Can Family Caregivers Get Paid in Florida? 2026 Guide

Florida Has Several Pathways for Paid Family Caregiving

If you are caring for a parent, spouse, or family member at home in Florida, there may be Medicaid-funded programs that allow an approved family caregiver to be paid. The answer depends on Medicaid enrollment, care needs, the specific program, and current managed care plan administration.

This article covers the main Florida programs and what to verify next. It is not an official eligibility determination.

The Main Florida Programs to Know

Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+)

CDC+ is Florida's primary self-directed home care option. It gives participants a monthly budget to hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members.

Under CDC+, adult children, spouses, and parents may be eligible to serve as paid caregivers. The participant acts as the employer, setting schedules and managing the budget through a fiscal intermediary.

*Key details to verify:*

• Must be enrolled in Florida Medicaid
• Must be assessed as needing home and community-based services
• The participant manages their own budget and hires workers
• Contact the CDC+ statewide line: 866-761-7043

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC)

SMMC LTC is the primary pathway for Floridians who need long-term home care services. Most people access Florida's waiver services through one of the SMMC managed care plans.

Adult children may be allowed as paid caregivers depending on the managed care plan and service model. Spouse and parent caregiver payment is plan-dependent and should be verified directly.

*Key details to verify:*

• Medicaid enrollment required
• Level-of-care assessment through CARES (Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services)
• Contact the SMMC helpline: 866-367-6754

Developmental Disabilities Individual Budgeting (iBudget) Waiver

The iBudget waiver serves Floridians with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It provides an individualized budget that may allow family caregivers, including adult children, spouses, and parents, to be paid.

*Key details to verify:*

• Must have a qualifying developmental disability
• Must be enrolled in Florida Medicaid
• Budget ranges: $1,500 - $15,000/month depending on assessed needs
• Contact: 866-273-2273

Model Waiver

The Model Waiver is a smaller program for individuals with certain medical conditions. It does not currently allow spouse or parent caregiver payment, and adult child payment rules should be verified with the program directly.

*Key details to verify:*

• Budget ranges: $800 - $5,000/month
• Contact: 866-273-2273

How to Start Exploring Caregiver Payment in Florida

Step 1: Confirm Medicaid enrollment. The person receiving care must be enrolled in Florida Medicaid.

Step 2: Request a CARES assessment. Contact the CARES office in your area to schedule a level-of-care assessment. This determines which programs may be available.

Step 3: Ask about CDC+ or your managed care plan's self-directed option. Once approved for services, ask whether CDC+ or a plan-level self-directed option is available for your situation.

Step 4: Verify family caregiver rules. Ask the program administrator whether your specific caregiver relationship is allowed under the current rules.

Step 5: Complete worker enrollment. If approved, the family caregiver will typically need to complete background screening, payroll enrollment, and any plan-specific onboarding.

Sample Question to Use When You Call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Consumer Directed Care Plus for my family member. They are enrolled in Medicaid and living at home. I'd like to understand whether this program may fit their situation and whether a family member can be hired as a paid caregiver. What is the next step to get a CARES assessment scheduled?"

The Bottom Line

Florida does have caregiver-payment pathways, especially through CDC+ and the SMMC managed care system. The details depend on the person's situation, managed care plan, and current program rules. Start by confirming Medicaid status and requesting a CARES assessment.