States That Pay Parents to Care for a Disabled Child in 2025
Can a Parent Get Paid for Taking Care of a Disabled Child?
Caring for a disabled child is often a full-time responsibility that requires significant time, energy, and commitment. To recognize the efforts of parents and caregivers, many states in the U.S. offer financial assistance programs in 2025. These programs provide payments or benefits to family members who serve as caregivers for disabled children. The specific rules vary by state, but in many cases, yes, a parent can get paid for taking care of a disabled child. This guide highlights how Indiana supports families in 2025.
Indiana: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Indiana
Indiana continues to lead in supporting families who care for disabled children through Medicaid programs. The Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver is the primary program that allows family caregivers, including parents, to be compensated.
In 2025, the A&D Waiver remains open to individuals of all ages who have medical or physical disabilities. Parents providing care may qualify for payment if their child requires assistance with daily living activities.
Covered services under the A&D Waiver include:
Attendant care and personal care assistance
Adult day services
Respite care for family caregivers
Caregiver training and coaching
Home modification and accessibility support
Nutritional supplements and case management
By enrolling in this program, Indiana families can receive financial support while keeping their children safe and cared for at home, rather than relying on institutional care such as a nursing home or residential facility.
Indiana Waivers That Pay Parents to Care for a Disabled Child:
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Target Population: Children and adults with physical or medical disabilities.
Ages: All ages qualify.
Level of Need: Nursing Facility level of care.
Income-based Waiver? Yes. Eligibility is based only on the child’s income. Parent or guardian income is not counted.
Spots Available (2025): 50,000 statewide.
Waiver Term: Current approval runs through June 30, 2028.
Description (2025):
The Aged & Disabled (A&D) Waiver allows individuals of all ages who are aged, blind, or disabled to remain in their home as an alternative to nursing facility placement. In 2025, the waiver continues to provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to support family caregivers. Covered services include attendant care, respite care, adult day services, caregiver training, home modifications, and other supports that reduce the need for institutional care.How to Apply (2025):
Call 1-800-986-3505 or contact your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also reach out to Paid.Care or your local home care agency for application help. -
Target Population: Children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autism.
Ages: All ages are eligible.
Level of Care Need: Intermediate Care Facility level of care.
Income Waiver: Yes. Eligibility is based only on the child’s income. Parent or guardian income is not counted.
Spots Available (2025): 31,777 statewide.
Waiver Term: Current approval runs through July 15, 2025, with renewal expected.
Description (2025):
The Family Support Waiver (FSW) provides home- and community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities who live with their families or in other informal settings. The waiver offers limited, non-residential supports to help families manage care at home and avoid institutional placement.Key Supports Include:
Respite services for family caregivers
Attendant and personal care assistance
Day habilitation and community integration activities
Behavior management and training
Family and caregiver support services
Indiana State Information: [Family Supports page]
How to Apply (2025):
Contact your regional Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) office or call 1-800-545-7763. Families can also apply online 24/7 through the BDDS Gateway system.Waiting List (2025): Indiana currently has 5,186 individuals with developmental disabilities waiting for waiver services.
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Target Population: Children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autism.
Ages: All ages are eligible.
Level of Need: Intermediate Care Facility level of care.
Income-based Waiver? Yes. Eligibility is based only on the child’s income. Parent or guardian income is not counted.
Waiver Term: Current approval runs through July 15, 2025, with renewal expected.
Description (2025):
The Community Integration and Habilitation (CIH) Waiver provides long-term, comprehensive support for individuals with significant developmental or intellectual disabilities. It allows individuals to remain in their homes or community-based settings while receiving the services they need.The CIH Waiver also helps individuals transition out of state-operated facilities or institutional placements into community living. Services include personal assistance, behavior supports, habilitation, respite care, employment supports, and therapies.
This waiver is designed for individuals who require consistent, high-level support to achieve and maintain independence, community involvement, and quality of life.
State Information: [Community Integration and Habilitation page]
How to Apply (2025):
Contact your regional Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS) office or call 1-800-545-7763. Families may also begin the process through the BDDS Gateway online portal.
Attendant Care Program: A Lifeline for Indiana Caregivers in 2025
For parents and caregivers in Indiana, the Attendant Care Program continues to provide an opportunity to receive compensation for caregiving services in 2025. This program is designed for Medicaid waiver participants who need daily assistance but prefer to remain at home rather than in a long-term care facility. Family members and friends serving as caregivers can receive payment for the hours they provide care.
Key Insights of Indiana’s Attendant Care Program in 2025
Here are important points to know before applying:
Medicaid eligibility and/or enrollment in the Aged & Disabled Waiver is required.
Caregiver compensation is considered taxable income.
Caregivers do not need to live with the care recipient.
Payment is made on an hourly basis, based on approved hours from a case manager.
2025 Update:
As of this year, Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has shifted from allowing legally responsible individuals (LRIs) — such as parents and spouses — under the Attendant Care Program. Instead, these families are being transitioned to the Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) Program, which provides caregiver stipends and additional support.
Parent Home Health Aide (HHA) and Parent Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in 2025
Parents of children who require skilled nursing care can also be paid through Prior Authorization (PA) hours as a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). To qualify, parents must complete at least 75 hours of state-approved training to receive certification.
Under this structure, parents may be paid for providing authorized skilled care at home. This includes tasks such as medication assistance, monitoring, personal care, and daily support.
If the Attendant Care Program is no longer available for parents serving as LRIs, the Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) Program steps in as the primary option. In 2025, SFC allows parents to receive a daily stipend plus support hours equivalent to HHA services, creating a reliable income stream while keeping children safely at home.
Learn more about the pending changes in Indiana from this statement from the FSSA. Paid.care can also help facilitate the process for Hoosier caregivers. To learn more, visit our Indiana page or our Indiana Pay Rate Guide.
Alabama: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Alabama
Personal Choices Program – Alabama 2025
The Personal Choices Program (PCP) provides a monthly allowance that participants can use to pay for approved caregiving services, which may include family caregivers in certain cases.
Key Insights for 2025:
Available through multiple Alabama Medicaid waivers.
Payments to parents of minor children are limited and determined on a case-by-case basis.
Adults with disabilities have more flexibility to hire family members under the program.
Caregivers can use funds for respite, attendant care, home modifications, and personal support.
Related Waivers to Explore in Alabama (2025):
Elderly and Disabled Waiver
Alabama Community Transition (ACT) Waiver
State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Waiver
Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Waiver
Living at Home (LAH) Waiver
Arizona: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Arizona
Parents in Arizona may be eligible for compensation when caring for a disabled child through specific Medicaid programs, including the Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program and Attendant Care and Habilitation Hours. These options help families keep children safely at home while receiving financial support.
Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program – Arizona 2025
Arizona’s Licensed Health Aide (LHA) Program allows parents with an LHA certificate to receive payment for caring for their minor children, including those with complex medical needs such as ventilators and tracheostomies.
Eligibility in 2025:
Parent or guardian must be a family member or legal guardian of a child under 21 who qualifies for services through an ALTCS Health Plan.
Each LHA can only provide services to one patient, who must be their child or family member.
Training and certification are required to become a Licensed Health Aide.
📌 More details on the LHA program are available on the [AHCCCS Website].
Attendant Care and Habilitation Hours – Arizona 2025
Parents and guardians may also qualify for paid attendant care and habilitation services through Arizona’s Medicaid programs.
Parents of minors under 18 have been eligible since the pandemic for paid attendant care hours.
In 2025, Arizona has formalized these provisions with new limits:
Maximum 40 hours per week per child
Maximum 16 hours per day per child
Parents of adult participants (age 18+) can also be compensated for attendant care and habilitation hours, up to approved limits.
Arizona submitted a 1115 Waiver amendment to make these changes permanent.
📌 More information can be found on the [Arizona waiver amendment page].
California: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In California
California continues to support parents who care for disabled children at home through programs under Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid). Parents may qualify to be paid caregivers under certain waivers and state-funded initiatives.
In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Program – 2025
The IHSS Program allows parents to be paid for providing personal care services for their disabled child.
Parents can be hired as providers through Medi-Cal waivers.
Parents who are licensed nurses (RN, LPN, or LVN) may also be paid for delivering medical-level care to their own children.
Services include help with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication reminders, mobility support, and health-related assistance.
Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver – 2025
Parents may also qualify for payment under the HCBA Waiver, which covers personal care and paramedical services under specific conditions:
The legally responsible parent/guardian cannot be employed full-time.
The waiver applies only when no other suitable caregiver is available or willing to provide care.
Payment is approved when without these services, the child would be at risk of institutional placement or inadequate care.
Family Certified Home Health Aide Program – 2025
California also allows parents to become Certified Home Health Aides (HHA) for their disabled child.
Parents must complete state-approved training and certification.
Once certified, they may be compensated for performing unskilled and skilled care tasks at home.
Colorado: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Colorado
In Colorado, families caring for disabled children can access multiple Medicaid waiver programs and home health initiatives that provide financial assistance and essential support. These programs allow parents to serve as paid caregivers while helping their children remain at home, avoiding costly institutional care.
1) Children’s Extensive Support Waiver (CES Waiver) – Ages 0–17
The CES Waiver supports children under 18 with developmental, medical, or behavioral disabilities. In 2025, the program provides up to $68,000 annually in services and supports. Families can direct these funds toward care providers of their choice — including parents, siblings, or other trusted individuals — to deliver approved services.
Covered supports may include respite, behavioral interventions, adaptive equipment, and personal care assistance. Parents serving as caregivers can be compensated for providing daily care through CES.
2) Supported Living Services Waiver (SLS Waiver) – Ages 18+
For individuals transitioning into adulthood, the SLS Waiver helps maintain independence while meeting daily and community living needs. Eligible adults (18+) can select caregivers — including family members — to provide support.
The SLS Waiver covers services such as personal care, homemaker assistance, mentorship, and respite. In 2025, this waiver continues to allow parents and other family members to be compensated caregivers when no other suitable provider is available.
3) Home Health Programs (Parent CNA Program) – 2025
Colorado also operates the Parent CNA Program, allowing parents of children with medical or developmental disabilities to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Once certified, parents can be paid to provide skilled healthcare services directly to their children in the home.
This option offers families greater flexibility and ensures children with complex medical needs receive consistent care from their parent while Medicaid provides financial compensation.
Connecticut: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Connecticut
Connecticut continues to expand opportunities for family caregivers through Medicaid waiver programs and legislative updates. While paid caregiving for parents of minor children remains limited, some progress has been made in 2025 toward increasing options for families.
Current Status of Family Caregiver Pay in Connecticut (2025)
Legislative approval is still in process for allowing parents of minor children to be directly compensated under developmental disability waivers.
At present, family members other than parents (such as siblings or extended relatives) may be paid caregivers with approval.
Parents of adult children with disabilities have more flexibility to serve as paid caregivers under waiver programs.
Additional updates are expected later in 2025 as Connecticut evaluates its Medicaid waiver renewal process.
Key Waivers Under Review in Connecticut (2025):
Comprehensive Supports Waiver
Individual and Family Support Waiver
Employment and Day Supports Waiver
These waivers already provide home- and community-based supports, and the state is considering updates to expand family caregiver eligibility.
📌 Note (2025): At this time, details on payments to parents of minors remain unclear, but changes may take effect pending state approval. Families should check with the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for the latest updates.
Florida: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Florida
Florida has expanded caregiver payment options for parents of disabled children through Medicaid waivers and new legislation. In 2025, families may qualify for compensation when providing care at home, especially for children with significant medical needs.
Family Home Health Aide Program – Florida 2025
Florida now offers a Family Home Health Aide (HHA) Program for Medically Fragile Children.
Parents can be trained and certified as Home Health Aides to provide skilled services to their children.
Covered tasks may include assistance with ventilators, feeding tubes, tracheostomy care, and other medically complex needs.
Once certified, parents can receive direct payment through Medicaid for the hours they provide skilled care.
Self-Directed Care Waiver Amendment – Florida 2025
Through Florida’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver, parents may also be paid caregivers under self-direction options.
This allows families to hire and pay parents or guardians to provide personal care services at home.
Services may include bathing, dressing, meal preparation, mobility assistance, and respite.
Payments are based on approved service hours assigned by the child’s care plan.
📌 Important for 2025: Florida continues to expand caregiver pay options through Medicaid waivers, but requirements differ between skilled nursing-level services (HHA program) and personal care services (self-directed waiver). Families should confirm eligibility with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) or their child’s Medicaid case manager.
Illinois: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Illinois
Illinois offers several pathways for parents to be compensated when providing care for their disabled children. Through state-administered Medicaid programs and caregiver initiatives, parents may qualify for payment when serving as the primary caregiver at home.
1) Nurse Parents as Paid Caregivers – 2025
Parents who are licensed Registered Nurses (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may be paid to provide skilled medical care to their own children under Illinois Medicaid. This option applies when the child requires nursing-level care, such as medication management, ventilator support, or complex medical monitoring.
2) Home Services Program – 2025
The Illinois Home Services Program (HSP) provides funding for personal care services delivered at home.
Parents of minor children with disabilities can, in certain cases, be approved as paid caregivers.
Covered services may include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and household support.
Payments are based on approved care plans and hours determined by the child’s needs.
3) New Parent Caregiver Program in Development – 2025
Illinois is currently developing a program that will allow unlicensed parents of disabled children to be compensated as caregivers. Legislative updates in 2025 suggest the state is moving toward expanding eligibility, aiming to provide financial relief for families who cannot access other caregiving options.
📌 Families should apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or their local Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) office for the most up-to-date caregiver payment opportunities.
Kentucky: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Kentucky
Kentucky provides opportunities for parents of disabled children to receive financial compensation through Medicaid waiver programs. These programs help families keep children at home and avoid costly institutional care by paying family caregivers under specific conditions.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver – 2025
Allows parents to be paid for attendant care for minor children in special circumstances.
Compensation is approved based on the child’s needs and a case manager’s assessment.
Hours and tasks must be included in the official care plan.
Michelle P. Waiver – 2025
Enables parents to provide personal care services for their minor children with disabilities.
Compensation is available, though hours may be limited.
Services covered may include bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility support.
Additional Caregiver Options – 2025
Nurse Parents (RN or LPN): Parents who are licensed nurses may be compensated for providing skilled nursing services to their child if they meet waiver criteria.
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS): This program gives families flexibility by allowing parents to be paid as caregivers directly in the home.
Adults with Disabilities (18+): Parents or guardians of adult children with disabilities may also be compensated for caregiving services through most Kentucky waivers.
📌 Families should apply through the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services or their local Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) to confirm eligibility and payment options.
Minnesota: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Minnesota
Minnesota provides multiple Medicaid-funded options that allow parents of disabled children to be compensated for caregiving. These programs are designed to keep children at home, reduce reliance on nursing facilities, and support families financially.
Nursing Services for Parents – 2025
Parents of minors may be paid for skilled nursing services if they are licensed as an RN (Registered Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).
Compensation is available when parents meet state waiver criteria and their child requires continuous medical care.
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) – 2025
The CDCS Program allows families to directly hire and pay parents to provide care for their disabled children at home.
Funds can be used for personal care, respite, community support, and other home-based needs.
Parents have more flexibility in designing their child’s care plan and choosing approved services.
Parents of Adults with Disabilities – 2025
Parents or guardians of individuals over age 18 may also be compensated for caregiving.
Payments are available under multiple Minnesota waiver programs, covering personal care, supervision, and daily living assistance.
📌 Families should apply through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) or their local county human services office for eligibility and enrollment details.
New Jersey: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In New Jersey
New Jersey has expanded opportunities for parents of disabled children to be compensated as caregivers. Through state Medicaid initiatives, families can now access programs that provide payment for both personal care and skilled medical support delivered at home.
Family Home Health Aide (HHA) Program – 2025
New Jersey recently approved the Family HHA Program, which allows parents to be paid caregivers for their disabled children.
Parents can provide personal care services such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility support.
Parents with additional training may also provide skilled care tasks, including assistance with medical devices or health monitoring.
Payment is based on hours authorized by a Medicaid case manager and included in the child’s care plan.
📌 Families should contact the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) or their child’s Medicaid managed care organization to confirm eligibility and apply.
New York: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In New York
New York provides several programs that allow family members, including parents, to serve as paid caregivers for disabled children and adults. These options aim to keep families together while ensuring individuals with disabilities receive consistent and high-quality care at home.
Complex Care Assistant Program – 2025 (Pending)
A pending New York bill proposes a new Complex Care Assistant Program.
This program would allow parents to be paid caregivers for their medically fragile children, including those requiring advanced support such as ventilator or tracheostomy care.
If approved in 2025, it would provide compensation to parents who complete state training and are included in the child’s Medicaid care plan.
OPWDD Waiver – 2025
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Waiver currently provides opportunities for parents and family members to be compensated under certain circumstances.
Parents of adults over age 21 may provide personal care services when no other qualified caregiver is available.
Services may include daily living support, habilitation, and community integration.
Payments are based on service hours authorized in the participant’s care plan.
📌 Families should apply through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) or their local Care Coordination Organization (CCO) for the latest updates and caregiver pay eligibility.
Ohio: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Ohio
Individual Options Waiver
The Individual Options (IO) Waiver provides essential support for Ohio residents with developmental disabilities. Open to both children and adults, this Medicaid waiver program allows families to access personalized services, helping individuals remain at home and in their communities instead of entering institutional care.
Eligibility in 2025
To qualify for the IO Waiver, applicants must:
Be Medicaid eligible.
Require a developmental disabilities level of care.
Be approved for at least one Ohio waiver service.
Income Eligibility (2025): Based on 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate.
Individual monthly income limit: $2,742
Couple monthly income limit: $4,113
📌 No age restrictions apply. Both children and adults may qualify if they meet eligibility requirements.
Key Services and Supports in 2025
Homemaker/Personal Care – Assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, meal prep).
Adult Day Support – Supervised day programs to encourage socialization and community engagement.
Participant-Directed Homemaker/Personal Care – Allows families to direct and manage care providers, including hiring parents as caregivers.
Vocational Habilitation – Skill-building for future employment opportunities.
Remote Support & Equipment – Technology for monitoring and assisting individuals with unique needs.
Career Planning – Guidance to set and achieve employment goals.
Ohio Shared Living – Care in a shared home setting with personalized supports.
Individual Employment Support – One-on-one help with finding and keeping a job.
Community Respite – Short-term relief for caregivers, including substitute care.
Waiver Nursing – Skilled nursing services for medically fragile participants.
Non-Medical Transportation – Access to appointments, activities, and community events.
Nutrition Support – Help with proper diet and meal planning.
General Transportation – Broader transit support beyond medical needs.
Group Employment Support – Employment assistance in group settings.
Specialized Medical Equipment & Supplies – Medical and adaptive equipment coverage.
Home Delivered Meals – Nutritious meals delivered directly to participants’ homes.
Environmental Accessibility Adaptations – Modifications to improve home accessibility.
Interpreter Services – Language and communication support.
Waiver Nursing Delegation – Training for non-medical caregivers to perform certain health tasks.
Self-Directed Transportation – Participants manage their own transportation services.
Money Management – Help with financial matters tied to waiver benefits.
Residential Respite – Short-term stays outside the home for caregiver relief.
The Ohio Individual Options Waiver is a testament to Ohio's commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. By offering a diverse range of services and supports, the IO Waiver empowers participants to lead fulfilling lives while fostering independence and inclusion within their communities. This Medicaid waiver program serves as a model for person-centered care, ensuring that each participant's unique needs are met with compassion and dedication.
Oregon: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Oregon
Oregon provides several Medicaid waiver programs that allow family caregivers, including parents, to receive payment for providing care to children and adults with disabilities. These programs are designed to keep individuals at home, promote independence, and support families financially.
Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver – 2025
Oregon has introduced a Children’s Extraordinary Needs Waiver under the 1915(c) program.
This waiver is designed for children with high-level medical or behavioral needs.
Parents may be paid caregivers when no other suitable provider is available.
Services may include personal care, respite, habilitation, and home modifications.
The waiver is still being phased in during 2025, but approval is expected to expand caregiver payment options.
Additional Oregon Waivers – 2025
Parents of adult children (18+) may already be compensated under existing waiver programs. Key options include:
Medically Involved Children’s Waiver – For children with significant medical needs requiring skilled care.
Medically Fragile (Hospital) Model – Covers children with complex, hospital-level care needs at home.
Behavioral Model (ICF/IDD) – For individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and behavioral support needs.
Children’s HCBS Waiver – Provides home- and community-based supports for children with disabilities.
📌 Families should apply through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) or their local Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) office to confirm eligibility and payment options.
Pennsylvania: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers several programs that allow parents of disabled children to be compensated as caregivers. These programs are designed to help families keep their children at home while ensuring proper care and financial support.
Pennsylvania Family Home Health Aide Program – 2025
The Family Home Health Aide Program allows parents to be trained and certified to provide care for their disabled children.
Parents can be compensated for unskilled personal care services such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility assistance.
Payments are authorized through Medicaid and based on the child’s assessed needs.
Additional Waivers for Family Caregivers – 2025
Pennsylvania also operates Medicaid waivers that may allow parents to be paid caregivers under specific conditions:
Consolidated Waiver
Person/Family Directed Support Waiver (P/FDS)
Community Living Waiver
These waivers can cover personal care services, habilitation, respite, and other supports for minor children with disabilities. In most cases, parents may be approved if no other suitable caregiver is available.
📌 Families should apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) or their local County Assistance Office (CAO) to confirm eligibility and enrollment.
South Dakota: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In South Dakota
In South Dakota, caregiver compensation through Medicaid waivers is limited. While the state provides some opportunities for family members to be paid caregivers, parents of minor children are currently not eligible to receive payment for caring for their disabled child at home.
Current Caregiver Pay Rules in 2025
Parents/Guardians of Adults (18+) – Parents and guardians may be paid caregivers under certain Medicaid waiver programs when providing care to adult children with disabilities.
Parents of Minors – As of 2025, South Dakota does not allow parents of children under 18 to be paid caregivers.
Waiver Coverage – Payments are generally tied to personal care, respite, and daily living supports for adult participants.
📌 Families of minor children may still receive support services (respite, home modifications, medical assistance), but direct payment to parents is restricted to adults only.
Tennessee: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Tennessee
Tennessee continues to rank low in family caregiver support compared to other states. However, progress is being made to expand caregiver programs. In 2025, the state has introduced limited options for compensation, though parents of minor children still face restrictions.
Current Caregiver Pay in Tennessee – 2025
Small Stipends Available: Some families may receive a modest stipend through Medicaid waiver programs, but this is not considered full paid parent caregiving.
Parents of Minors: Compensation for parents caring for children under 18 remains very limited. Payments are generally restricted to certain respite or support services.
Parents of Adults (18+): There are broader opportunities for parents and guardians to be compensated when providing care to adult children with disabilities under waiver programs.
Future Outlook – 2025
Tennessee lawmakers have signaled plans to expand family caregiver pay programs.
Efforts are underway to improve Medicaid waiver funding and consider structured family caregiving models, similar to programs in nearby states.
Families should monitor updates from the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) and the TennCare Medicaid program for new caregiver payment options expected to be piloted in late 2025.
📌 For now, Tennessee offers limited financial relief to parents of minor children, but changes are anticipated as caregiver legislation moves forward.
Washington: Paid Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child In Washington
Washington has historically excluded parents of minor children from being compensated caregivers under Medicaid waivers. However, significant progress has been made toward expanding eligibility for family caregivers.
Current Caregiver Pay Rules – 2025
Parents of Minors: As of 2025, most existing Medicaid waivers still do not allow parents of minor children to be paid directly as caregivers.
Parents of Adults (18+): Parents and guardians of adult children with disabilities may qualify for compensation through waiver programs covering personal care, habilitation, and respite.
Legislative Update – 2025
A bill passed in late 2024 aims to create a paid parent caregiving program in Washington.
This new program is expected to expand eligibility for parents of medically fragile or developmentally disabled children under 18.
Implementation is ongoing in 2025, with pilot programs rolling out under the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
📌 Families should check with the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) and the DDA for updates on when the new program will fully launch and how parents of minors can apply.
Looking Ahead: More States and Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child
Looking Ahead: More States and Benefits for Parents Caring for a Disabled Child in 2025
Across the country, more states are expanding opportunities for parents to be compensated caregivers for their disabled children. These changes not only reduce financial strain on families but also recognize the critical role that parents play in providing safe, consistent, and compassionate care.
By offering payment options, states acknowledge the value of family caregiving and ensure that children with disabilities can remain at home with the support they need rather than moving into institutional settings.
The Growing Trend in 2025
New Programs Emerging: States such as Florida, New Jersey, and Arizona have introduced new or expanded parent caregiver programs.
Pending Legislation: Other states, including Connecticut, Washington, and Tennessee, are considering new bills to allow parents of minors to qualify for caregiver pay.
Expanded Flexibility: More Medicaid waivers now include participant-directed services, giving families the choice to hire parents as paid caregivers when no other suitable provider is available.
Staying Informed
As state policies evolve in 2025, Paid.care continues to track updates and share reliable information. Families should check back often for the latest caregiver pay rates, waiver changes, and eligibility updates.
Explore Paid.care’s Ultimate Paid Family Caregiver Guide
