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Colorado · CO

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

In Colorado, the main path is Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS).1 Enrolled in Health First Colorado, eligible for Community First Choice with an assessed need for personal care, homemaker, or health maintenance, and meeting institutional level of care.1 Attendant wages are negotiated between the member and attendant, may not exceed the rate set by HCPF, and must meet minimum wage law (HCPF rule 8.510). A single statewide family caregiver rate is not published on the pages we reviewed.1

  • Official sources
  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
A daughter sits with her older father and holds his hand

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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 6 official sources cited

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Key facts

Program
Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)1
Who can be paid
HCPF says members can choose family members, friends, or others (with some restrictions). Colorado rules let family members and legal guardians be paid. A household member, including a live-in spouse, may be paid only for extraordinary care as determined by the case manager.1
Spouse
Yes, for extraordinary care1
Pay
Attendant wages are negotiated between the member and attendant, may not exceed the rate set by HCPF, and must meet minimum wage law (HCPF rule 8.510). A single statewide family caregiver rate is not published on the pages we reviewed.1
Key facts: Colorado. Program: Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS). Spouse: Yes, for extraordinary care. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: hcpf.colorado.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Colorado

Colorado programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS)HCBS self-directedEnrolled in Health First Colorado, eligible for Community First Choice with an assessed need for personal care, homemaker, or health maintenance, and meeting institutional level of 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 Colorado?

No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program5 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program6. Colorado does not use those names. The comparable path on the Colorado official source is Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS).1

How to apply

  1. Make sure your loved one is enrolled in Health First Colorado (Medicaid).1
  2. Ask the Case Management Agency (CMA) about CDASS.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. Make sure your loved one is enrolled in Health First Colorado (Medicaid). 2. Ask the Case Management Agency (CMA) about CDASS. 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: hcpf.colorado.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Colorado 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 Colorado?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. Consumer-Directed Attendant Support Services (CDASS): HCPF says members can choose family members, friends, or others (with some restrictions). Colorado rules let family members and legal guardians be paid. A household member, including a live-in spouse, may be paid only for extraordinary care as determined by the case manager.

How much does Colorado pay family caregivers?

Attendant wages are negotiated between the member and attendant, may not exceed the rate set by HCPF, and must meet minimum wage law (HCPF rule 8.510). A single statewide family caregiver rate is not published on the pages we reviewed.

Can a spouse be paid in Colorado?

What the official source says: Yes, for extraordinary care. 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://hcpf.colorado.gov/consumer-directed-attendant-support-servicesOfficial
  2. https://hcpf.colorado.gov/sites/hcpf/files/8.510%20CDASS%20.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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