Getting Paid as a Caregiver for a Family Member: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wondered, “Can I actually get paid to care for someone I love?”

If so, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not wrong for asking.

I was the primary caregiver for my father in New York State.

I was his Power of Attorney, his Health Care Proxy, and the person managing it all — from medication and meals to hospital visits and hard decisions.

One day, I looked into a program called CDPAP — it’s designed to help family caregivers get paid.

But I was told I didn’t qualify.

Why?

Because I had too much responsibility.

Under the rules, I couldn’t get paid because I was legally in charge of my father’s care.I wasn’t allowed to be both the “employer” and the “employee.”Even though I was the only one doing the work.

It felt like a slap in the face.Like the system saw all the love and labor I was giving — and still said, “That’s not enough.”

So if you’re in a similar place — overwhelmed, confused, and looking for answers — I see you.

And I wrote this to help you understand what I wish I had known sooner.

💬 Can You Get Paid to Care for a Family Member?

Yes — sometimes you can.

But the system doesn’t make it easy to understand, and chances are, no one handed you a folder when your caregiving journey began.

Over 76,000 people search this exact question every month.

So let’s break it down clearly and simply — because you deserve real answers.

What Does It Mean to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver?

This means you might be able to earn money while caring for someone you love — like your mom, dad, spouse, or friend.

But here’s the truth:

You won’t get paid just because you’re helping. There are specific programs that offer compensation — and they each have rules about who qualifies.

🧾 Who Pays for It?

Here are the 3 main sources of caregiver pay:

1. Medicaid (State Programs)

Some states let a person choose a family member to be their paid caregiver.In New York, this is often done through CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program).

2. Veterans Benefits

If your loved one is a veteran, they might qualify for Aid & Attendance, which gives extra monthly money for care.

3. Long-Term Care Insurance

Some private insurance policies cover in-home care — including family members.You’ll need to check the details of the plan directly.

✅ Who Can Qualify?

You might qualify if:

• The person you care for is older or has a disability

• They need help with daily tasks (eating, bathing, dressing)

• They have Medicaid, VA benefits, or long-term care insurance

• And you’re the one providing most of their care

Not everyone qualifies.

But many people don’t ask — and miss out on support they deserve.

🗺️ How to Apply (5 Simple Steps)

Step 1: Check Benefits

Find out if your loved one has Medicaid or VA benefits. If not, help them apply — these are the most common sources of caregiver funding.

Step 2: Call Your Local Aging Office

Ask: “Are there programs in my state that pay family caregivers?”Search for your local Area Agency on Aging to get started.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents

You’ll likely need:

• Medical documentation

• Proof of relationship (like Power of Attorney papers)

• A simple list of the daily care you provide

Step 4: If You’re in New York — Ask About CDPAP

This program allows your loved one to hire you as their caregiver — unless, like in my case, you also hold legal control over their care.

Step 5: Don’t Do This Alone

There are people who can help. And I’m one of them.

💡 What If You Don’t Qualify?

Even if you can’t get paid right now, you still have options:

• Ask for respite care so you can take breaks

• Look into caregiver tax credits

• Find support groups or communities (in person or online)

• Talk to others who’ve walked this road — you don’t have to carry it all by yourself

  
  

💬 Want to Talk?

If you're trying to figure this out and need someone to talk it through with, I’m here.

📅 Click here to find a time on my calendar — no pressure, no pitch. Just real talk, one human to another.

💛 You’ve Got This

Caring for someone you love is hard work. Getting paid won’t fix everything, but it can ease the pressure just enough to keep going.

And you?

You’re already doing more than most people ever will.

Take one step today. Ask one question. Share this with someone who needs it.

You are not alone.