How Do I Get Paid to Take Care of Mom?
Are you caring for an aging parent while also working full time, raising kids and running your own household? Perhaps you have wondered “how can I get paid to take care of mom, dad, or an elderly loved one?”
You are not alone. More than 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member. Many of them are in the “sandwich generation,” caring for both children and aging parents at the same time. It is exhausting. It is stressful. And it often feels like there are not enough hours in the day.
Here is the good news: Yes, you can get paid to take care of mom, dad, or any elderly loved one. There are real programs that will pay you for the care you are already providing. You do not need to be a nurse. You do not need special training in most states. And you do not need to quit your job or move in with your loved one.
But here is what confuses many families: the options are very different depending on whether your loved one has Medicare or Medicaid. Let us break down both so you know exactly what is available. It can also vary by state, so check our State Guide to Medicaid Caregiving Payments.
Medicare vs. Medicaid: What Is the Difference?
Before we dive into how to get paid, it helps to understand the difference between these two government health insurance programs. Many people mix them up, but they work very differently when it comes to paying family caregivers.
Medicare is federal health insurance for people age 65 and older (and some younger people with disabilities). Almost all seniors have Medicare. It covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and some home health care. But Medicare does not pay for long term care (assisted living, nursing home, dementia care) or for family members to provide care.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program for people with limited income and assets. It covers long term care services, including paying family members to provide care at home. Many seniors who have Medicare also qualify for Medicaid if their income is low enough. For information on the requirements to qualify see our Medicaid Eligibility Guide by State.
If Your Loved One Has Medicare Only: Limited Options
Unfortunately, with only Medicare you cannot get paid to take care of mom. It was designed to cover medical care, not long term personal care like help with bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. There are some respite care options if your loved one is receiving hospice care.
Here is what Medicare does cover:
Home health care for short term medical needs (like skilled nursing or physical therapy after surgery) if ordered by a doctor. But this care must be provided by a Medicare certified agency, not a family member. The providers are medically credentialed and usually just come to deliver the service – a shot, wound care, physical therapy session. They provide medical care, not help with activities of daily life (ADL).
Caregiver training is a newer benefit starting in 2025. Medicare now covers training for family caregivers of people with dementia. This helps you learn how to provide better care, but it does not pay you for your time.
Respite care (short term breaks for caregivers) is covered in some situations, like when your loved one is receiving hospice care.
The bottom line: If your loved one only has Medicare and does not qualify for Medicaid, you will not be able to get paid to take care of mom or dad. But do not stop reading. There are other options below, including veterans benefits, long term care insurance, and state programs.
If Your Loved One Has Medicaid: Many Options
All 50 states have Medicaid programs that pay family members to provide care. If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid and needs help with daily activities, you may be able to get paid $10 to $27 per hour depending on your state. For specific details on your state, review our Paid Caregiving Guide by State.
There are two main types of Medicaid programs where you can get paid to take care of mom:
1. Consumer Directed Care Programs (Hourly Pay)
Available in: All 50 states
These programs let your loved one choose who provides their care. They can hire you as their caregiver, and Medicaid will pay you by the hour. You submit timesheets for the hours you work, just like any job.
How much does it pay? Rates range from about $10 to $27 per hour depending on your state. California pays around $18 per hour. New York pays around $21 per hour. Most states pay between $12 and $17 per hour.
Do I need training? In most states, no. You will need to pass a background check and attend a short orientation. But you do not need to be a certified nursing assistant or have medical training.
Do I have to live with them? No. You can live in your own home and provide care on a flexible schedule.
Can spouses be paid? It depends on the state. About 34 states allow spouses to be paid caregivers. Others do not.
Examples: California IHSS, New York CDPAP, Texas STAR+PLUS, Florida CDC+, Washington MPC/COPES
2. Structured Family Caregiving (Daily Pay)
Available in: 12 states (Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota)
These programs pay a daily amount (instead of hourly) for caregivers who live with the person they are caring for. You provide around the clock care and supervision.
How much does it pay? Most programs pay $40 to $70 per day, which adds up to about $1,200 to $2,100 per month. Georgia pays about $450 per week. Ohio pays about $392 per week. The best part? These payments are usually tax free.
Do I have to live with them? Yes. This is the main requirement.
Do I need training? The agency that runs the program will provide training. A nurse will visit your home each month to check in and offer support.
Want to know exactly what is available in your state from Medicaid? View our complete State by State Guide to Medicaid Caregiver Payment Programs for payment rates, requirements, and program details for all 50 states.
If Your Loved One Is a Veteran: Special Benefits
Veterans have access to some of the best caregiver payment programs in the country. If your loved one served in the military, these options may be available even if they do not qualify for Medicaid.
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
This is the main VA program that pays family caregivers. It provides a monthly stipend ranging from about $1,800 to $3,000 per month depending on where you live and the level of care needed.
Who qualifies? The veteran must have a VA disability rating of 70% or higher and need personal care services for at least six months. The veteran must have been injured or become ill during active duty service.
What does it include? In addition to the monthly stipend, primary family caregivers may also receive health insurance (if otherwise uninsured), mental health counseling, respite care, and caregiver training.
Who can be a caregiver? You must be at least 18 years old and be a spouse, child, parent, stepfamily member, extended family member, or someone who lives full time with the veteran.
Veteran Directed Care (VDC)
This program gives veterans a flexible monthly budget to hire their own caregivers, including family members. Veterans can hire spouses, adult children, grandchildren, or other relatives to provide care.
Who qualifies? Veterans of all ages who are enrolled in VA health care and need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation.
Note: Veteran Directed Care is not yet available in all areas, but it is expanding. Contact your local VA Medical Center to find out if it is offered near you.
Aid and Attendance Pension
This is a cash benefit for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. The money can be used to pay family caregivers (except spouses).
How much does it pay? The amount varies based on income and care needs, but it can add up to over $2,000 per month for a veteran with a spouse.
To learn more: Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
Other Ways to Get Paid to Take Care of Mom
State-Run Paid Family Leave Programs
Available in: 13 states plus Washington D.C. (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington)
If you are currently employed, you may be able to take paid time off from your job to care for a seriously ill family member. These programs replace part of your wages while you take leave. They do not require your loved one to have Medicaid. You can usually break up the time off so you can take a few hours a week or 1 day a week or continuous days or weeks up until your limit.
How much does it pay? Most programs pay 60% to 90% of your regular wages, up to a weekly maximum. California pays up to $1,765 per week. New York pays up to $1,177 per week.
How long can I take off? Most states allow up to 12 weeks of paid family leave.
Long Term Care Insurance
If your loved one bought a long term care insurance policy years ago, it may cover family caregivers. Check the policy to see if it pays “informal caregivers” and whether it uses “cash indemnity” payments (which means they send a check directly to your loved one who can then pay you).
State Programs for Non Medicaid Seniors
Some states offer programs for seniors who have too much income to qualify for Medicaid but still need help. For example, New York has the EISEP program (Expanded In Home Services for the Elderly Program) which provides home care services on a sliding scale based on income. In some counties, family members can be hired as caregivers through this program. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find out what is available in your state.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
This federal program does not pay caregivers directly, but it does provide valuable support including respite care (so you can take a break), caregiver training, counseling, and help purchasing supplies and equipment. Families can receive up to $3,500 in services per year. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to apply.
Personal Care Agreements
If your loved one has savings but does not qualify for government programs, they can pay you directly through a Personal Care Agreement. This is a written contract that documents your duties and pay rate. It is best to work with an elder law attorney to set this up properly for tax purposes.
How Umbra Health Advocacy Can Help
Figuring out which programs you qualify for can be confusing. Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, state programs… it is a lot to sort through. And the application process can be long and frustrating.
That is where we come in.
At Umbra Health Advocacy, we connect families with experienced patient advocates who can help you navigate these programs. Our advocates can help you understand your options, figure out what your loved one qualifies for, gather the right paperwork, and guide you through the application process.
The best part? Our services are covered by Medicare for most beneficiaries. That means you can get expert help at no cost to you.
You do not have to figure this out alone. You are already doing so much for your family. Let us help you get the support and compensation you deserve.
Ready to learn more? Call 332-699-6778 or fill out our Get Started form.