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Disability

How to get paid to take care of a family member with a disability

If your family member with a disability qualifies for Medicaid home and community-based services, many states let them, or their representative, hire a relative as a paid caregiver through self-directed care.12 If they are a Veteran with a VA disability rating of 70% or higher who needs personal care, VA PCAFC may pay a monthly stipend to a Primary Family Caregiver.3 Medicare generally does not pay family caregivers.4 Rules for spouses and parents of minor children vary by state.

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  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 4 official sources cited

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Key facts

Main path
Medicaid self-directed home care1. How it works
Who hires you
The person receiving care or their representative2
Veterans
VA PCAFC monthly stipend3. Details
Main path: Medicaid self-directed home care. Who hires you: The person receiving care or their representative. Veterans: VA PCAFC monthly stipend.
Source: usa.gov, cms.gov, va.gov

How to apply

  1. Check if your family member has Medicaid, or apply at your state Medicaid office.1
  2. Ask for a home care or long-term services assessment.2
  3. Ask for the self-directed or consumer-directed option.2
  4. Ask if a relative can be hired, then enroll as the worker with the payroll agency.1
Steps to apply: 1. Check if your family member has Medicaid, or apply at your state Medicaid office. 2. Ask for a home care or long-term services assessment. 3. Ask for the self-directed or consumer-directed option. 4. Ask if a relative can be hired, then enroll as the worker with the payroll agency.
Source: usa.gov, cms.gov

Frequently asked questions

Can I get paid to take care of a family member with a disability?

Often, yes, if they qualify for Medicaid home care and the state program lets them hire a relative. Rules and pay vary by state (USA.gov).

Can a parent get paid to care for a child with a disability?

It depends on the state. Parents of minor children are legally responsible relatives, and each state decides if and when they can be paid. Check your state page.

Does Medicare pay me to care for a family member with a disability?

Generally no. Medicare does not pay for custodial care like bathing or dressing when that is the only care needed (Medicare.gov).

Sources

  1. USA.gov, Get paid as a caregiver for a family member: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiverOfficial
  2. CMS, Self-directed HCBS booklet: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/hcbs-consumer-directed-care-booklet-102815pdfOfficial
  3. VA.gov, PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
  4. Medicare.gov, Home health services: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/home-health-servicesOfficial

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