Can Family Caregivers Get Paid in New York? 2026 Guide

New York Has One of the Strongest Paid Family Caregiver Programs in the Country

If you are caring for a parent, spouse, or family member at home in New York, the state has Medicaid-funded programs that may allow an approved family caregiver to be paid. New York's home and community-based services landscape is one of the most expansive in the country, with the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) standing out as a flagship option.

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

The Main New York Programs to Know

Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)

CDPAP is the program most New York families ask about first — and for good reason. It is one of the most generous consumer-directed caregiver programs in the United States, allowing participants to hire family members, including adult children, spouses, and other relatives, as paid personal assistants.

Under CDPAP, the person receiving care (or their designated representative) recruits, hires, trains, and supervises their own caregivers. Unlike traditional home care programs, CDPAP does not require the caregiver to have a home health aide certification, which makes it more accessible for family members.

*How CDPAP works:*

• The participant directs their own care and chooses their caregiver
• A fiscal intermediary handles payroll, taxes, and workers' compensation
• Family members do not need professional certifications to qualify
• Budget ranges: $2,000 - $12,000/month depending on assessed care needs and authorized hours

*Key details to verify:*

• Must be enrolled in New York Medicaid
• Must need home care services (assessed by a managed care plan or local department of social services)
• The participant must be able to self-direct care or have a designated representative
• Contact the CDPAP helpline: 1-833-247-5346

Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver

The NHTD Waiver serves New Yorkers who need a nursing-home level of care but choose to live in the community. It provides a broad range of home and community-based services including service coordination, assistive technology, and home modifications.

The NHTD Waiver focuses on transition and diversion services rather than direct family caregiver payment. Families should verify with the program whether any caregiver-related services may be available under their specific service plan.

*Key details to verify:*

• Must meet nursing facility level of care
• Must be enrolled in New York Medicaid
• Must be age 18 or older and living in the community (or transitioning from a facility)
• Contact: 866-946-9733

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver

The TBI Waiver serves New Yorkers with a documented traumatic brain injury who need community-based support. Like the NHTD Waiver, it provides service coordination, independent living skills training, and community integration services.

Families should verify caregiver payment options directly with the TBI Waiver program, as the services focus on rehabilitation and community living support.

*Key details to verify:*

• Must have a documented traumatic brain injury
• Must be enrolled in New York Medicaid
• Must meet nursing facility level of care
• Contact: 866-946-9733

How to Start Exploring Caregiver Payment in New York

Step 1: Confirm Medicaid enrollment. The person receiving care must be enrolled in New York Medicaid. If they are not enrolled, check eligibility through the NY State of Health marketplace or your local department of social services.

Step 2: Contact your managed care plan or local DSS. Most Medicaid home care in New York is coordinated through managed long-term care (MLTC) plans. Contact your plan or local department of social services to ask about CDPAP and what assessments are needed.

Step 3: Request an assessment. A nurse assessor will evaluate the person's care needs and determine how many hours of service are authorized.

Step 4: Choose a fiscal intermediary. If approved for CDPAP, you will need to select a fiscal intermediary that will handle payroll, taxes, and insurance for your family caregiver.

Step 5: Complete caregiver enrollment. The family caregiver will need to complete paperwork with the fiscal intermediary, including employment forms and any required health screenings.

Sample Question to Use When You Call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program for my family member. They are enrolled in Medicaid and living at home. I'd like to understand whether I can be hired as their paid caregiver through CDPAP and what assessment is needed to get started."

Common Questions

*Can a spouse be paid through CDPAP?*

CDPAP is one of the few programs in the country that allows spouses and other family members to serve as paid caregivers. Verify current rules with your managed care plan or fiscal intermediary.

*Do I need a home health aide certification for CDPAP?*

No. One of the key advantages of CDPAP is that family caregivers do not need professional certifications. The participant trains and supervises their own caregiver.

*How much does CDPAP pay caregivers?*

Pay rates vary by region and fiscal intermediary. Rates are typically at or above minimum wage and may be higher in some parts of the state. Authorized hours depend on the recipient's assessed care needs.

*What if we are not in a managed care plan?*

Some Medicaid recipients access CDPAP through fee-for-service Medicaid rather than a managed care plan. Contact your local department of social services to explore options.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Not sure which New York program fits your family's situation? Our [free eligibility assessment](/assessment) can help you understand which programs you may qualify for based on your specific circumstances, including care needs, Medicaid status, and caregiver relationship.

The Bottom Line

New York's CDPAP program is one of the strongest paid family caregiver pathways in the country. The first steps are confirming Medicaid enrollment, contacting your managed care plan or local department of social services, and asking about the CDPAP consumer-directed option.