Illinois
Illinois 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.
$18–$20/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Illinois Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one.
generally no waitlist — CCP and HSP enroll eligible applicants without waiver waitlists
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed.
The fine print: limited — CCP: yes, any family member including a spouse may be hired (recent expansion, via agency with background check + 24-hr training); HSP: no, spouses excluded as legally responsible relatives
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — HSP excludes parents of a minor recipient; MFTD waiver pays parents who hold an RN/LPN license for skilled nursing (paid-CNA parent option proposed 2025, not yet approved)
Run by: Illinois Dept. on Aging (CCP
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A path for children who need extra care.
2-min check →Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Age 60+: call the Senior HelpLine 800-252-8966 to reach the local Care Coordination Unit for a CCP assessment; under 60: apply through the local DHS-DRS Home Services Program office; medically fragile children: contact UIC DSCC.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Illinois, they are overseen by the Illinois Dept. on Aging (CCP. We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.
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.
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed. The fine print: limited — CCP: yes, any family member including a spouse may be hired (recent expansion, via agency with background check + 24-hr training); HSP: no, spouses excluded as legally responsible relatives
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — HSP excludes parents of a minor recipient; MFTD waiver pays parents who hold an RN/LPN license for skilled nursing (paid-CNA parent option proposed 2025, not yet approved)
Reported figures are around $18–$20/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one. Details: generally no waitlist — CCP and HSP enroll eligible applicants without waiver waitlists
It depends on the program. In Illinois: CCP: caregiver must be hired and supervised by a contracted In-Home Services agency; HSP: consumer-directed — customer hires the personal assistant directly and the state handles payroll; MFTD: parent-nurse employed via nursing agency
Sources: ilaging.illinois.gov · dhs.state.il.us · dscc.uic.edu · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
The programs are the same across Illinois. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.