Can I Get Paid to Be a Caregiver for My Spouse?

Caregivers play an essential role for aging adults and those with disabilities. In many cases, family members, spouses, and close friends choose to step into this role and provide support for their loved ones. If you’re providing care for your spouse, did you know you can get paid for doing this?
Several programs or funding sources exist to ensure spouses are compensated as caregivers. Eligibility for these programs depends on multiple factors. CaringPays is a home care provider in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Here, we detail the different programs and list states that pay spouse caregivers.

Resources for Family Caregivers

Some federal government programs will pay people to care for family members with disabilities. The duties of family caregivers are to assist with activities, including personal care, administering medication, cooking, cleaning, and more. Being eligible for these programs is contingent on the state of residence, level of income and financial assets, types of insurance, and whether you or your spouse is a veteran.
Various programs offer financial compensation to spouse caregivers, including:

Medicaid Self-Direction Programs

A person with a disability or chronic condition who is eligible for Medicaid may qualify for financial assistance. This assistance can be put toward purchasing necessary home and community-based services, including payment to a family caregiver. These programs can be named cash and counseling, consumer or self-directed programs, or other names selected by the state.
In some states, individuals can get paid for providing care to their spouses. Some states may require you to become a certified Medicaid provider or meet other requirements. Furthermore, your spouse must meet income and other eligibility requirements set by the state.

Veteran Services

If your spouse is a veteran, they may be eligible for the following programs that can offer financial support:

• Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services program:This program offers veterans a flexible budget, which enables them to potentially hire a family member to help with daily living and activities.
• Aid and Attendance Benefits program:This program benefits qualified veterans and survivors by providing monthly payments and a monthly VA pension. These payments can be used to cover the costs of a caregiver who may be a family member.

Additionally, veterans with disabilities and their caregivers may be able to make use of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. The program can offer a variety of benefits, such as respite care, mental health services, travel expenses, access to health insurance for family caregivers, and caregiver stipends.

Structured Family Caregiving

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved several states to offer Structured Family Caregiving. This allows the family caregiver to be paid and receive additional support. To take advantage of this program, your spouse must be eligible for Medicaid, require 24-hour care and supervision, and need assistance performing one or more daily personal care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, walking, eating, etc.

What States Pay Spouse Caregivers?

Several states offer public assistance programs, allowing spouses to be paid as caregivers. It’s important to remember that each state program is different, and parameters and qualification standards may vary. States approved for spousal caregiving compensation where CaringPays has agencies includes:

• Colorado:There are several Medicaid waiver programs in Colorado for family caregivers looking to get paid. Eligibility requirements may differ depending on the specific program. Learn how to apply to get paid for spousal caregiving in Colorado.
• Georgia:Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) enables family caregivers to seek compensation and support. Certain eligibility requirements apply. You can learn more about spousal caregiving compensation in Georgia and how to apply.
• Indiana:Through Structured Family Caregiving (SFC), spouses and other family members who provide care to a loved one may qualify to receive compensation. Discover how to apply and get paid in Indiana.
• Maryland:Part of the state Medicaid plan in Maryland, Community Personal Assistance Services offers a way for family caregivers, including spouses, to get compensated. There are certain general and financial requirements to qualify. Learn how to apply to get paid for being your spouse’s caregiver in Maryland.
• Massachusetts:In Massachusetts, various medical waiver programs enable family members to receive pay for being their loved one’s caregiver. Eligibility requirements may differ depending on the specific program. Learn how to apply for spousal caregiving compensation in Massachusetts.
• New York:The New York Medicaid Consumer-Directed Assisted Program (CDPAP) is a common way for spouses to seek compensation for caring for their loved ones. CDPAP has several guidelines for the person receiving care to make a caregiver eligible for compensation. Learn how to apply in New York.
• Pennsylvania:Pennsylvania offers several Medicaid waiver programs with the option for family caregiver pay, including Community HealthChoices (CHC) and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver. Eligibility requirements will apply. Learn more about how to apply and get paid in Pennsylvania.
• Washington, D.C.:Elderly and Disabled (E&D) Waiver, Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver, and Money Follows the Person (MFP) are some programs that spouses may consider when seeking compensation for the care they provide. You can learn more about the different eligibility requirements for these programs and how to apply in Washington, D.C.

Assistance Offered at CaringPays

Ensure your spouse receives the compassionate and quality care they need to live a fulfilling life by taking on the role yourself. At CaringPays, we stand behind our values of community, honesty, leadership, and innovation to provide professional care services and resources to ailing patients and caregivers. We help connect you with the assistance you need.
Our agencies in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., connect caregivers with resources including caregiver pay and in-home care assistance. Check your eligibility to begin the application and enrollment process and start getting paid. Find out if you qualify today.