Can I Get Paid to Care for My Parent, Spouse, or Child?
One of the most common questions families ask about Michigan Home Help Program is whether they can get paid to care for a loved one. If you're helping a parent, spouse, or even an adult child with daily tasks, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the care you already provide.
Here’s what you need to know about who can be a paid caregiver through the program.
👩👩👧 Can Family Members Be Paid?
Yes, Michigan allows family members to be paid caregivers, with some limitations.
You can be paid to care for:
Your parent or grandparent
Your adult child, under certain conditions
A sibling
Other relatives, including aunts, uncles, or cousins
A friend or neighbor
You cannot be paid to care for:
A spouse (currently not allowed under the Home Help Program)
Your own minor child (parents of children under 18 are not eligible to be paid caregivers)
🧒 Caring for a Minor Child
If your loved one is a child with special needs who receives Medicaid or SSI, the Michigan Home Help Program may cover their care needs. Here are the key rules to know:
Parents of minor children cannot be paid caregivers under the Home Help Program.
Other relatives or friends such as grandparents, adult siblings, aunts, uncles, or trusted family friends may qualify to be paid caregivers if they meet state requirements.
To get started, the family must complete two forms: the DHS-390 (Adult Services Application) and the DHS-54A (Medical Needs Form). The DHS-54A must be filled out by the child’s doctor to document their care needs.
After you apply, a state caseworker will schedule a home visit to assess what kind of care and how many hours of help are approved.
Once approved, the chosen caregiver is enrolled through the state CHAMPS system and can begin providing services. Caregivers are paid directly through our agency after billing is submitted to the state.
👉 For forms, visit michiganhomehelp.org/forms.
👉 For more details and next steps, read our guide: Get Paid Family Caregiver.
🧑⚖️ What About Caring for an Adult Child?
If you're caring for an adult child (age 18+), the rules depend on guardianship:
If your adult child makes their own decisions (no court-appointed guardian):
✅ You can be paid as their caregiverIf you are the court-appointed guardian, then:
You can only be paid if your guardianship order specifically allows it
If your guardianship prohibits payment or doesn’t mention it, you may be ineligible
You may need to provide a copy of your court documents during the application process
🛑 Why Can’t I Be Paid to Care for My Spouse?
Under current Michigan policy, spouses cannot be paid caregivers through the Medicaid Home Help Program. This is a long-standing policy due to federal and state rules around intra-household caregiver compensation. However, if your spouse qualifies for other programs (like Veterans Affairs benefits or certain managed care options), different rules may apply.
📋 General Eligibility Rules for Paid Caregivers
To be paid through the Home Help Program, you must:
Be 18 or older
Pass a background check
Register in the CHAMPS system
Complete a provider agreement
Submit timesheets through the electronic visit verification (EVV) system
🧾 How to Get Started
Make sure the person needing care has active Medicaid
Complete the application forms (DHS-390 and DHS-54A)
Be present for the home visit by the Adult Services Worker
Enroll as a provider through CHAMPS
Start receiving payment once hours are approved and services begin
📝 Final Tip
If you're caring for a loved one daily, helping with bathing, mobility, meals, or medication, you may qualify for financial assistance through the Home Help Program. Knowing the eligibility rules can save you time and ensure you're applying the right way.
👉 Learn more or begin your eligibility screening at michiganhomehelp.org