How to Track Your Hours and Payments in the Michigan Home Help Program
After being approved for the Michigan Home Help Program, the next important step is learning how to record and track your hours correctly. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reviews timesheets to confirm that hours match the care plan before payments are made.
Accurate tracking ensures caregivers are paid correctly and on time.
Care Plan Inc. helps Michigan caregivers stay organized and understand how to complete timesheets properly. Once hours are verified by MDHHS, we pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly.
Why Tracking Hours Matters
The Home Help Program reimburses care based on the number of hours approved by MDHHS. Each caregiver is responsible for recording the hours worked and the type of care provided.
These records confirm that the services are consistent with the care recipient’s needs as listed in the DHS-54A Medical Needs Form and the approved care plan.
If hours are missing or recorded incorrectly, MDHHS may delay payment until the records are corrected.
How to Record Hours Correctly
Caregivers must document all hours worked each week, including the dates and specific times of care. Each entry should reflect actual hours worked, not estimates or future schedules.
When filling out your timesheet, always include:
The date of care
The start and end times
A brief description of the assistance provided
The total number of hours worked that day
The caregiver’s and recipient’s signatures
Care Plan Inc. provides clear guidance on how to complete and submit these records properly.
Weekly Timesheet Submissions
Most caregivers submit timesheets weekly to stay on schedule for payment. Submitting weekly also makes it easier to correct errors quickly if they occur.
Timesheets can be completed electronically or on paper, depending on what MDHHS and Care Plan Inc. accept for your case.
Make sure to double-check totals and confirm signatures before sending your timesheet.
What MDHHS Reviews Before Payment
Before payments are issued, MDHHS confirms that:
The care recipient is eligible and has active Medicaid
The hours worked do not exceed the monthly approval limit
The tasks listed match the approved care plan
Timesheets are complete, accurate, and signed
If everything matches the care plan, MDHHS releases approval for payment.
Care Plan Inc. then processes weekly pay at $17 or more per hour for approved hours.
How to Track Payments
Caregivers can track their payments by keeping a record of hours submitted and dates paid. Care Plan Inc. provides payment schedules so caregivers know when to expect direct deposits or checks.
For example, if you submit your timesheet on Friday, your payment may appear the following week after MDHHS verification.
If you do not receive payment within the expected timeframe, confirm that your timesheet was received and approved.
Common Reasons for Payment Delays
Even small mistakes can delay payment. Some of the most common causes include:
Missing signatures from the caregiver or recipient
Incorrect or incomplete timesheets
Hours exceeding the approved limit
Submitting late timesheets after the deadline
Outdated DHS-54A forms or missing medical updates
For example, if a form expires or hours exceed what MDHHS approved, payments will pause until the issue is resolved.
Learn how to prevent these problems in How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Reapplying for the Michigan Home Help Program – https://www.michiganhomehelp.org/blog/avoid-mistakes-reapplying-michigan-home-help
What to Do if Payment Is Late
If a payment is late, the first step is to check your timesheet submission date. Then confirm with Care Plan Inc. that it was processed and accepted by MDHHS.
In most cases, delays are caused by missing details or new documentation needed for verification.
Submitting complete and accurate records each week helps keep payments consistent.
Staying Organized Throughout the Month
Keep a folder or digital file that includes:
Copies of submitted timesheets
Your approved number of monthly hours
Payment confirmations or pay stubs
Notes about any changes or updates from MDHHS
Having everything in one place makes it easier to resolve any questions about hours or payments.
Learn how to stay compliant year-round in Maintaining Eligibility for the Home Help Program
How Care Plan Inc. Supports Caregivers
Care Plan Inc. is not part of MDHHS and does not decide who qualifies or how many hours are approved. Our agency helps Michigan caregivers track hours, complete forms accurately, and receive weekly pay for the time they provide care.
We pay caregivers $17 or more per hour weekly for approved hours once MDHHS confirms eligibility and care plans.
Read Understanding the CHAMPS System for the Michigan Home Help Program and Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Michigan
Care Plan Inc. helps caregivers across Michigan stay organized, compliant, and paid weekly for approved Home Help hours.
Check your eligibility or enter your information through the Contact form for inquiries.