Can a spouse be paid?
Not right nowNot right now — but other family members can often be paid.
The fine print: no — spouses are prohibited from being hired in both Personal Choice and the IP Program (adult children and other relatives allowed)
Rhode Island
Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Rhode Island
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island pays family caregivers
$15/hr
Rates vary — check with the program.
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Rhode Island Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlist in Rhode Island
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one.
not necessarily an entitlement — slots may be limited and waiting lists may develop (no active waitlist confirmed)
The two big questions
Can a parent be paid for a child?
Not right nowNot for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid.
The fine print: no — programs serve the adult LTSS population; parent-of-minor payment not addressed
Rhode Island's programs
Run by: RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) / DHS — DHS Call Center 855-697-4347
Personal Choice Program
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Independent Provider Program
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →How to apply in Rhode Island
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.
Apply for Medicaid LTSS through RI DHS (call 855-697-4347 or The Point at 401-462-4444), then choose the Personal Choice self-directed option through one of the three partner agencies.
We help at every step.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Rhode Island questions, answered honestly
Is this legit?
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Rhode Island, they are overseen by the RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) / DHS — DHS Call Center 855-697-4347. 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 Rhode Island?
Not right now — but other family members can often be paid. The fine print: no — spouses are prohibited from being hired in both Personal Choice and the IP Program (adult children and other relatives allowed)
Can I get paid to care for my child in Rhode Island?
Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid. The fine print: no — programs serve the adult LTSS population; parent-of-minor payment not addressed
How much do family caregivers get paid in Rhode Island?
Reported figures are around $15/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Is there a waitlist?
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one. Details: not necessarily an entitlement — slots may be limited and waiting lists may develop (no active waitlist confirmed)
Do I have to work for an agency?
It depends on the program. In Rhode Island: self-directed; a state-contracted service advisement agency + fiscal intermediary handle payroll and taxes (Personal Choice via AccessPointRI / Seven Hills RI / Tri-County)
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · eohhs.ri.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
Browse Rhode Island by county
The programs are the same across Rhode Island. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
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