Can a spouse be paid?
YesYes — Oregon can pay you to care for your spouse.
The fine print: yes — spouses can be hired under ICP and the dedicated Spousal Pay Program (spouse must enroll as a provider with the Oregon Home Care Commission)
Oregon
Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Oregon
Oregon 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 Oregon pays family caregivers
$20–$24.10/hr
Source: Oregon Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlist in Oregon
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one.
ICP: not an entitlement — waitlist can form when slots fill; Spousal Pay Program is an entitlement with no waitlist
The two big questions
Can a parent be paid for a child?
SometimesSometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — parents of minors historically excluded; new Children's Extraordinary Needs Waiver (2024) pays parents up to 20 hrs/wk but capped at 155 families (230 from 7/1/2026)
Oregon's programs
Run by: Oregon Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) — 800-282-8096
Independent Choices Program (ICP)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Spousal Pay Program
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Consumer-Employed Provider program
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →How to apply in Oregon
Check your match — 2 minutes, free.
Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Start the state application.
Contact the local Area Agency on Aging / APD office or call ODHS at 800-282-8096 (ADRC 1-855-673-2372) to request an assessment and ask for Independent Choices or Spousal Pay.
We help at every step.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Oregon questions, answered honestly
Is this legit?
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Oregon, they are overseen by the Oregon Department of Human Services. 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 Oregon?
Yes — Oregon can pay you to care for your spouse. The fine print: yes — spouses can be hired under ICP and the dedicated Spousal Pay Program (spouse must enroll as a provider with the Oregon Home Care Commission)
Can I get paid to care for my child in Oregon?
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — parents of minors historically excluded; new Children's Extraordinary Needs Waiver (2024) pays parents up to 20 hrs/wk but capped at 155 families (230 from 7/1/2026)
How much do family caregivers get paid in Oregon?
Family caregivers here typically earn $20–$24.10/hr.
Is there a waitlist?
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one. Details: ICP: not an entitlement — waitlist can form when slots fill; Spousal Pay Program is an entitlement with no waitlist
Do I have to work for an agency?
It depends on the program. In Oregon: fully self-directed — participant is the employer; fiscal-agency help optional under ICP; Spousal Pay caregivers need an OHCC provider number
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · oregon.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
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