South Dakota · SD
How to get paid to care for a family member in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the main path is HOPE Waiver Structured Family Caregiving.1 65 or older, or 18 or older with a qualifying disability, nursing facility level of care, and HOPE Waiver eligibility.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
- HOPE Waiver Structured Family Caregiving1
- Who can be paid
- A related family member or fictive kin can provide daily care and receive a stipend through a provider agency.1
- Spouse
- Not stated on the official page1
- 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 South Dakota
| Program | Type | Eligibility summary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOPE Waiver Structured Family Caregiving | HCBS self-directed | 65 or older, or 18 or older with a qualifying disability, nursing facility level of care, and HOPE Waiver eligibility. | 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 South Dakota?
No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program5 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program6. South Dakota does not use those names. The comparable path on the South Dakota official source is HOPE Waiver Structured Family Caregiving.1
How to apply
- Contact South Dakota DHS Long Term Services and Supports.1
- Ask about Structured Family Caregiving.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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. HOPE Waiver Structured Family Caregiving: A related family member or fictive kin can provide daily care and receive a stipend through a provider agency.
How much does South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
What the official source says: Not stated on the official page. 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://www.dhs.sd.gov/en/ltss/paid-family-caregiverOfficial
- https://dss.sd.gov/docs/medicaid/providers/billingmanuals/HCBS/Home_and_Community_Based_Options_and_Person-Centered_Excellence.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