Washington · WA
How to get paid to care for a family member in Washington
In Washington, the main path is Individual Provider (DSHS long-term services).1 Apple Health (Medicaid) LTSS eligibility, such as COPES.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
- Individual Provider (DSHS long-term services)1
- Who can be paid
- Eligible family members can be paid as Individual Providers, but spouses are excluded under Apple Health LTSS. DSHS notes WA Cares may pay family caregivers for people with earned benefits.1
- Spouse
- No (Medicaid LTSS)1
- 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 Washington
| Program | Type | Eligibility summary | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Provider (DSHS long-term services) | state program | Apple Health (Medicaid) LTSS eligibility, such as COPES. | 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 Washington?
No. IHSS is California's In-Home Supportive Services program5 and CDPAP is New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program6. Washington does not use those names. The comparable path on the Washington official source is Individual Provider (DSHS long-term services).1
How to apply
- Contact your local Home and Community Services office.1
- Your loved one chooses you as their Individual Provider; you complete DSHS hiring steps.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 Washington 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 Washington?
Possibly, if the person receiving care qualifies. Individual Provider (DSHS long-term services): Eligible family members can be paid as Individual Providers, but spouses are excluded under Apple Health LTSS. DSHS notes WA Cares may pay family caregivers for people with earned benefits.
How much does Washington 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 Washington?
What the official source says: No (Medicaid LTSS). 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.dshs.wa.gov/adult-and-aging-services/caregiving-resources/becoming-paid-caregiverOfficial
- https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/news/paid-family-caregiving-wa-caresOfficial
- 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