Can a spouse be paid?
Not right nowNot right now — but other family members can often be paid.
The fine print: no — DSHS: 'Spouses cannot be paid to care for each other'; some spouses may qualify via Veteran Directed Care or WA Cares Fund instead
Washington
Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Washington
Washington 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 Washington pays family caregivers
$22.52–$27.28/hr
Source: Washington Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlist in Washington
No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in.
CFC is an entitlement — no waitlist; MAC & TSOA paused enrollment and started a waitlist 12/1/2025
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 — DSHS: 'Parents cannot be paid to care for a child under 18'
Washington's programs
Run by: WA Dept. of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA)
Community First Choice (CFC)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Medicaid Personal Care (MPC)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Individual Provider (via CDWA)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →How to apply in Washington
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.
The care recipient applies for Apple Health LTSS through a DSHS Home & Community Services regional intake office and gets a CARE assessment; the family caregiver then applies as an Individual Provider at consumerdirectwa.com.
We help at every step.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Washington questions, answered honestly
Is this legit?
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Washington, they are overseen by the WA Dept. of Social and Health 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 Washington?
Not right now — but other family members can often be paid. The fine print: no — DSHS: 'Spouses cannot be paid to care for each other'; some spouses may qualify via Veteran Directed Care or WA Cares Fund instead
Can I get paid to care for my child in Washington?
Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid. The fine print: no — DSHS: 'Parents cannot be paid to care for a child under 18'
How much do family caregivers get paid in Washington?
Family caregivers here typically earn $22.52–$27.28/hr.
Is there a waitlist?
No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in. Details: CFC is an entitlement — no waitlist; MAC & TSOA paused enrollment and started a waitlist 12/1/2025
Do I have to work for an agency?
It depends on the program. In Washington: no traditional agency, but all Individual Providers must be employed through CDWA (Consumer Directed Employer; handles contracting, background check, training, payroll) while the client directs day-to-day care
Sources: dshs.wa.gov · dshs.wa.gov · seiu775.org · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
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The programs are the same across Washington. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
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