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Smart Caregiving by FCA: Can I Get Paid for Caregiving?

“I had to quit work to care for my uncle who had a stroke. Can I get paid for caregiving?”

Download our full-color, printable PDF here.

We receive hundreds of calls each year from family and friends asking how to get paid for caregiving. Unfortunately, your options are limited. Here are four recommendations we can share:

Find Out if Your Uncle is Eligible for Medicaid — and if It Will Pay for Your Caregiving

If your uncle receives Medicaid, he may be able to use Medicaid funds to hire you for his care. These programs vary greatly by state. Often you will see them referred to as “self-directed” or “consumer-directed” programs, but there are many variations on naming, approach, and eligibility. Here are a few key steps to explore his Medicaid options:

  • Is Your Uncle Eligible But Not Receiving Medicaid Offer to help him apply in the state where he lives. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, which means having a conversation with your uncle about his finances. For some, this can be a sensitive topic. Our guide, What Every Caregiver Needs to Know About Money, can help.
  • Find Out if Self-Directed Care is an Option in Your Uncle’s State
    Medicaid is managed differently in each state, and understanding options can be challenging. Contact your uncle’s local Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to speak with someone about what’s available in his state, eligibility and how to apply. Or, explore the American Council on Aging webpage, Getting Paid as a Caregiver. Keep in mind your uncle is only eligible to apply for self-directed care in his own home state.
  • Find Out if You’re Eligible to Be His Caregiver
    If self-directed care is an option for your uncle, an adult child, relative or friend may act as his caregiver. In some states, spouses may as well.
  • Apply — And Wait
    Depending on the state where your uncle lives, the application review process can take several months. Don’t let that deter you. It’s generally worth applying if you think your uncle may qualify.

Check for Veterans’ Support

If your uncle is a veteran, he may be eligible for financial support to pay you as his caregiver. Use the Veterans Administration’s (VA) toll-free National Caregiver Support Line at (855) 260-3274 or visit your local Veterans Services Office (VSO) to learn about options and if he is eligible.

Talk with Family about a Personal Care Agreement

Discuss the possibility of a caregiving agreement that includes compensation for you. Visit us online for in-depth guidance on holding a family meeting and creating a Personal Care Agreement that will address both your uncle’s care needs and what you need to provide for his care.

Take Advantage of State Resources

Visit our Services by State page to find agencies and programs in your uncle’s state that may offer financial assistance, affordable legal consultation and other support.

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) offers free, expert family caregiving support. Visit us at https://www.caregiver.org/or register with CareNav® for a free, personalized dashboard with caregiving guides, recorded webinars and live online events.

If your uncle lives in California, you’ll have access to additional support from a California Caregiver Resource Center. Sign up for CareNav® today!