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Arizona · AZ

How to get paid to care for a family member in Arizona

In Arizona, the main path is ALTCS Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC) and spouse attendant care.1 Enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and authorized for attendant care.1 AHCCCS does not publish a caregiver wage on the policy pages we reviewed.1

  • Official sources
  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 6 official sources cited

Methodology Editorial policy Corrections

Key facts

Program
ALTCS Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC) and spouse attendant care1
Who can be paid
Under SDAC the member or legal guardian hires the caregiver, and spouses are excluded. A spouse can be paid only through a provider agency, must provide extraordinary care, and is capped at 40 hours per seven days (AHCCCS policy 1240-A).1
Spouse
Yes, through an agency, max 40 hrs per week1
Pay
AHCCCS does not publish a caregiver wage on the policy pages we reviewed.1
Key facts: Arizona. Program: ALTCS Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC) and spouse attendant care. Spouse: Yes, through an agency, max 40 hrs per week. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: azahcccs.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Arizona

Arizona programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
ALTCS Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC) and spouse attendant careHCBS self-directedEnrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and authorized for attendant care.Official page1
VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family CaregiversVAFor eligible Veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating. See VA stipend.va.gov3

Is there IHSS or CDPAP in Arizona?

No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program5 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program6. Arizona does not use those names. The comparable path on the Arizona official source is ALTCS Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC) and spouse attendant care.1

How to apply

  1. Apply for ALTCS with AHCCCS.1
  2. Ask the ALTCS case manager about attendant care and the self-directed option.1
  3. Hire and enroll your worker under program rules.1
Steps to apply: 1. Apply for ALTCS with AHCCCS. 2. Ask the ALTCS case manager about attendant care and the self-directed option. 3. Hire and enroll your worker under program rules.
Source: azahcccs.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Arizona application checklist

Use this list to track the official steps. It does not decide eligibility. Only the agency decides who qualifies. Applying through the state is free.

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Want a step by step plan? See the Application Plan Kit

Frequently asked questions

Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Arizona?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. ALTCS Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC) and spouse attendant care: Under SDAC the member or legal guardian hires the caregiver, and spouses are excluded. A spouse can be paid only through a provider agency, must provide extraordinary care, and is capped at 40 hours per seven days (AHCCCS policy 1240-A).

How much does Arizona pay family caregivers?

AHCCCS does not publish a caregiver wage on the policy pages we reviewed.

Can a spouse be paid in Arizona?

What the official source says: Yes, through an agency, max 40 hrs per week. Confirm with the program before you rely on it.

Who decides if we qualify?

Only the state agency or health plan decides. This site cannot approve anyone or promise eligibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/Downloads/MedicalPolicyManual/1300/1320-A.pdfOfficial
  2. https://www.azahcccs.gov/shared/Downloads/MedicalPolicyManual/1200/1240-A.pdfOfficial
  3. VA PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
  4. USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiverOfficial
  5. California CDSS, IHSS: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-servicesOfficial
  6. New York DOH, CDPAP: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap/Official

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