Texas

Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Texas

Texas 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 Texas 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: Texas Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026

Waitlist in Texas

Waitlists here can be long. Apply as soon as you can.

severe — STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list wait is 'many years' (~5,034 reported); CLASS ~48,169 and MDCP ~27,012 on interest lists with waits reported up to ~13-15 years

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 — spouses cannot be paid attendants in Medicaid CDS programs; reported exception: state-funded CMPAS may allow a spouse

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 — a legally responsible parent (or foster parent, or spouse of a parent) cannot be the paid attendant for their minor child (e.g. CAS rule); parents of adult children CAN be paid

Texas's programs

Run by: Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Consumer Directed Services (CDS)

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

2-min check →

STAR+PLUS HCBS

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

2-min check →

CLASS & MDCP Waivers

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

2-min check →

How to apply in Texas

  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.

    Call 877-438-5658 to join the CLASS or MDCP interest list, or 800-964-2777 for the STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list; benefits applications go through YourTexasBenefits.com or 2-1-1 Texas.

  3. We help at every step.

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

See if you qualify →

Texas questions, answered honestly

Is this legit?

Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Texas, they are overseen by the Texas Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC). 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 Texas?

Not right now — but other family members can often be paid. The fine print: no — spouses cannot be paid attendants in Medicaid CDS programs; reported exception: state-funded CMPAS may allow a spouse

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

Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid. The fine print: no — a legally responsible parent (or foster parent, or spouse of a parent) cannot be the paid attendant for their minor child (e.g. CAS rule); parents of adult children CAN be paid

How much do family caregivers get paid in Texas?

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?

Waitlists here can be long. Apply as soon as you can. Details: severe — STAR+PLUS HCBS interest list wait is 'many years' (~5,034 reported); CLASS ~48,169 and MDCP ~27,012 on interest lists with waits reported up to ~13-15 years

Do I have to work for an agency?

It depends on the program. In Texas: self-directed, but every CDS employer must use a financial management services agency (FMSA) for payroll, taxes, and background checks

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

Browse Texas by county

The programs are the same across Texas. 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.

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