Montana · MT
How to get paid to care for a family member in Montana
In Montana, the main path is Self-directed Community First Choice and Personal Care.1 Montana Medicaid member eligible for Community First Choice or personal care 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
- Official sources
- Last verified Oct 20, 2026
- Independent site, not a government agency
Written by Luis Fernando Garcia
Reviewed against official sources Last verified 6 official sources cited
Key facts
- Program
- Self-directed Community First Choice and Personal Care1
- Who can be paid
- Adult children and other relatives may be paid attendants. A spouse or parent of a minor can be paid only under CFCS legally responsible individual rules (extraordinary care, generally up to 40 hours a week).1
- Spouse
- Yes, under CFCS rules1
- 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
Programs in Montana
| Program | Type | Eligibility summary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-directed Community First Choice and Personal Care | HCBS self-directed | Montana Medicaid member eligible for Community First Choice or personal care services. | Official page1 |
| VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers | VA | For eligible Veterans with a 70% or higher VA disability rating. See VA stipend. | va.gov3 |
Is there IHSS or CDPAP in Montana?
No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program5 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program6. Montana does not use those names. The comparable path on the Montana official source is Self-directed Community First Choice and Personal Care.1
How to apply
- Contact Montana DPHHS Senior and Long Term Care about Community First Choice.1
- Choose a self-direct provider agency.1
- Choose the self-directed option and enroll your worker with the payroll (financial management) agency.1
- The worker completes background checks and any required training before starting.1
Your Montana 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.
Have ready before you call
Frequently asked questions
Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Montana?
Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. Self-directed Community First Choice and Personal Care: Adult children and other relatives may be paid attendants. A spouse or parent of a minor can be paid only under CFCS legally responsible individual rules (extraordinary care, generally up to 40 hours a week).
How much does Montana 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 Montana?
What the official source says: Yes, under CFCS 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
- https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/sltc/CommunityFirst/CFCSelfDirect/AccessingCommunityFirstChoiceServices.pdfOfficial
- https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/sltc/BigSkyWaiver/HCBSPolicyManual/600/BSW604-1.pdfOfficial
- VA PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
- USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiverOfficial
- California CDSS, IHSS: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-servicesOfficial
- New York DOH, CDPAP: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap/Official
Last verified