Can a Family Member Get Paid to be a Caregiver?

Yes, a family member can get paid to be a caregiver, but the full answer and the options available vary based on where you live. It requires reviewing the programs and benefits available in your state. The available options, which range from Medicaid programs to veterans benefits and paid family leave, offer critical support and recognition for the valuable service family caregivers provide. 

Each state has its own set of rules and eligibility criteria, which means it’s important to research and contact local agencies to determine your best options.

Here’s an overview of some key programs through which you can be paid, including some of the states where they are available. The states we list are only examples, not a comprehensive list of states offering these programs.

Medicaid In-Home Support Services

Medicaid In-Home Support Services (IHSS) programs are designed to assist elderly or disabled individuals with activities of daily living, allowing them to stay in their homes instead of moving to a nursing facility. These programs often provide compensation to family caregivers.

• California: The IHSS program in California allows family members, including spouses and adult children, to be paid caregivers.
• Washington: Washington’s Medicaid Personal Care program includes provisions for paying family caregivers.
• Colorado: The In-Home Support Services (IHSS) program in Colorado allows eligible Medicaid beneficiaries to hire family members as caregivers.

Medicaid Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program

The Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) under Medicaid empowers individuals to manage their own care, including hiring and paying family members.

• New York: New York’s CDPAP program is well-known for allowing consumers to hire family members, including children, as paid caregivers.
• Arkansas: The IndependentChoices program in Arkansas allows participants to direct their own care and hire family members.
• Texas: Texas’s STAR+PLUS program provides a consumer-directed option that enables Medicaid recipients to hire family members as caregivers.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies may include provisions that allow family members to be compensated for providing care. It’s essential to review the specific terms of each policy, as they can vary significantly.

• Florida: Some long-term care insurance policies in Florida include provisions for paying family members for care.
• Virginia: Policies in Virginia may offer compensation for family caregivers, depending on the plan details.
• Illinois: Long-term care insurance policies in Illinois might cover family caregiving under specific circumstances.

Structured Family Caregiving

Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) programs offer training and support to family caregivers, who may also receive a stipend. These programs are typically managed by care agencies.

• Georgia: The Structured Family Caregiving program in Georgia provides a stipend and support for family caregivers.
• Indiana: Indiana’s Structured Family Caregiving model offers training, support, and financial compensation to family caregivers.
• Arizona: Family caregivers in Arizona may benefit from the Structured Family Caregiving program, which provides financial and logistical support.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans benefits can include payments to family caregivers through various programs, recognizing the crucial role they play in supporting veterans.

• California: The VA’s Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program is available in California, offering financial support to family caregivers of veterans.
• Texas: Texas veterans can access similar benefits through the VA’s program for caregivers.
• Ohio: Family caregivers in Ohio may also qualify for compensation through the VA’s caregiver support programs.

Paid Family Leave for Caregivers

Paid family leave laws allow employees to take paid time off to care for family members, although these provisions vary by state.

• California: The California Paid Family Leave (PFL) program provides up to eight weeks of partial wage replacement to care for a seriously ill family member.
• New Jersey: New Jersey’s Family Leave Insurance (FLI) program offers paid leave for caregivers.
• New York: The New York Paid Family Leave (PFL) program provides paid time off for employees caring for a family member with a serious health condition.

Sources:

1. California Department of Social Services. “In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).” Retrieved from: cdss.ca.gov
2. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. “Medicaid Personal Care (MPC).” Retrieved from: dshs.wa.gov
3. Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. “In-Home Support Services (IHSS).” Retrieved from: hcpf.colorado.gov
4. New York State Department of Health. “Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP).” Retrieved from: health.ny.gov
5. Arkansas Department of Human Services. “IndependentChoices.” Retrieved from: humanservices.arkansas.gov
6. Texas Health and Human Services. “STAR+PLUS.” Retrieved from: hhs.texas.gov
7. Georgia Department of Community Health. “Structured Family Caregiving.” Retrieved from: dch.georgia.gov
8. Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. “Structured Family Caregiving.” Retrieved from: in.gov
9. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA Caregiver Support Program.” Retrieved from: caregiver.va.gov
10. State of California Employment Development Department. “Paid Family Leave.” Retrieved from: edd.ca.gov
11. New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “Family Leave Insurance.” Retrieved from: myleavebenefits.nj.gov
12. New York State. “Paid Family Leave.” Retrieved from: paidfamilyleave.ny.gov