Paid family caregiving
Keep income coming while you care
Many family caregivers lose a job, or have to leave one, right when a loved one needs them most. These programs may pay you to provide care so you can focus on them instead of the bills.
Medicaid self-directed care
If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, many states let them choose and pay a family member as their caregiver through home and community-based programs (sometimes called “Cash & Counseling” or Structured Family Caregiving). Rules and pay vary by state.
VA caregiver programs
If your loved one is a veteran, the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers can provide a monthly stipend, and Veteran-Directed Care lets veterans hire family members.
State paid family leave
Several states offer partial wage replacement while you care for a seriously ill family member, including California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts, Oregon, Colorado and others. Check your state's program.
Job protection (FMLA)
FMLA gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to care for a parent, spouse or child. It isn't paid, but it can keep your job safe while you combine it with other benefits.
If you've been laid off
Apply for unemployment right away. In many states, being laid off qualifies you even if you're caregiving. Ask about health coverage through COBRA or your state marketplace too.
Long-term care insurance & family agreements
Check whether your loved one has a long-term care policy; some pay family caregivers. Families can also sign a written caregiver agreement so a parent pays a child fairly for care; an elder-law attorney can help it count properly for Medicaid.
Where to start this week
- Ask the hospice social worker which caregiver pay programs your loved one may qualify for; they know local options.
- Call your local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.
- If you were laid off, file for unemployment now; benefits usually start from the date you apply.
- If your loved one is a veteran, contact the VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Programs change and vary by state.