How much do family caregivers get paid in Minnesota?
Around $22.74/hr — and here is what moves that number.
Your pay is not a posted wage. It comes out of a care budget that Minnesota sets from your relative's assessed needs, which is why two caregivers in the same town can be paid differently.
What Minnesota pays family caregivers
$22.74/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Minnesota Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
What sets your number
fiscal support: CFSS offers an agency-provider model or a self-directed budget model with a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider; CDCS requires an FMS provider for payroll/taxes
- Spouse can be paid?
- Yes
- Parent paid for a child?
- Yes
- Waitlist
- Some programs have no waitlist.
Where the money comes from
This is Medicaid money, not a grant and not a charity. In Minnesota it runs through CFSS, CDCS, Elderly Waiver, administered by Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS); county long-term care consultation teams; Senior LinkAge Line 800-333-2433
1.1 million people in Minnesota — 18% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 87 counties. The programs on this page exist because caring for them at home costs the state far less than a nursing home does.
From first call to first paycheck
- 2 minutes
Check eligibility
Five questions tell you which Minnesota program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
Minnesota confirms your relative qualifies and how much help they need. The hours in that assessment become your paid hours.
- after approval
Enrol and hire
Your relative enrols, then names you as their caregiver. Background check, paperwork, done.
- every pay period
Get paid
You log the hours you already work and are paid for them, like any job.
How to start in Minnesota: Start with a MnCHOICES/long-term care consultation assessment through your county (or call the Senior LinkAge Line); also apply for Medical Assistance (MA-LTC application).
Minnesota pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in Minnesota?
Figures reported for Minnesota land around $22.74/hr, but that is a range, not a promise. Your rate is set inside your relative's care plan and budget. We tell you your real number before you enroll.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which Minnesota program they are on, and who administers the payroll. fiscal support: CFSS offers an agency-provider model or a self-directed budget model with a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider; CDCS requires an FMS provider for payroll/taxes
How many hours a week can I be paid for?
Hours come from the care assessment, not from how many you actually work. That is the single biggest thing families get wrong — an honest assessment is worth more than any negotiation later. We help you prepare for it.
Is family caregiver pay taxable?
Usually yes — it is normally treated as wages, with taxes withheld. One exception is worth asking about: the IRS difficulty-of-care rule can make some payments tax-free when the caregiver lives with the person receiving care.
Can I be paid to care for my spouse in Minnesota?
yes — since 10/1/2024 spouses can be paid CFSS/PCA workers (per MN DHS bulletin); spouses also hirable under CDCS There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in Minnesota.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in Minnesota?
yes — since 10/1/2024 parents of minors can be paid CFSS workers (per MN DHS bulletin)
Is there a waitlist in Minnesota?
CFSS is a state-plan entitlement — no waitlist; Elderly Waiver capped (~40,083/yr) — waitlist can form
How do I apply in Minnesota?
Start with a MnCHOICES/long-term care consultation assessment through your county (or call the Senior LinkAge Line); also apply for Medical Assistance (MA-LTC application).
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for Minnesota →
Sources: mn.gov · content.govdelivery.com · medicaidplanningassistance.org · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Where most Minnesota caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in Minnesota — pick yours for the local picture.
Find out in 2 minutes
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.