Caregiver Pay: How Much Can Family Members Get Paid in 2026?

Caregiver Pay Explained: Key Takeaways

• How much you earn as a family caregiver depends on where you live, how much experience you have, and the level of care your loved one needs
• Many states offer Medicaid waivers or self-directed care programs that allow family members to be compensated for the care they provide
• If your loved one doesn’t qualify for Medicaid, you might still be eligible for caregiver pay through long-term care insurance

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, an estimated 53 million Americans are family caregivers for an ill or disabled relative.

If you’re one of them, you know that caregiving can be both incredibly meaningful and incredibly exhausting.

It’s completely normal to experience burnout or even feelings of resentment when you’re caring for someone day in and day out, especially if you’re trying to juggle everything on your own.

Fortunately, there are some states and programs that offer compensation for caregivers.

In this article, we will:

• Answer how much family caregivers typically get paid
• Cover factors that impact the cost
• Explain how to get compensated for caregiving

Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving?

Yes, family members can get paid for caregiving when participating in programs such as Medicaid waivers or state-specific programs.

These programs vary by state, so the specific rules, eligibility requirements, and compensation rates differ based on location.

Family caregivers must research their state’s offerings to see what financial support might be available for caregiving services.

Factors That Influence Family Caregiver Pay

Many states, such as California and Illinois, offer Medicaid programs that allow family members to receive payment for caregiving.

These programs, often facilitated through Medicaid waivers or Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), vary by state in terms of details, payment rates, and eligibility criteria.

• Program guidelines: Each waiver program has its own caregiver compensation rules and regulations. For example, Colorado’s Family CNA program permits eligible family members to receive compensation for assisting with daily tasks and their caregiving efforts.
• Local wage rates: Hourly rates are linked to the local zip code. For example, payment for family caregivers in New York will cost more compared to rural areas, such as West Virginia, where the cost of living is typically lower.
• Qualifications and experience: Qualifications and experience can significantly impact compensation, as they often reflect someone’s expertise, skill level, and ability to contribute to their elderly patient’s care. Ultimately, specialized training or caregiving certifications may warrant a higher rate.
• Level of care: The complexity of care required for your elderly loved one can affect your hourly rate. Tasks like providing medical assistance or supporting individuals with complex needs usually command a higher rate than basic caregiving tasks, such as light housekeeping.
• Market demand: The local demand for caregivers can impact your hourly rate. A shortage of caregivers or a high demand for certain types of care in your area can increase hourly rates.

How Much Do Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving?

As mentioned, payment for family caregivers can vary based on the type of care provided, geographic location, and other considerations.

Here are the average hourly wages for family caregivers in the top eight states with the most family caregivers, as of September 2024:

• A family caregiver in California earns $15.54 per hour.
• A family caregiver in Texas earns $14.82 per hour.
• A family caregiver in New York earns $16.44 per hour.
• A family caregiver in Florida earns $11.13 per hour.
• A family caregiver in Illinois earns $13.58 per hour.
• A family caregiver in Georgia earns $12.58 per hour.
• A family caregiver in Arizona earns $13.88 per hour.
• A family caregiver in Alabama earns $13.50 per hour.

How To Become a Paid Family Caregiver Through Medicaid

The process can vary based on your location, but generally, here’s how to get paid through Medicaid:

• As a family member caring for an elderly loved one, check if you’re eligible for Medicaid and whether your state’s Medicaid program offers payment to family caregivers. Reach out to your state’s Medicaid office for details.
• If you qualify, work with the state Medicaid office to enroll yourself. This process may take a few months.
• Work with your state’s Medicaid office to gather and complete the required paperwork for the self-directed care benefit. This includes obtaining a physician’s order for Personal Care Services for your elderly loved one.
• Complete any required training and certification, such as basic life support certification and home health aide (HHA) training.

How To Get Paid To Take Care of a Family Member Who Isn’t Eligible for Medicaid

Caring for a family member who isn’t eligible for Medicaid is challenging, especially regarding getting financial compensation.

However, there are still ways to secure payment for your caregiving duties.

1. Long-Term Care Insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies allow family members to receive payment as caregivers.

Additionally, some policies cover only professional caregivers, while others also pay informal caregivers.

Formal caregivers are third-party professionals who provide services for payment. Informal caregivers, such as family members and friends, may provide care with or without expecting payment.

Be sure to check for these terms when comparing your options.

2. Paid Family Leave

In some states, such as New York, California, Minnesota, and Massachusetts, employers must provide family leave programs that pay you to care for a family member.

The eligibility criteria, payment amount, and leave duration differ by state. To get the specific details, contact your state labor office.

3. Local Area Agencies on Aging

If there’s no paid family leave in your state, your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can offer support with:

• Adult daycare programs
• Counseling and care referrals
• Meal delivery services

To find resources near you, visit the AAA website and enter your zip code or city and state.

4. Veterans Programs

Veterans have access to two programs: The Veteran-Directed Home and Community-Based Services programs provide veterans with a flexible budget to manage their care.

With a counselor’s guidance, veterans can hire family members for assistance with daily activities.

The Aid and Attendance Benefits program offers extra monthly payments on top of a regular VA pension, helping eligible veterans and survivors cover the cost of a caregiver, who could even be a family member.

Check with your local VA pension management center to see if your elderly loved one qualifies.

Explore Caregiving Services at Always Best Care

Caring for a family member and ensuring their well-being requires you to take on different roles. You might manage their medications, arrange their doctor visits, and prepare nutritious meals for them.

When caregiving starts to feel overwhelming, our professional team at Always Best Care Senior Services is here to help.

We provide dependable and genuine senior care to support both you and your loved one.

Here’s how we can help:

• In-Home Care Services: Our skilled caregivers can help make life easier for your elderly loved one with services such as 24-hour care, companionship, safety supervision, bathing and grooming, light housekeeping, and transportation.
• Skilled Home Health Care Services: We create personalized care plans tailored to chronic conditions, helping manage your loved one’s medical needs.
• Specialized Home Care Services: Right at your elderly loved one’s home, we offer daily social interactions and healthcare guidance. We use advanced technology like personal emergency response systems, balance tracking systems, and remote patient monitoring to effectively manage symptoms.
• Respite Care Services: Even family caregivers need time to recharge. Our respite care services are here to ensure your loved one continues to receive compassionate care while you take some time for yourself. Whether it’s just for a few hours or several days, we can tailor our services to fit your needs.
• Dementia Care Services: We offer dementia care services that provide expert support, ensuring comfort and safety for your elderly loved one.
• Senior Living Referral Services: We help our clients find the best senior living communities that match their individual needs, location preferences, and budget.
• Veterans Assistance Program: Veterans can get the support and benefits they need through our program.

Caregiver Pay: FAQs

How to get paid by the state for taking care of someone?

To get paid by the state, usually through Medicaid programs, you’ll need to follow a few steps:

• Check eligibility: Confirm that your elderly loved one qualifies for Medicaid, and that your state’s Medicaid program allows payment to family caregivers.
• Enroll in your state’s Medicaid program: Reach out to your state’s Medicaid office to begin the enrollment process.
• Complete required documentation: You’ll need to submit paperwork for the self-directed care benefit, including a physician’s order for Personal Care Services.
• Finish required training: Some states may require basic certifications like Home Health Aide (HHA) or Basic Life Support (BLS) training before you can begin receiving pay.

What is the minimum family caregiver pay rate?

The actual minimum pay depends on your state’s program and local wage laws, so it’s a good idea to check with your state’s Medicaid office or Area Agency on Aging to see what applies to you.

Do I need to be certified to get paid as a family caregiver?

Not in every case. Some programs, like Medicaid waivers, might require you to complete basic training or certification, especially if you’re helping with medical tasks.

Others might only ask you to go through a state-approved caregiver orientation.

Even if it’s not required, getting certified can be a great way to build confidence, provide better care, and potentially qualify for higher pay.