Can you get paid to care for a family member in Washington?

Yes, through 2 programs we verified. In Washington, people who qualify for Medicaid in-home personal care can choose an individual provider, and relatives such as an adult child, sibling or grandchild can be hired. Individual providers are employed through Consumer Direct of Washington. Parents can be paid to care for an adult child with a developmental disability through DDA services.

Which Washington programs pay family caregivers?

Medicaid in-home personal care by Individual Providers (Community First Choice, COPES, Medicaid Personal Care) through the Consumer Directed Employer

• Type: Medicaid self-direction
• Who can be paid: Individual providers the client chooses, employed through Consumer Direct of Washington (the Consumer Directed Employer). State rules expect relatives such as a child, parent, sibling, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or cousin to work as paid individual providers for a family member, with reduced training requirements.
• Who qualifies for care: Washington Medicaid clients assessed as eligible for in-home personal care through Aging and Long-Term Support Administration programs.

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) parent providers for adult children

• Who can be paid: A parent (including a stepparent) who provides in-home care only for their adult child with a developmental disability, after completing the 12-hour parent provider training.
• Who qualifies for care: Adults with developmental disabilities receiving DDA services under Title 71A RCW.

Are there national programs too?

Yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs that pay or support family caregivers: Veteran Directed Care and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

What should you confirm with the state?

State training rules mention caregivers who serve only a spouse, but we could not confirm which Medicaid programs pay spouses or parents of minor children. Ask your DSHS case manager.