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California · CA

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

In California, the main path is In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).1 California resident, Medi-Cal eligibility determination, living at home, and a completed Health Care Certification (SOC 873). A county social worker assesses needs and authorizes hours.1 CDSS says hourly wages vary by county because unions negotiate rates in each county. Ask the county IHSS social worker for your county rate. The State issues provider paychecks.1

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  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
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Key facts

Program
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)1
Who can be paid
The recipient hires their own individual provider, who can be a relative. A spouse can be paid under program rules, and parents of minor children can be paid in certain IHSS programs (CDSS All County Letter 23-106).1
Spouse
Yes, under program rules1
Pay
CDSS says hourly wages vary by county because unions negotiate rates in each county. Ask the county IHSS social worker for your county rate. The State issues provider paychecks.1
Key facts: California. Program: In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Spouse: Yes, under program rules. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: cdss.ca.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in California

California programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)state programCalifornia resident, Medi-Cal eligibility determination, living at home, and a completed Health Care Certification (SOC 873). A county social worker assesses needs and authorizes hours.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

How to apply

  1. Complete form SOC 295, Application for In-Home Supportive Services.1
  2. Submit it to your county IHSS office.1
  3. Have a doctor complete the Health Care Certification (SOC 873).1
  4. A county social worker visits the home and decides authorized hours.1
  5. If approved, hire and enroll your provider.1
Steps to apply: 1. Complete form SOC 295, Application for In-Home Supportive Services. 2. Submit it to your county IHSS office. 3. Have a doctor complete the Health Care Certification (SOC 873). 4. A county social worker visits the home and decides authorized hours.
Source: cdss.ca.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your California 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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Frequently asked questions

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

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): The recipient hires their own individual provider, who can be a relative. A spouse can be paid under program rules, and parents of minor children can be paid in certain IHSS programs (CDSS All County Letter 23-106).

How much does California pay family caregivers?

CDSS says hourly wages vary by county because unions negotiate rates in each county. Ask the county IHSS social worker for your county rate. The State issues provider paychecks.

Can a spouse be paid in California?

What the official source says: Yes, under program rules. 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.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-servicesOfficial
  2. https://cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Letters-and-Notices/ACLs/2023/23-106.pdfOfficial
  3. https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/long-term-care-alternatives-home-and-community-based-service-options/in-home-supportive-services/Official
  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

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