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The guides below describe United States programs. For other countries, start with your official country links above.
Care, coverage & family
Medicare
Learn when and how to enroll. Ask about Medicare Savings Programs if premiums or other costs are hard to afford.
How to apply ↗Help with Medicare costs ↗Call Medicare: 1-800-633-4227Medicaid
Coverage and long-term care rules differ by state. Your state agency can explain eligibility and how to apply.
Find your state Medicaid office ↗Application information ↗Can family be my caregiver?
Some Medicaid self-directed programs allow a family member to provide paid care. Rules, services, assessment and who may be paid vary by state and program.
- Call your Medicaid office or local aging agency.
- Ask for a long-term care assessment and self-directed services.
- Ask whether your chosen relative qualifies and how enrollment and payment work.
- Wait for approval before assuming payment.
Veterans & caregivers
VA caregiver programs, benefits and travel help have eligibility rules. Ask the VA which programs fit your situation.
VA family caregiver program ↗Caregiver application ↗VA travel reimbursement ↗VA caregiver support: 1-855-260-3274Get a ride or a helping hand
In the United States, for an emergency call 911. Elsewhere, call your local emergency number. For a doctor’s appointment, call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask: “Do I have a ride benefit? How do I schedule it? How much notice do you need?” Medicaid transportation rules depend on the state and plan; Original Medicare generally does not cover routine rides. Ask your plan about its benefits.
A small home in the backyard
Find your state’s starting point
ADUs exist under state and local rules. This directory includes reviewed state guides and clearly labeled local examples; it is not a ruling that your backyard qualifies. Choose any state to look for its official planning guidance.
District of Columbia
DC accessory apartment permit guide. Confirm current detached-building and zoning requirements for your lot.
Open reviewed ADU guide ↗Programs that may help
California funding
The CalHFA ADU grant round is fully allocated. Do not count on a new award. HCD lists other local financing and assistance pathways; ask the program whether applications are open.
CalHFA funding status ↗Other California ADU funding pathways ↗Vermont VHIP
State guidance describes support for eligible ADU projects with conditions. A regional Homeownership Center can explain available funding, affordability obligations and application steps.
VHIP and regional contacts ↗Veterans: home modifications
Ask VA about HISA for medically necessary access changes. HISA does not fund new construction, so do not treat it as a grant to build a new backyard home.
HISA requirements and application steps ↗Tax questions to take to an adviser
- Will the ADU increase assessed property value, and is local relief available?
- Which costs are personal, rental, or medically necessary? Keep separate records.
- For U.S. medical deductions, qualifying costs and itemization rules matter. Property-value increases can reduce the qualifying improvement amount; the deduction generally covers only eligible unreimbursed expenses above 7.5% of adjusted gross income.
- A rental may involve income reporting, depreciation and personal-use rules. A credit, deduction and property-tax exemption are different benefits.
Your ADU checklist (0/8)
Reviewed 31 October 2026. Programs and laws can change. This checklist is saved only in this browser and is not a permit application.
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a second home on a property, sometimes called a backyard cottage or in-law suite. Permission depends on the exact address, zoning and current local rules. An ADU is not automatically allowed in every backyard.
Start here: A to Z
- Talk with your family about accessibility, privacy, care needs and who will live there.
- Ask the city or county zoning office whether your exact lot allows a detached ADU; ask about setbacks, size, occupancy, parking, utilities and rental rules.
- Check property ownership, mortgage, insurance, HOA and any historic or flood restrictions.
- Get a site survey, accessibility plan and written estimates for construction, site work, utility connections, permits and ongoing costs.
- Ask local aging or housing agencies about grants, loans and home-modification programs; confirm eligibility before committing.
- Discuss taxes and property assessment with a tax professional and local assessor. A caregiver or family ADU does not automatically create a tax write-off.
- Choose licensed, insured professionals. Obtain required zoning and building permits before work starts.
- Complete inspections and required occupancy approvals before anyone moves in. Keep receipts and records.
More help for everyday life
Local support
Ask about meals, home modifications, caregiver breaks, legal help and transportation.
Eldercare Locator ↗1-800-677-1116Benefits & savings
Explore local benefits and discounts. Eligibility and costs vary.
BenefitsCheckUp ↗AARP benefits & discounts ↗Veterans benefits ↗Planning ahead
Consider an emergency contact, medication list, advance care planning, home safety, and trusted support. Keep private information out of shared notes.
Find local planning help ↗Your optional contact card
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