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Maine · ME

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

In Maine, the main path is MaineCare Consumer Directed Attendant Services.1 MaineCare member assessed as needing attendant services.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

Limited official detail was available for this state. We show only what the official page states.

  • Official sources
  • Last verified Oct 20, 2026
  • Independent site, not a government agency
A woman cares for an older man resting in bed

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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 7 official sources cited

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Key facts

Program
MaineCare Consumer Directed Attendant Services1
Who can be paid
Members can hire and supervise their own attendant. Rules on relatives are set in MaineCare Benefits Manual Section 12. Confirm with OADS whether your relative can be paid.1
Spouse
Check with OADS1
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: Maine. Program: MaineCare Consumer Directed Attendant Services. Spouse: Check with OADS. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: maine.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Maine

Maine programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
MaineCare Consumer Directed Attendant ServicesHCBS self-directedMaineCare member assessed as needing attendant services.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 Maine?

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

How to apply

  1. Contact Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services about home care.1
  2. Ask about consumer directed attendant services and the fiscal intermediary.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. Contact Maine DHHS Office of Aging and Disability Services about home care. 2. Ask about consumer directed attendant services and the fiscal intermediary. 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: maine.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Maine 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 Maine?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. MaineCare Consumer Directed Attendant Services: Members can hire and supervise their own attendant. Rules on relatives are set in MaineCare Benefits Manual Section 12. Confirm with OADS whether your relative can be paid.

How much does Maine 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 Maine?

What the official source says: Check with OADS. 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.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/older-adults-disabilities/home-careOfficial
  2. https://www.maine.gov/sos/rulemaking/agency-rules/mainecare-benefits-manualOfficial
  3. https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/22/title22sec7307.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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