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Arkansas · AR

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

In Arkansas, the main path is IndependentChoices.1 Medicaid eligible, 18 or older, and receiving or medically eligible for state plan personal care or ARChoices attendant care.1 No statewide caregiver pay rate is published on the official pages we reviewed. Pay is set within the program budget or program rules. Ask the program or its payroll agency for the rate in writing.1

  • Official sources
  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
An older woman checks her husband's temperature at home

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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 7 official sources cited

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Key facts

Program
IndependentChoices1
Who can be paid
Family members other than those with legal responsibility may serve as personal assistants. A spouse, court-appointed legal guardian, power of attorney, or income payee cannot.1
Spouse
No1
Pay
No statewide caregiver pay rate is published on the official pages we reviewed. Pay is set within the program budget or program rules. Ask the program or its payroll agency for the rate in writing.1
Key facts: Arkansas. Program: IndependentChoices. Spouse: No. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: humanservices.arkansas.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
IndependentChoicesHCBS self-directedMedicaid eligible, 18 or older, and receiving or medically eligible for state plan personal care or ARChoices 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.gov4

Is there IHSS or CDPAP in Arkansas?

No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program6 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program7. Arkansas does not use those names. The comparable path on the Arkansas official source is IndependentChoices.1

How to apply

  1. Apply for Medicaid at access.arkansas.gov if your loved one is not enrolled.1
  2. Ask the Arkansas DHS Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services about IndependentChoices.1
  3. Choose the self-directed option and enroll your worker with the payroll (financial management) agency.1
  4. The worker completes background checks and any required training before starting.1
Steps to apply: 1. Apply for Medicaid at access.arkansas.gov if your loved one is not enrolled. 2. Ask the Arkansas DHS Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services about IndependentChoices. 3. Choose the self-directed option and enroll your worker with the payroll (financial management) agency. 4. The worker completes background checks and any required training before starting.
Source: humanservices.arkansas.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Arkansas 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 Arkansas?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. IndependentChoices: Family members other than those with legal responsibility may serve as personal assistants. A spouse, court-appointed legal guardian, power of attorney, or income payee cannot.

How much does Arkansas pay family caregivers?

No statewide caregiver pay rate is published on the official pages we reviewed. Pay is set within the program budget or program rules. Ask the program or its payroll agency for the rate in writing.

Can a spouse be paid in Arkansas?

What the official source says: No. 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://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/aging-adult-behavioral-health-services/self-direction-independent-choices/Official
  2. https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Independent-Choices-Simple-Fact-Sheet.pdfOfficial
  3. https://codeofarrules.arkansas.gov/Rules/PartDocument?partID=1366Official
  4. VA PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
  5. USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiverOfficial
  6. California CDSS, IHSS: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-servicesOfficial
  7. New York DOH, CDPAP: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap/Official

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