• FAQs
  • Caregiver Resources
  • Check My Eligibility

•

Get the Support You Deserve

Find out if you qualify to join CaringPays or speak with a Care Advisor who can check your eligibility and guide you through the process.

Check My Eligibility Request a Call Back

A Program That Puts Families First

In Massachusetts, thousands of families take care of aging parents, disabled relatives, or loved ones who need daily assistance. For many, this commitment means leaving full-time jobs or adjusting their lives to provide constant care. The Adult Foster Care (AFC) program exists to support those families — recognizing caregiving as meaningful work that deserves both pay and professional support.

Through CaringPays, families can connect with approved AFC providers, navigate the application process, and begin receiving monthly, tax-free stipends while continuing to care for their loved ones at home. The goal is simple: to help people remain safely in familiar surroundings with the caregivers who know them best.

What Is the Adult Foster Care (AFC) Program?

The AFC program is a MassHealth-funded service designed for adults who require assistance with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility. Instead of moving into a facility, participants can stay home and be cared for by a trusted family member or friend who lives with them full-time.

Caregivers receive:

  • A weekly tax-free stipend based on the participant’s level of need
  • Regular visits from a nurse and care manager
  • Ongoing training and professional support

This program helps ensure quality care while reducing emotional and financial strain on families.

Who Qualifies for AFC?

Participants must:

  • Be enrolled in MassHealth (Medicaid)
  • Need daily help with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL)
  • Live with their caregiver full-time

Caregivers must:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Live with the participant and provide daily care
  • Be a relative, friend, or partner (not legally married to or the legal guardian of the participant)

Real Story: Caring for Mom at Home

“When my mother’s health started to decline, I left my job to care for her full-time. Through CaringPays, I connected with an AFC provider that guided me through the application and training. The monthly stipend helped replace my lost income, and the nurse who checks in every month gives me peace of mind that Mom’s care meets all requirements.” — Rosa, Caregiver

What Are the Benefits?

  • Tax-free monthly stipend
  • Nurse and case manager support
  • Ongoing caregiver training
  • 24/7 guidance and emergency resources

With CaringPays, families receive personal support through each step — from checking eligibility to completing the home assessment and receiving payments.

FAQs

Q: Can spouses get paid under the AFC program?
A: No, Massachusetts excludes legally married spouses from AFC eligibility. At CaringPays, we understand this can feel unfair — and that’s exactly why we’re here. Our Care Advisors can guide you through alternative programs that may allow you to become a paid caregiver for your spouse. Reach out today to get started.

Q: Is the stipend taxable?
A: No, AFC stipends are tax-free.

Q: Can caregivers hold another job?
A: No, AFC requires full-time caregiving.

Q: How long does the application take?
A: Usually 4–6 weeks once MassHealth eligibility and assessments are complete.

Q: Does CaringPays help with paperwork?
A: Yes, CaringPays Care Advisors assist with eligibility checks, forms, and follow-up.

Final Thoughts

AFC allows families to provide care in a loving environment while receiving financial and professional support. Through CaringPays, you can connect with a Care Advisor who will guide you every step of the way — from eligibility to ongoing care.

Speak with a Care Advisor to check your eligibility and start your AFC journey today.

Disclaimer: Program benefits and eligibility vary by provider and state guidelines. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.

Welcome to Caring Pays

Confirm your location

It looks like you're in [your state]. Is this where caregiving support is needed?

Choose your state

Update Your Location

Select the state where care is provided to see paid family caregiving options that may be available.

•

Get the Support You Deserve

Find out if you qualify to join CaringPays or speak with a Care Advisor who can check your eligibility and guide you through the process.

Check My Eligibility Request a Call Back

Caring for a loved one is meaningful – and demanding. In Massachusetts, the Adult Foster Care (AFC) program recognizes that family caregiving is real work and provides tax-free stipends, training, and professional support so families can keep loved ones safely at home. If you’ve wondered whether you can be paid to care for a parent, relative, or friend, this guide is for you. We’ll walk through who qualifies, how the process works, what payments look like, and how CaringPays supports you each step of the way.

Unlike private paid aides, AFC makes it possible for family or close friends to be approved as the caregiver – provided certain requirements are met. You’ll complete a home assessment, basic training, and agree to ongoing nurse and case-manager check-ins. In return, you’ll receive a dependable stipend (with CaringPays, up to $40,000/year*). Below is everything you need to know to move forward with confidence.

*Actual stipend depends on assessed level of care, program rules, and eligibility.

What Is the Adult Foster Care (AFC) Program?

AFC is a MassHealth (Medicaid) benefit that supports eligible adults who need daily help with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL) – such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or mobility. Approved caregivers who live with the participant receive a tax-free stipend, nursing oversight, and care management focused on safety, dignity, and independence.

Who Can Be a Paid Caregiver in Massachusetts?

  • 18+ and living with the participant
  • Able to provide daily, full-time care (no other job is permitted)
  • Not legally married to the participant
  • Not the participant’s legal guardian

Caregivers may be adult children, siblings, other relatives, or trusted family friends. Unmarried partners can qualify.

Who Can Receive Care Through AFC?

  • Enrolled in MassHealth (or eligible)
  • Must be 16 years or older
  • Requires daily assistance with at least 1 ADL
  • Lives with the caregiver
  • Agrees to program assessments and ongoing oversight

Levels of Care & Payment

AFC offers 2 levels of care based on the nurse/case-manager assessment of the participant’s needs. With CaringPays, caregivers may receive up to $40,000/year* in tax-free stipends.

*Actual stipend amounts vary by care level, program rules, and eligibility.

How to Apply

  1. Talk with a CaringPays Care Advisor to review eligibility.
  2. Confirm MassHealth enrollment for the participant (we’ll help if not enrolled yet).
  3. Complete a home assessment by a nurse and case manager to determine level of care.
  4. Finish caregiver training & onboarding.
  5. Start receiving weekly tax-free stipends with ongoing CaringPays support.

FAQs

Q: Can spouses be paid caregivers in MA?
A: No. Legally married spouses are not eligible for AFC. At CaringPays, we understand this can feel unfair – and that’s exactly why we’re here. Our Care Advisors can guide you through alternative programs that may allow you to become a paid caregiver for your spouse. Reach out today to get started.

Q: Can I work another job while in AFC?
A: No. AFC requires full-time caregiving.

Q: Are stipends taxable?
A: In Massachusetts, AFC stipends are tax-free.

Q: Can I live separately from the participant?
A: No. Co-residence is required.

Real Story

“When my mom’s mobility declined, I left my retail job to help. CaringPays guided us through AFC, and I now receive a stable, tax-free stipend. The nurse check-ins give me peace of mind.” — Elena, Worcester

Final Thoughts & Next Step

If you live with a loved one who needs daily help, you may already qualify. The fastest way to confirm is to talk to a CaringPays Care Advisor who will walk you through each step and help you secure the highest available stipend.

Check your eligibility with CaringPays.


Disclaimer: Program availability, benefits, and eligibility vary by state. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice.