California Family Caregiver Pay: Wages, Benefits & Eligibility
Medicaid, IHSS, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), VA programs, and more explained below.
California family caregivers can qualify for pay through Medicaid, IHSS, and other programs that recognize caregiving as professional work. This page explains California Family Caregiver Pay rates, benefits, and eligibility for 2025, including how to apply and what support Paid Care offers.
CALIFORNIA CAREGIVING NUMBERS
4.7M..
4.7 million Californians are unpaid family caregivers, providing critical support for aging or disabled loved ones.
20%…
1 in 5 California employees are managing both work and family caregiving duties.
63B…
$63 billion is the estimated annual economic value of unpaid caregiving in California.
At Paid Care, we help caregivers across California earn legal pay for providing in-home care. If you assist a loved one with mobility, meals, personal care, or medical tasks, you may qualify for payment through several programs.
This guide outlines practical ways California family caregivers can get paid. Each option includes details on eligibility, pay, and how Paid Care supports you from start to finish. This guide explains California Family Caregiver Pay programs, including IHSS, Medicaid Waivers, and VA options that help families earn income for providing home care.
California Family Caregiver Pay Rates 2025
General Range: Family caregivers in California typically earn between $16 and $21 per hour through programs like IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services).
Statewide Average: The average hourly pay for California family caregivers is approximately $18.50, with most earning between $16.50 and $20.75 per hour.
Los Angeles Area: In high-cost areas such as Los Angeles, caregivers often earn between $17 and $21 per hour, depending on the county and program.
What Affects California Family Caregiver Pay in 2025
Several factors affect a family caregiver’s pay rate in California:
Funding Source: Caregivers paid through IHSS, Medicaid waivers, or long-term care programs may earn different rates.
Location: Urban areas with a higher cost of living—like San Francisco or San Diego—often offer higher rates than rural counties.
Care Recipient’s Needs: Higher pay may be available for helping someone with disabilities, dementia, or chronic medical conditions.
Caregiver Qualifications: Training, certifications, and experience can affect hourly wages.
Program Guidelines: Each program, including IHSS, Medi-Cal waivers, or VA-funded services, has its own rules for eligibility and pay rates.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits for Caregivers in 2025
California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program offers income replacement when a worker takes time off to care for a seriously ill family member. Starting January 1, 2025, new claims cover 70–90% of wages depending on income. This makes PFL a valuable support alongside IHSS pay. A caregiver who works outside the home may use PFL while also receiving IHSS compensation for hours spent caring for their loved one. This dual approach helps stabilize income during periods of high caregiving demand.
Option 1: Get Paid Through California’s Medicaid Waiver
The California Medicaid Waiver program is one of the most effective ways for family caregivers to receive direct payment for providing home care. This state-run option helps aging or disabled parents and loved ones remain at home instead of entering a nursing home or residential care setting.
If you assist a family member with activities of daily living—such as bathing, dressing, meals, or medication—you may be eligible for compensation through this medicaid waiver. Approved caregivers can earn a regular wage while supporting loved ones in aging safely at home.
Paid Care helps California families access this program, complete the necessary background check, and follow all policy and contract steps. We ensure the information is clear, the process is simple, and you get paid on time—all while staying compliant with medicare, health insurance, and state law.
What Is It?
The California Medicaid Waiver Program allows qualified family caregivers to receive income for supporting a loved one at home. This program helps individuals avoid placement in a nursing home or residential care facility by offering paid home care.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, the care recipient must be eligible for Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) and need help with activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, dressing, preparing a meal, or taking medication. The caregiver must be age 18 or older and complete a background check. Some programs may also verify legal guardianship, power of attorney, or other policy documentation.
Hourly Pay Rate and Benefits
The hourly wage for California caregivers usually ranges from $16 to $21 per hour, depending on the county and the level of care needed. Some programs also offer overtime pay, respite care, sick leave, and other employee benefits. In certain cases, caregivers can receive mileage reimbursement, cash stipends, and tax-free compensation.
How Paid Care Helps
Paid Care helps you verify eligibility, file required paperwork, and set up an in-home evaluation with a registered nurse or social worker. We assist with caregiver training, time tracking, and instant payment processing. Our team simplifies the process so you can focus on health care, not forms or budget stress.
Option 2: Earn Income Through VA Caregiver Support
If your loved one is a veteran, you may qualify to receive compensation through federal VA caregiver programs. These include VA Aid & Attendance and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Both options support veterans who need help with activities of daily living due to a disease, injury, mental health condition, or dementia.
These VA programs offer monthly cash payments, a set salary, or hourly wage based on the veteran’s needs and the caregiver’s responsibilities. Covered support can include tasks like meal prep, medication reminders, mobility help, and other basic health care services.
Caregivers may also be eligible for added employee benefits such as respite care, health insurance, training, and paid leave of absence under VA guidelines. Paid Care helps families in California apply for these benefits, manage required forms, and understand the policy details to ensure steady income and full support.
What Is It?
If your loved one is a veteran, you may qualify for compensation through VA programs like Aid & Attendance or the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). These federal options help veterans receive home care instead of moving to a nursing home.
Who Qualifies?
Veterans with a qualifying disease, injury, mental health condition, or dementia who need help with activities of daily living may be eligible. The family caregiver must pass a background check, be 18 or older, and provide regular, documented care. Some programs may also verify power of attorney or legal guardian status.
Salary, Benefits, and Coverage
VA programs may offer a set salary or structured wage depending on the complexity of care and hours provided. Additional employee benefits may include respite care, sick leave, health insurance, tax exemptions, and stipends. Compensation can be adjusted based on cost of living, family budget, and number of dependents. These benefits help reduce overall expenses and ease the burden of unpaid foster care or aging in place support.
How Paid Care Helps
Paid Care helps with documentation, verifies veteran status, and manages each step of the care plan. Our team assists with program applications, tracks care hours, provides caregiver training, and ensures full compliance with VA policy. We also coordinate with VA-approved providers to simplify ongoing management and payment processing.
Option 3: Get Reimbursed Through a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy
Some California families can receive payment for caregiving through a loved one’s long-term care insurance policy. These policies often reimburse caregivers who provide help with activities of daily living or assist with a chronic health condition, disease, or recovery process.
Reimbursement depends on the plan’s coverage, the level of care, and the quality of submitted documentation. Payments can offset the cost of home care, reduce family expenses, and provide steady income for ongoing support.
Paid Care helps you understand your loved one’s insurance policy, organize records, and ensure everything is filed correctly. We assist with forms, communicate with the insurance company, and help you collect the compensation you’ve earned.
What Is It?
If your loved one holds a long-term care insurance policy, it may cover services from a family caregiver under certain conditions. These policies can offer reimbursement for tasks like meal prep, hygiene help, or mobility support tied to activities of daily living.
Who Qualifies?
Most insurance policies require that the care recipient has a chronic health condition or cannot perform at least two activities of daily living—such as bathing or dressing. An official assessment and care plan from a registered nurse is often needed before reimbursement begins.
Pay Rates and Reimbursement Structure
Each policy sets its own rules for payment. Some offer a set wage or flat monthly stipend; others reimburse by the hour. To receive income, you'll need to track services, submit care logs, and keep clear documentation. Reimbursements may be tax-free, reducing expense while supporting your family’s budget.
How Paid Care Helps
Paid Care reviews your insurance policy, confirms eligibility, and helps organize records. We support your budget planning, time log prep, and management of required documents to increase your chance of approval and secure timely compensation.
Option 4: Get Paid by Working for a Home Care Agency
In California, many licensed home care agencies hire family members as official employees to support aging or disabled loved ones. This path offers a steady wage, legal employment classification, and access to employee benefits such as sick leave, respite care, and healthcare options.
To qualify, you must meet agency requirements. This often includes caregiver training, a background check, and verification of tasks like housekeeping, meal prep, and hygiene help. While these roles come with structure and oversight, they provide secure income and job-based benefits not available through informal caregiving.
Paid Care connects you to trusted, registered agencies across California. We assist with onboarding, help you stay compliant with agency policy, and make sure your hours are logged and paid accurately.
What Is It?
In California, some licensed home care agencies employ family members to assist loved ones who need daily support. As a paid caregiver, you become an official agency employee and receive compensation for your time and services.
Who Qualifies?
Each agency sets its own rules, but most require you to be at least 18 years old, complete a background check, and finish training with a registered nurse. The person receiving care must need help with tasks such as medication management, hygiene, mobility, or other activities of daily living.
Employment, Pay, and Benefits
Family caregivers hired by agencies earn an hourly wage, with potential overtime pay and access to employee benefits like sick leave, respite care, and health insurance. These jobs follow state tax laws, employment protections, and may include formal contracts and set schedules.
How Paid Care Helps
Paid Care partners with trusted agencies across California. We guide you through on-boarding, help track hours, confirm your pay rate, and ensure real-time payment. Our team helps manage the process so you can focus on care, not paperwork.
More About California Family Caregiver Pay and Support
California Family Caregiver Pay vs National Average
Family caregivers in California earn more than the national average due to high living costs and program funding. The average hourly pay nationwide is around $15–$17, while California caregivers often earn between $17 and $21 through programs like IHSS and Medi-Cal Waivers. These wages reflect the state’s commitment to supporting caregivers through higher reimbursement rates and better employee benefits.
Future Outlook for California Family Caregiver Pay
California caregiver wages continue to rise as unions and state policymakers expand home-care funding. Upcoming adjustments to IHSS budgets and Medicaid Waiver funding in 2026 are expected to increase the statewide average pay above $21 per hour. Staying informed about these rate changes helps families plan for long-term care and financial stability.
AARP, Advocacy, and Resources
As a caregiver, you are not alone. National organizations like AARP offer guides, checklists, and planning tools. Paid Care also provides step-by-step support and advocacy during the application and payment process to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Care Tasks That Qualify for Payment
Many California programs cover caregiver services such as:
Dressing and grooming
Mobility assistance
Help with eating and meal preparation
Medication reminders
Light housekeeping
Health care monitoring
Respite care and supervision
These approved services help support aging in place, making it possible for your loved one to avoid a nursing home or residential care setting.
Tax and Power of Attorney Considerations
In some cases, income may be tax-free if you live in the same home as the person you care for. However, if you are their power of attorney or legal guardian, some programs may have limits on eligibility. Paid Care helps clarify these tax and policy issues to ensure you remain compliant.
Getting a Paycheck with Paid Care
You don’t have to manage this process alone. Paid Care supports you every step of the way:
Verify eligibility for state and federal caregiver programs
Assist with training, budget planning, and management
Offer real-time payment tracking through our mobile platform
Parents Paid to Care for Children With Disabilities
Parents of minor children may qualify as paid IHSS caregivers if the child has a disability and requires help with daily activities. The parent must enroll as the official IHSS provider and meet all program requirements, including orientation and background checks. This option gives families more flexibility by allowing parents to provide care directly rather than relying on outside workers. Documentation from a medical provider is required to confirm the child’s needs.
How to Apply for IHSS: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for IHSS follows a structured process through your county office. First, confirm the care recipient has Medi-Cal. Second, submit a Health Care Certification form signed by a doctor. Third, the county conducts an in-home assessment to determine the number of care hours needed. Fourth, the caregiver completes provider enrollment, a background check, and orientation. Fifth, once approved, caregivers can submit timesheets and receive direct deposit. Following these steps increases the chance of a smooth approval.
2025 Policy and Rate Updates to Watch
IHSS wages continue to rise across California as unions negotiate higher rates. Counties like San Francisco and Santa Clara already exceed $22 per hour, and other areas are expected to increase pay in 2025 and 2026. Statewide discussions about expanding caregiver support through Medicaid waivers and budget allocations may also impact family caregiver compensation. Staying informed about these updates helps caregivers anticipate changes in income and benefits.
Start Getting Paid for Your Care Today
You deserve compensation for the essential care you already provide. Paid Care helps California family caregivers turn unpaid support into steady income. Whether you're eligible through Medicaid, insurance, veteran services, or agency employment, we’re here to help.
Apply now with Paid Care and get the paycheck you’ve earned.
Start your California caregiver pay journey today with Paid Care.
FAQ’s
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In 2025, family caregivers in California typically earn between $16 and $21 per hour, depending on the county, cost of living, and program type. The average hourly wage for IHSS caregivers statewide is around $18.50, with higher pay found in counties such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Clara, where union agreements have raised minimum caregiver wages above $20 per hour. These rates may continue to increase as new county contracts and statewide caregiver wage adjustments take effect through 2026.
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Yes. California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, offers several ways for family caregivers to receive payment. The most common is the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver, which allows family members to get paid for providing home care to a loved one who qualifies for Medi-Cal. Caregivers may assist with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. These programs help families reduce nursing home costs while ensuring loved ones can safely age in place. Paid Care helps families apply, verify eligibility, and complete documentation for Medicaid-funded caregiver pay.
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Yes. Many counties offer employee benefits to IHSS caregivers, especially those represented by unions. Benefits may include paid sick leave, overtime pay, health insurance, and retirement contributions. Some counties also provide respite care options, allowing caregivers to take short breaks while maintaining steady income. Beginning in 2025, expanded benefits and training programs are being introduced under new IHSS agreements to support caregiver well-being and reduce burnout. These benefits aim to make caregiving a sustainable form of employment for California families.
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Yes. Under California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, parents can be paid caregivers for their minor children with disabilities if the child requires assistance with daily activities such as bathing, eating, or mobility. The parent must complete IHSS provider enrollment, attend orientation, and pass a background check. Once approved, parents are paid an hourly wage through county IHSS offices. This allows families to stay together while ensuring children with disabilities receive consistent care from someone they trust. Paid Care guides parents through this process, helping with documentation, health care certification, and timesheet setup.
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In most cases, caregiver payments received through the IHSS or Medi-Cal program are not taxable if the caregiver and care recipient live in the same household. This exemption follows IRS Notice 2014-7, which classifies certain home care wages as “difficulty of care” payments. However, caregivers living in a separate household may be subject to regular income tax on their wages. Paid Care provides guidance to help caregivers understand reporting requirements and ensure compliance with both state and federal tax laws while maximizing take-home pay.
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You can apply for family caregiver pay in California through programs like IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) or the Medi-Cal Waiver. Start by confirming Medi-Cal eligibility for the person receiving care, then submit caregiver enrollment forms with your county office. Paid Care helps families verify requirements, complete background checks, and track payments once approved.
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Most programs require proof of residency, a valid ID, Social Security number, and Medi-Cal verification for the care recipient. Some counties also request a physician-signed Health Care Certification Form and a completed background check. Paid Care walks you through each document so your application is accurate and complete.
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