5 Ways Family Caregivers Can Get Paid in Virginia (and What to Do Next)

Caring for an aging parent, a spouse, or a loved one with a disability is meaningful work. It is also time-consuming, emotionally demanding, and often expensive. One of the first questions families ask is simple: can a family caregiver get paid for the help they already provide?

In many situations, the answer is "sometimes," but it depends on the person's benefits, eligibility rules, and the type of care needed. Below are five common paths families use to explore caregiver pay in Virginia. This article is for general education only and is not legal or tax advice.

1) Medicaid programs (consumer-directed care and waiver services)

If your loved one has Medicaid and qualifies for home and community-based services, they may be able to receive in-home support and, in some cases, hire a caregiver that they choose. In Virginia, this is often discussed as consumer-directed services.

Consumer-directed care generally means the member (or their designated representative) acts like the "employer" of the caregiver, including hiring and managing the attendant, with help from a Services Facilitator. Learn more about the differences in our article on Agency Directed vs Consumer Directed Care. Virginia also notes that under the CCC Plus Waiver, personal care and respite may be provided through an agency-directed model, a consumer-directed model, or both.

Helpful tip

Even when a family member cannot be paid, Medicaid-supported services can still reduce your load by adding caregiver hours, respite, or structured support. If you simply need a break now, respite care can be a practical first step.

2) Veterans benefits (programs that can support caregiver pay)

If your loved one is a Veteran, there may be VA options that support caregiving financially. One major program is the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which may provide a monthly stipend for eligible primary family caregivers, along with training and support.

Another commonly used benefit is VA Aid and Attendance, which can add a monthly amount to a qualifying Veteran's pension if they need help with daily activities.

3) Long-term care insurance (if your policy allows family caregivers)

Some long-term care insurance policies will pay benefits for in-home care, and some may allow payments when the caregiver is a family member. The details vary widely by plan, so the best move is to read the policy carefully and ask the insurer for written confirmation.

4) Employer benefits and leave options (income support while you provide care)

Not every "paid caregiving" option comes from a government program. Sometimes the most realistic financial support is job-related. At the federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can provide eligible workers with unpaid, job-protected leave to care for a family member.

5) Private caregiver agreements (a family-funded option)

If public benefits and insurance are not available, some families choose to create a private caregiver agreement. This is a written plan that outlines the caregiver's duties, hours, and pay so expectations stay clear and payments are documented.

How Godaelli Home Health can help

Even when pay programs are complicated, families still need practical support at home. Godaelli provides flexible, in-home services that can reduce caregiver burnout and help your loved one stay safe and comfortable.