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Texas · TX

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

In Texas, the main path is Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option.2 The person must already receive services from a Texas Medicaid program that offers the CDS option, such as STAR+PLUS, Primary Home Care, Community Attendant Services, or CLASS.2 Texas HHS does not publish one statewide pay rate. The employer sets the hourly wage within the program budget, with help from a financial management services agency (FMSA).2

  • 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
Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option2
Who can be paid
Relatives such as adult children can be hired. Texas HHS says a spouse cannot be hired, except in the Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services (CMPAS) program. A parent or guardian of a person under 18, a legal guardian, a designated representative, and their spouses cannot be hired.2
Spouse
Only in CMPAS2
Pay
Texas HHS does not publish one statewide pay rate. The employer sets the hourly wage within the program budget, with help from a financial management services agency (FMSA).2
Key facts: Texas. Program: Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option. Spouse: Only in CMPAS. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: hhs.texas.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Texas

Texas programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
Consumer Directed Services (CDS) optionHCBS self-directedThe person must already receive services from a Texas Medicaid program that offers the CDS option, such as STAR+PLUS, Primary Home Care, Community Attendant Services, or CLASS.Official page2
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 Texas?

No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program6 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program7. Texas does not use those names. The comparable path on the Texas official source is Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option.2

How to apply

  1. Confirm the person receives a Texas Medicaid program that offers CDS.2
  2. Tell the case manager or service coordinator you want the CDS option.2
  3. Choose a financial management services agency (FMSA) from the list they give you.2
  4. The FMSA trains the employer and handles payroll. Workers must pass background checks before hire.2
Steps to apply: 1. Confirm the person receives a Texas Medicaid program that offers CDS. 2. Tell the case manager or service coordinator you want the CDS option. 3. Choose a financial management services agency (FMSA) from the list they give you. 4. The FMSA trains the employer and handles payroll. Workers must pass background checks before hire.
Source: hhs.texas.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Texas 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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Frequently asked questions

Can a family member get paid to be a caregiver in Texas?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option: Relatives such as adult children can be hired. Texas HHS says a spouse cannot be hired, except in the Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services (CMPAS) program. A parent or guardian of a person under 18, a legal guardian, a designated representative, and their spouses cannot be hired.

How much does Texas pay family caregivers?

Texas HHS does not publish one statewide pay rate. The employer sets the hourly wage within the program budget, with help from a financial management services agency (FMSA).

Can a spouse be paid in Texas?

What the official source says: Only in CMPAS. 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.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/consumer-directed-services-cdsOfficial
  2. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/consumer-directed-services-cds/how-cds-worksOfficial
  3. https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/consumer-directed-servicesOfficial
  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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