Government Care Payments: How to Get Paid to Care for a Family Member

When you care for an elderly parent, a disabled partner, or a loved one with long-term needs, it’s not just time and effort you’re giving—it’s your life. But what if the government could help pay you for it? Government care payments, cash programs that compensate family members for providing care to eligible relatives. Also known as direct payment schemes, these aren’t charity—they’re formal arrangements under state and federal rules, designed to keep people out of nursing homes and in familiar surroundings. In the UK, this often comes through local council arrangements under the Care Act, while in the US, Medicaid waivers like Cash and Counseling, a program that lets beneficiaries hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members make it possible to turn care into income.

These programs don’t pay just anyone. You usually need to prove the person you’re caring for meets medical and financial thresholds. The caregiver—often a child, spouse, or sibling—must also pass background checks and sometimes complete basic training. The pay isn’t luxury-level, but it’s real: anywhere from £10 to £20 an hour in the UK, or $12–$20 an hour in many US states. That’s not a side hustle—it’s a lifeline for families who’ve been juggling jobs, bills, and round-the-clock care without help.

It’s not just about the money. These programs give caregivers legal standing. You’re no longer just "helping out"—you’re a recognized provider. That means you can claim benefits, take time off without guilt, and even build a work history. Many people don’t realize they qualify because they assume only professional carers get paid. But the truth? Your kitchen table is just as valid a care setting as a clinic.

There are gaps, of course. Not every state or council offers these programs. Some limit payments to certain conditions like dementia or physical disability. And if your loved one doesn’t qualify for Medicaid or local social care funding, you’re out of luck. But if they do? You’re likely eligible. The biggest mistake? Waiting until you’re burned out to ask. Start early. Talk to your local social services office. Ask about Medicaid waivers, state-run programs that allow home-based care funding, often including payment to family members. Check if your area has a Personal Assistant Scheme, a UK program letting care recipients hire their own support workers, including relatives.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides on how to apply, what paperwork to expect, and which programs actually pay out in your region. No fluff. No theory. Just the steps people have taken to get paid for doing what they already do—caring for someone they love.