Massachusetts

Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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.

What Massachusetts pays family caregivers

$19.50–$23.25/hr

Often tax-free

Source: Massachusetts Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026

Waitlist in Massachusetts

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

PCA is an entitlement — no waitlist; AFC no waitlist reported

The two big questions

Can a spouse be paid?

Not right now

Not right now — but other family members can often be paid.

The fine print: no — spouse barred as legally responsible relative in both PCA and AFC

Can a parent be paid for a child?

Not right now

Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid.

The fine print: no — parent of a minor member cannot be paid PCA (legally responsible relative); parents of ADULT children can be paid

Massachusetts's programs

Run by: MassHealth / Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), 800-841-2900

PCA Program

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

2-min check →

Adult Foster Care (AFC)

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

2-min check →

Frail Elder Waiver

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

2-min check →

How to apply in Massachusetts

  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.

    Apply for MassHealth via the Application for Health Coverage for Seniors/Long-Term Care to a MassHealth Enrollment Center, then get a PCA evaluation through a Personal Care Management agency (or contact an AFC provider agency for AFC).

  3. We help at every step.

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

See if you qualify →

Massachusetts questions, answered honestly

Is this legit?

Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Massachusetts, they are overseen by the MassHealth / Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). 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 Massachusetts?

Not right now — but other family members can often be paid. The fine print: no — spouse barred as legally responsible relative in both PCA and AFC

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

Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid. The fine print: no — parent of a minor member cannot be paid PCA (legally responsible relative); parents of ADULT children can be paid

How much do family caregivers get paid in Massachusetts?

Family caregivers here typically earn $19.50–$23.25/hr.

Is there a waitlist?

No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in. Details: PCA is an entitlement — no waitlist; AFC no waitlist reported

Do I have to work for an agency?

It depends on the program. In Massachusetts: PCA: self-directed — consumer is the employer, works with a Personal Care Management agency and a fiscal intermediary (e.g., Tempus Unlimited) for payroll; AFC: caregiver must go through a MassHealth-contracted AFC provider agency

Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · mass.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.

Browse Massachusetts by county

The programs are the same across Massachusetts. 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