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Kentucky · KY

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

In Kentucky, the main path is Participant Directed Services (PDS).1 Enrolled in an eligible Kentucky 1915(c) waiver with the service in the person-centered plan.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
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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 7 official sources cited

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Key facts

Program
Participant Directed Services (PDS)1
Who can be paid
Certain family members can be paid for non-medical waiver services. Legally responsible individuals (a spouse, or a parent of a minor) need DAIL review and approval based on extraordinary care and are limited to 40 hours a week.1
Spouse
Yes, with DAIL approval1
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: Kentucky. Program: Participant Directed Services (PDS). Spouse: Yes, with DAIL approval. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: chfs.ky.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Kentucky

Kentucky programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
Participant Directed Services (PDS)HCBS self-directedEnrolled in an eligible Kentucky 1915(c) waiver with the service in the person-centered plan.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 Kentucky?

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

How to apply

  1. Make sure your loved one is enrolled in a Kentucky HCBS waiver.1
  2. Ask for a PDS case manager and choose a financial management agency.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 a Kentucky HCBS waiver. 2. Ask for a PDS case manager and choose a financial management agency. 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: chfs.ky.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. Participant Directed Services (PDS): Certain family members can be paid for non-medical waiver services. Legally responsible individuals (a spouse, or a parent of a minor) need DAIL review and approval based on extraordinary care and are limited to 40 hours a week.

How much does Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

What the official source says: Yes, with DAIL approval. 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.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/Pages/cdo.aspxOfficial
  2. https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/waivers/WaiverPDSFAQ.pdfOfficial
  3. https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/waivers/LRIQAProviders.pdfOfficial
  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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