States That Pay Parents to Care for a Disabled Child in 2023
Can a Parent Get Paid for Taking Care of a Disabled Child?
Caring for a disabled child can be a full-time job, demanding immense dedication and effort. In recognition of the challenges faced by parents and caregivers, some states in the U.S. offer programs that provide financial support to those taking care of disabled children. In other words, YES, depending on the state you may be able to get paid for taking care of a disabled child. In this guide, we will explore the states that currently pay parents to care for a disabled child in 2023.
Indiana: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Indiana
Indiana leads the way in health care and home care when it comes to supporting families caring for disabled children through multiple Medicaid programs, primarily the Age & Disabled Waiver. This program is open to individuals of all ages, from infants to seniors, who have physical or medical disabilities. The waiver covers a range of services, including adult day service, attendant care, respite, caregiver coaching, home modification assessment, nutritional supplements, and more.
Indiana Waivers That Pay Parents to Care for a Disabled Child:
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Target Population: Children and adults with physical or medical disabilities.
Ages: All
Level of Need: Nursing Facility
Income-based Waiver? Yes, this waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted!
Spots Available: 50,000
Expires: 6/30/2028
Description: The Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver allows individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled to remain in their home as an alternative to nursing facility placement. Home and community-based services (HCBS) are provided through the A&D waiver to supplement informal supports for people who would require care in a nursing facility if HCBS or other supports were not available.
How to Apply: Call 1-800-986-3505 or contact your Area Agency on Aging. Otherwise, call Paid.care or your local local home care agency.
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Target Population: Children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autism.
Ages: All
Level of Care Need: Intermediate Care Facility
Income Waiver: Yes, this waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parental income is not counted.
Spots: 31,777
Expires: 7/15/2025
Description: The Family Supports home- and community-based services waiver (FSW) is another waiver from the centers for medicare and medicaid services, providing limited, non-residential supports to individuals with developmental disabilities who live with their families or in other settings with informal supports.
Indiana State Information: Family Supports page
How to Apply: Contact your regional Bureau of Developmental Disabilities or call 1-800-545-7763. The BDS Gateway is an online application available 24/7 where individuals and families seeking may submit an application for services. The BDS Gateway may be accessed at: here.
Waiting List: Indiana has 5186 individuals with developmental disabilities on the waiting list.
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Target Population: Children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autism.
Ages: All
Level of Need: Intermediate Care Facility
Income-based Waiver? Yes, this waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted!
Expiration: 7/15/2025
Description: The Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) waiver provides services that enable individuals to remain in their homes or community-based settings. The CIH waiver also assists individuals who are transitioning from state-operated facilities or other institutions into community settings. Home and community-based services (HCBS) through the CIH waiver allow flexibility in providing the supports necessary to help individuals gain and maintain optimum levels of self-determination and community integration.
State Information: Community Integration and Habilitation page here.
How to Apply: Contact your regional Bureau of Developmental Disabilities or call 1-800-545-7763.
Attendant Care Program: What Has Become A Lifeline for Caregivers
For parents and caregivers in Indiana, the Attendant Care Program offers an excellent opportunity to receive compensation for caregiving services. This program is designed to assist Medicaid waiver participants who require daily assistance but prefer not to reside in a long-term care facility. Caregivers, whether family members or friends, can provide crucial support and receive payment for their services.
Key Insights of Indiana’s Attendant Care Program:
Here are four things to consider before applying to become an Attendant Care Program Caregiver:
Medicaid eligibility and/or the Age & Disabled Waiver is required.
Compensation is taxable income.
Caregivers do not have to live with the care recipient.
Payment is provided on an hourly basis depending on approved hours from your case manager.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: as of January 17th, 2024 the FSSA is considering removing LRIs (legally responsible individuals) such as parents, spouses and people with a disability from the attendant care program. The change would go into effect July 1st, 2024. Structured Family Caregiving Indiana Program (SFC) is anticipated to take it’s place. Watch and read more about the updated waiver change here.
Parent Home Health Aid (HHA) and Parent Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
In Indiana, parents of eligible children requiring care from a skilled nurse can receive payment through Prior Authorization (PA) hours. However, before becoming eligible, parents must undergo extensive training, comprising 75 or more hours, to attain certification as home health aides.
Should the Attendant Care program be discontinued for Hoosier family caregivers designated as legally responsible individuals (LRIs), the Structured Family Care (SFC) program is poised to fill the gap. Under SFC, parents are anticipated to qualify for Home Health Aide (HHA) PA hours along with a daily stipend.
Learn more about the pending changes in Indiana from this statement from the FSSA. Paid.care can also help facilitate the process for Hoosier caregivers. To learn more, visit our Indiana page or our Indiana Pay Rate Guide.
Alabama: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Alabama
Personal Choices program
Alabama PCP Offers a monthly allowance that can be used for services, including some paid family caregiving.
It's available through various waivers, but specifics on payments to parents of minors are unclear.
Research the Elderly and Disabled Waiver, the Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver, State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Waiver, the Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Waiver, and the Living at Home (LAH) Waiver.
Arizona: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Arizona
Licensed Health Aid (LHA) Program
Arizona offers a Licensed Health Aid (LHA) program, allowing parents with an LHA certificate to receive payment for caring for minor children, even those requiring extensive medical support such as tracheostomies and ventilators.
Eligibility to become an LHA
A parent who wishes to become an licensed Health Aid must be a family member or legal guardian of a patient who is under 21 and qualifies for services through an ALTCS Health Plan. An LHA licensee may only provide LHA services to one patient, who is a family member of the LHA.
Additional details on LHA parents can be found on the AHCCCS Website.
Attendant Care and Habilitation Hours
During the pandemic, parents or guardians of minors under 18 have been eligible to receive compensation for attendant care and habilitation hours. The state is currently in the process of formalizing these provisions permanently, albeit with certain limitations.
Starting October 2024, parents will be restricted to a maximum of 40 hours per week and 16 hours per day per child. Arizona has recently submitted an 1115 waiver amendment to institutionalize these changes. More details can be found on this page.
For parents or guardians of adult participants aged 18 and above, compensation for attendant care and habilitation hours is available up to the approved maximum.
California: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In California
In-Home Support Services (IHSS) program
Allows parents to be paid for personal care services through a waiver.
Parents who are nurses (RN, LPN, or LVN) can be paid for providing care to their own children through the state Medicaid plan.
Home and Community Based Alternatives program
Allows parents to be paid for waiver personal care services or paramedical services under specific conditions.
The legally-responsible LRI adult does NOT have a full-time job
Only available if no other suitable care provider is available (willing and able)
If services are not received, the participant will be at risk of out-of-home placement or inadequate care
Family Certified Home Health Aide program allows parents to be paid for unskilled tasks.
Colorado: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Colorado
In Colorado, families caring for disabled children have access to invaluable support through three primary waivers, providing not only essential services but also the opportunity for parents to be compensated for their caregiving efforts. These waivers recognize the critical role families play in the well-being of their loved ones and aim to empower them through financial assistance and flexibility in choosing caregivers.
1) Children's Extensive Support Waiver (CES Waiver) Ages 0-17
For families with children under 18 years old diagnosed with a developmental disability and medical or behavioral conditions, the Children's Extensive Support Waiver is a lifeline. This waiver, designed to lay a strong foundation for community inclusion as children transition into adulthood, offers approximately $58,000 in funding. Families have the autonomy to allocate these funds to services that best suit their child's needs, and remarkably, they can choose trusted individuals, including family members, friends, or teachers, to provide these services and be remunerated for their caregiving efforts.
2) Supported Living Services Waiver (SLS Waiver) Ages 18+
As disabled individuals transition into adulthood, the Supported Living Services Waiver steps in to ensure they can maintain their independence while receiving necessary support. Adults aged 18 and above, along with their support networks, can tailor specific services to suit their daily and community life requirements. Importantly, this waiver extends the opportunity for paid caregiving beyond immediate family, allowing individuals to select caregivers from among siblings, extended family, friends, or other trusted individuals.
3) Home Health Programs (Parent CNA Program)
The Home Health Program caters to individuals requiring ongoing health services in the comfort of their homes, with a focus on those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Here, parents can take on the role of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), providing essential healthcare services to their children while receiving compensation for their dedication and effort.
Connecticut: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Connecticut
Legislative approval is in process for paid family caregiving in three developmental disability waivers. Current regulations allow family members to provide services with approval but details on payments to parents of minors are unclear.
More details on Connecticut family caregiver programs coming soon.
Florida: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Florida
Florida recently passed legislation creates a Family Home Health Aide program for Medically Fragile Children. Parents can be paid for complex skilled services after completing a training program.
Through a waiver amendment, parents of minors can be paid for self-directed personal care services.
Illinois: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Illinois
Parents who are nurses (RN or LPN) can be paid to care for their minor children.
The Home Services Program allows parents to be paid to provide personal care to minor children under specific waivers.
Additional Note: the state of Illinois is developing a program for unlicensed parents to be paid caregivers.
Kentucky: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Kentucky
Home and Community Based Services Waiver
Allows parents to be paid for attendant care for minor children under special circumstances.'
Michelle P. Waiver
Allows parents to provide personal care services to minors, with limitations on hours.
Additionally, nurses (RN or LPN) parents may be able to provide services to minor children.
Waivers allow parents of minors to be paid for nursing services if they are nurses and meet specific criteria.
Consumer Directed Community Supports program allows parents to be paid to care for their disabled children in the home.
Parents/guardians of adults over 18 can be paid for various services in most programs.
Minnesota: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Minnesota
Waivers allow parents of minors to be paid for nursing services if they are nurses and meet specific criteria.
Consumer Directed Community Supports program allows parents to be paid to care for their disabled children in the home.
Note: Parents/guardians of adults over 18 can be paid for various services in most programs.
New Jersey: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In New Jersey
Family HHA Program
New Jersey recently approved Family Home Health Aide program allows parents to be paid for providing personal care and skilled care to their children.
New York: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In New York
Complex Care Assistant Program
A pending New York Bill bill proposes a Complex Care Assistant Program allowing parents to be paid caregivers for medically fragile children.
OPWDD waiver
Currently, with the OPWDD waiver parents of adults over 21 can provide personal care services under specific circumstances.
Ohio: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Ohio
Individual Options Waiver
The Ohio Individual Options Waiver (IO Waiver) stands as a beacon of support for individuals with developmental disabilities, providing a wide array of services and supports to enhance their quality of life. This Medicaid waiver program is open to both children and adults, offering a lifeline to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility: To qualify for the IO Waiver, individuals must be eligible for Medicaid, require a developmental disabilities level of care, and need at least one IO Waiver service. Remarkably, the program imposes no age restrictions, making it accessible to a diverse range of individuals with developmental disabilities. Income eligibility is determined based on a limit of 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit rate. For 2023, this translates to a monthly income limit of $2,742 for individuals and $4,113 for couples.
Services and Supports: The IO Waiver's strength lies in its ability to tailor services and supports to the unique needs of each participant. These offerings are carefully integrated into personalized service plans, ensuring a holistic approach to care. Some of the key services and supports provided by the IO Waiver include:
Homemaker/Personal Care: Assistance with ADLs (activities of daily living), fostering independence in grooming, bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
Adult Day Support: Structured activities and care in a supervised setting, promoting socialization and community engagement for adults.
Participant-Directed Homemaker/Personal Care: Empowering participants or their representatives to manage and direct their own care services.
Vocational Habilitation: Support for the development of vocational skills and meaningful employment opportunities.
Remote Support and Equipment: Technological assistance enabling remote monitoring and support for individuals with specific needs.
Career Planning: Guidance and support to identify career goals, creating pathways for individuals to achieve them.
Ohio Shared Living: Support for individuals to live in shared homes with caregivers providing personalized care.
Individual Employment Support: Assistance in securing and maintaining individualized employment opportunities.
Community Respite: Temporary relief for caregivers through substitute care for the participant.
Waiver Nursing: Skilled nursing services for individuals requiring medical support.
Non-Medical Transportation: Transport assistance for participants to access medical appointments, community activities, and other essential services.
Nutrition: Guidance and support for proper nutrition and meal planning.
Transportation: General transportation services catering to various needs.
Group Employment Support: Assistance in finding and maintaining group-based employment opportunities.
Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies: Provision of specialized equipment and supplies to support health needs.
Home Delivered Meals: Nutritious meals delivered to individuals' homes.
Environmental Accessibility Adaptations: Modifications to homes to improve accessibility and mobility.
Interpreter Services: Language interpretation services for effective communication.
Waiver Nursing Delegation: Training and delegating specific medical tasks to non-medical caregivers.
Self-Directed Transportation: Empowering participants to arrange and manage their transportation.
Money Management: Assistance with financial matters related to the waiver services.
Residential Respite: Short-term residential care for individuals requiring temporary relief from their usual living arrangements.
The Ohio Individual Options Waiver is a testament to Ohio's commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. By offering a diverse range of services and supports, the IO Waiver empowers participants to lead fulfilling lives while fostering independence and inclusion within their communities. This Medicaid waiver program serves as a model for person-centered care, ensuring that each participant's unique needs are met with compassion and dedication.
Oregon: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Oregon
Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver
A new Oregon ]1915(c) waiver, Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver, is in process to allow for paid parent caregivers for children with high-level medical or behavioral needs.
Additional Oregon Waivers
Currently, we are told that parents of adults over 18 can be paid for services
There are also four additional Oregon Programs to look into:
Medically Involved Children's Waiver
Medically Fragile (Hospital) Model
Behavioral (ICF/IDD) Model
Children's HCBS Waiver
Pennsylvania: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Family Home Health Aide
Pennsylvania Family Home Health Aide program allows parents to be paid for providing unskilled care to their children.
Consolidated Waiver, Person/Family Directed Support Waiver, and Community Living Waiver
These additional waivers are worth looking into which allow parents to be paid for personal care services and some other services for minor children under specific conditions.
South Dakota: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In South Dakota
What we have heard so far at Paid.care is that waivers allow parent/guardian caregivers of ADULTS to be paid for some services. Parents of minors cannot be paid.
Tennessee: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Tennessee
In most family caregiver state rankings, sadly Tennessee is almost always listed at last. Good news is that they are making progress and the state plans to invest in family caregivers more heavily moving forward in 2024 and beyond.
Currently, a small stipend is available for some individuals through a waiver program, but this is not considered true paid parent caregiving.
Washington: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Washington
The current Washington waivers exclude parents/guardians of minors from being paid.
Note: a bill is pending in the legislature to create a paid parent caregiving program by October 2024.
Looking Ahead: More States and Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child
These waivers not only alleviate financial burdens for families but also recognize and honor the immense dedication and care parents and caregivers provide to their disabled loved ones. By offering compensation for caregiving, many of our local state support systems acknowledge the value of familial support and strives to ensure that disabled individuals receive the best care possible while remaining within their homes and communities.
In essence, these waivers represent a beacon of hope and empowerment for families navigating the complexities of caring for disabled children, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and familial support in fostering a nurturing environment for individuals with disabilities to thrive.
As we continue to gather information on states that provide financial support to parents caring for disabled children, this guide will be updated regularly. Stay tuned for additional states and programs that empower caregivers to balance financial stability with compassionate care
In the meantime, explore Paid.care's "Ultimate Paid Family Caregiver Guide" to stay informed about caregiver pay rates and related resources. Together, let's ensure that caregivers receive the recognition and support they deserve as they selflessly care for their loved ones.
You can also read more about both the federal government and state programs that by parents to care for a disabled child at Applied Self Direction or KidsWaiver.org
Remember: This list is intended as a starting point. It's crucial to research and directly contact the relevant program in your state for the latest information and eligibility requirements.
