5 ways to get paid caring for a loved one in
California
Published on
July 29, 2022
Last updated
July 18, 2024
Caring for a loved one is an important and challenging role, but there are programs in California to help family caregivers like you get financial assistance for the work you do. This guide covers key programs, eligibility requirements, and how much you might earn as a family caregiver.
Get paid through California Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals. This includes families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Some states can offer extra services through Medicaid waiver programs. These waivers let states "waive" some federal rules to provide more specific support to specific groups of people, like those needing long-term care.
In CA, the following waivers are available with a caregiver pay option:
- AIDS Medi-Cal Waiver Program: This waiver allows participants to self-direct their personal care services, which may include hiring a family member as a caregiver. The waiver also covers other services such as home health, skilled nursing, hospice, and case management.
- Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver: This waiver allows participants to self-direct their personal care services and nursing services, which may include hiring a family member as a caregiver. The waiver also covers other services such as home health, durable medical equipment, home modifications, and transition assistance.
- Home and Community-Based Services Waiver for the Developmentally Disabled (HCBS-DD) Waiver: This waiver allows participants to self-direct some or all of their services through the Self-Determination Program, which gives them an individual budget and the option to hire their service providers, including family members.
- Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP): This waiver allows participants to self-direct their personal care services and other supportive services, which may include hiring a family member as a caregiver. The waiver also covers services like adult day care, home health, nutrition, social work, and care management.
can you get paid?
Who are you caring for?
Medicaid waiver programs can change over time, so it's important to consult the official California Medicaid website or contact the California Department of Health and Human Services for the most up-to-date info on available waivers, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
How much do family members get paid by Medicaid for caregiving?
The pay rate for family caregivers depends on:
- Medicaid program rules: Each program has set pay limits for eligible caregivers.
- Local wage rates: Rates vary based on where you live.
- Level of care required: Higher pay may be offered if your family member needs complex care.
Steps to become a paid family caregiver through Medicaid
Use the Givers matching tool
Start by using our
free program matching tool to find programs in your zip code that offer caregiver pay options. If you’re eligible for a program we support, we’ll help you submit your initial referral.
Work with case managers through enrollment
If appropriate, you and your loved one will need to work with a dedicated case management agency to determine care needs and eligibility for in-home care. The managing agency will help arrange this as part of the application process.
Complete program-specific requirements
If approved, you’ll need to meet any program-specific requirements, such as passing a background check, health exam, trainings, or competency tests.
Provide care and document your work
Start providing care according to the program’s guidelines. Keep accurate records of caregiving tasks, hours worked, and other required documentation to stay compliant.
Receive support and payment
Support and payment will be provided by Givers or your selected agency.
Annual unpaid care value:
$81.0B
Get paid through Veterans Affairs
Veterans, and the surviving spouses of veterans, have a few options to pay family caregivers.
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC): Provides a stipend of up to $2,750 per month, plus training, counseling, and respite services for primary caregivers of veterans seriously injured in the line of duty.
- Veteran Directed Care Program (VDC): Eligible veterans can hire family members as caregivers and pay them using a monthly care budget. Rates range from $8-$21 hourly, based on VA guidelines.
- Aid & Attendance (A&A) Pension: Provides up to $3,261 per month to cover care costs, including family caregivers. Eligibility depends on VA pension qualifications and a disability requirement.
- Housebound Allowance: Offers up to $1,882 per month to eligible veterans who are mostly homebound. Spouses cannot be paid as caregivers under this benefit.
Get support through the California Caregiver Resource Centers
The Georgia Department of Human Services' Division of Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) help informal caregivers by connecting them to caregiver support programs that offer assistance for caregivers.
Key services include:
- Information & referrals: Find guidance on local resources and programs.
- Respite care: Get temporary relief so primary caregivers can rest.
- Caregiver training: Learn caregiving techniques and stress management.
- Support groups: Connect with other informal caregivers for advice and shared experiences.
- Access to benefits: Help with the application process for Medicaid services, transportation assistance, and home-based care services.
Get tax credit for caregiving
Tax credits can help offset caregiving expenses by reducing the amount of taxes you owe. Here are key tax benefits that may apply to family caregivers:
- Child and Dependent Care Credit (CDCTC): This credit covers a percentage of care-related expenses incurred to allow you to work or look for work. Eligible caregivers may claim up to $3,000 for one dependent or $6,000 for two or more dependents if they pay an eligible third-party care services provider.
- Child Tax Credit (CTC): This federal credit provides financial assistance for families with dependent children (under 18). In 2023, it offers up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 18 years old. It doesn’t apply to caregiving for adults or elderly family members.
- Credit for Other Dependents (ODC): This credit is for dependents who don’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit, such as elderly parents, adult children with disabilities, or relatives who meet the IRS eligibility requirements for dependents. It offers up to $500 per dependent. To qualify, the dependent must live with you, rely on you financially, and have income below the IRS threshold.
Additionally, California matches the federal tax credit up to 50%, which can equate to an extra $300 off your taxes.
get paid as a caregiver
Givers supports and pays people who are caring for their loved ones.
See If You're EligibleOther ways to get paid as a family caregiver
Here are a few caregiver programs in your state that you may want to explore:
- Long-term care insurance: If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may allow funds to be directed to an informal caregiver. Contact the insurance company or agent to ask about caregiver benefits.
- Employer-sponsored caregiving leave: Some companies offer paid leave for employees to care for loved ones. Check with your Human Resources department to see if this benefit is available to you.
- Get paid by family: Families might find it more cost-effective to pay you for caregiving instead of hiring professional caregivers or using institutional care like nursing homes. If they agree to compensate you, consider creating a formal personal care agreement to outline the services and payment arrangements for clarity and legal purposes.
- Cash and Counseling Program: Some counties in California participate in the Cash and Counseling program, which allows eligible caregivers to receive direct cash payments to provide care services. These payments give caregivers flexibility in hiring and managing their care workforce.
- Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS): CBAS provides medical and social services in a community setting. Family caregivers may be eligible for compensation through this waiver.
- California Paid Family Leave: This program offers partial wage replacement for California residents who have State Disability Insurance (SDI) through their employer and are caring for a seriously ill family member who requires care in a hospital, hospice center, or at home on a continuous basis.
While the federal government does not require private employers to offer paid family leave, California enacted a rule in 2005 that could be worth $1,540 per week to caregivers. Employees can receive 60%-70% of their weekly earnings, up to $1,540 a week, for up to eight weeks within any 12-month period, to care for an ill spouse, child, parent or registered domestic partner. Learn more here
Know your caregiver rights and resources
Laws and government programs in California that provide support to informal caregivers include the following:
- California Paid Sick Leave: California's Paid Sick Leave law requires employers to provide eligible employees with paid sick leave. Caregivers may be eligible to use their accrued sick leave to care for a family member's medical needs.
- California Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs): The state operates CRCs that offer a range of support services to family caregivers, including counseling, training, respite care, and assistance with navigating available resources.
- California Work and Family Coalition: The California Work & Family Coalition advocates for policies that support working families, including paid family leave and job protections, to promote a healthy balance between work and family responsibilities.
- CARE Act: The Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act, passed in over 40 US states, is intended to provide family caregivers of hospitalized patients with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and efficient transitions.
