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Virginia · VA

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

In Virginia, the main path is Consumer-Directed Services.1 Enrolled in a Virginia Medicaid waiver with consumer-directed 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
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Reviewed against official sources Last verified 6 official sources cited

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Key facts

Program
Consumer-Directed Services1
Who can be paid
Since July 1, 2025, a spouse can be a paid personal care attendant under consumer direction, up to 40 hours a week for ADL care. The Employer of Record cannot be the paid attendant.1
Spouse
Yes, since July 20251
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: Virginia. Program: Consumer-Directed Services. Spouse: Yes, since July 2025. Pay: No single published rate.
Source: dmas.virginia.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Programs in Virginia

Virginia programs that may pay a family caregiver
ProgramTypeEligibility summarySource
Consumer-Directed ServicesHCBS self-directedEnrolled in a Virginia Medicaid waiver with consumer-directed 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.gov3

Is there IHSS or CDPAP in Virginia?

No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program5 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program6. Virginia does not use those names. The comparable path on the Virginia official source is Consumer-Directed Services.1

How to apply

  1. Contact Virginia DMAS or your Medicaid health plan about waiver services.1
  2. Choose a Services Facilitator and the consumer-directed option.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 Virginia DMAS or your Medicaid health plan about waiver services. 2. Choose a Services Facilitator and the consumer-directed option. 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: dmas.virginia.gov, Last verified Oct 20, 2026

Your Virginia 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 Virginia?

Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. Consumer-Directed Services: Since July 1, 2025, a spouse can be a paid personal care attendant under consumer direction, up to 40 hours a week for ADL care. The Employer of Record cannot be the paid attendant.

How much does Virginia 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 Virginia?

What the official source says: Yes, since July 2025. 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.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/waivers/consumer-directed-services/Official
  2. https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/waivers/legally-responsible-individuals/Official
  3. VA PCAFC: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/Official
  4. USA.gov: https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiverOfficial
  5. California CDSS, IHSS: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/in-home-supportive-servicesOfficial
  6. New York DOH, CDPAP: https://health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap/Official

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