983 | $59,796 |
Asset limit
| Household | Countable assets |
|---|---|
| Individual | $20,064 |
| Couple | $26,400 |
Maryland updates these amounts annually. Confirm the current figures with your Area Agency on Aging before applying.
How to Apply for SOAR
If you have never applied for a Maryland subsidy program before, start here.
- 1
Contact your Area Agency on Aging
Use the list below to find your county office and ask about the SOAR program.
- 2
Complete the application and assessment
You'll fill out the SOAR application and complete a functional assessment (interRAI-HC) arranged by the agency.
- 3
Provide your financial documents
Proof of identity and age, gross income, assets, and monthly expenses. Bank statements must show a current balance and include all pages.
- 4
Choose a facility that accepts SOAR
Identify a licensed facility using our directory — filter by "Accepts SOAR subsidy."
- 5
Finalize your plan of care
Work with your case manager to finalize your plan of care.
Redetermination and Reassessment
Your plan of care is reassessed at least every six months, and you will need to reapply each year at redetermination to keep your SOAR subsidy.
Contact your Area Agency on Aging if your income, assets, health, or living situation changes in between reviews.
Area Agency on Aging Contacts
SOAR is available statewide through Area Agencies on Aging. All 24 Maryland jurisdictions are listed below. Funding levels change, so always verify directly with your agency.
Not sure which office to call? Statewide help line
1-844-627-5465 (1-844-MAP-LINK)
Also see
Community Options Waiver Guide