Sunroom Care

Colorado

Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Colorado

Colorado has real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here's what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.

See if you qualify →

What Colorado pays family caregivers

$17–$20/hr

Source: Colorado Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026

Waitlist in Colorado

No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in.

no waitlist — CFC is a state plan entitlement (since 7/1/2025); EBD waiver also historically no waitlist

The two big questions

Can a spouse be paid?

Yes

Yes — Colorado can pay you to care for your spouse.

The fine print: yes — spouses can be hired under CDASS/IHSS; spouse-as-LRP homemaker capped at 7 hrs/week

Can a parent be paid for a child?

Yes

Yes — Colorado has a path for parents of children who need care.

The fine print: yes — via CFC/IHSS personal care ('extraordinary care' required) or by becoming a certified Family CNA paid through a home health agency

Colorado's programs

Run by: Dept. of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) / Health First Colorado, via local Case Management Agencies

CDASS

A program that can pay a family member for care at home.

2-min check →

IHSS

A program that can pay a family member for care at home.

2-min check →

Family CNA program

A program that can pay a family member for care at home.

2-min check →
Can a spouse be paid in Colorado? →Colorado pay rates →

How to apply in Colorado

  1. Check your match — 2 minutes, free.

    Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.

  2. Start the state application.

    Contact the local Case Management Agency (Single Entry Point) for a nursing-facility level-of-care assessment; must be enrolled in Health First Colorado (Medicaid) first.

  3. We help at every step.

    Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.

See if you qualify →

Colorado questions, answered honestly

Is this legit?

Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Colorado, they are overseen by the Dept. of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) / Health First Colorado. We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.

Why would the government pay me?

Care at home costs Medicaid far less than a nursing home. So states pay family members to give that care at home. It's good for your loved one, and it's the law working the way it should.

Can I get paid to care for my spouse in Colorado?

Yes — Colorado can pay you to care for your spouse. The fine print: yes — spouses can be hired under CDASS/IHSS; spouse-as-LRP homemaker capped at 7 hrs/week

Can I get paid to care for my child in Colorado?

Yes — Colorado has a path for parents of children who need care. The fine print: yes — via CFC/IHSS personal care ('extraordinary care' required) or by becoming a certified Family CNA paid through a home health agency

How much do family caregivers get paid in Colorado?

Family caregivers here typically earn $17–$20/hr.

Is there a waitlist?

No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in. Details: no waitlist — CFC is a state plan entitlement (since 7/1/2025); EBD waiver also historically no waitlist

Do I have to work for an agency?

It depends on the program. In Colorado: self-directed: CDASS uses an FMS (fiscal management service) vendor for payroll only; IHSS and Family CNA route through a licensed IHSS/home-health agency

Sources: hcpf.colorado.gov · payingforseniorcare.com · kidswaivers.org · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.

Browse Colorado by county

The programs are the same across Colorado. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.

Find out in 2 minutes

Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.

See if you qualify →
See if you qualify