Get Paid to Care for a Family Member in Pennsylvania — Complete Guide

Get Paid to Care for a Family Member in Pennsylvania

If you are already caring for an elderly parent, a sibling with a disability, or another loved one — Pennsylvania has programs that will pay you to do it. You do not need a nursing degree. You do not need to quit your current job. And the process is simpler than most families expect.

This page explains exactly how Pennsylvania’s family caregiver pay programs work, who qualifies, how much you can earn, and how to get started through A-Team Home Care — a Medicare-certified, ACHC-accredited agency serving Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County.

Pennsylvania Does Pay Family Caregivers — Here Is How

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program funds several home and community-based waiver programs administered by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL). Under these programs, the person receiving care can choose a home care agency — and in many cases, they can request a family member as their caregiver.

The family member becomes a paid employee of the agency. The agency handles payroll taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, scheduling, and compliance. The family member provides the care and gets paid on a regular paycheck — without navigating government bureaucracy on their own.

Who Can Be Paid as a Family Caregiver in Pennsylvania?

Most adult family members can qualify — adult children, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives. Pennsylvania does not allow a spouse to be paid as a caregiver under most programs (this is a federal Medicaid rule). Live-in adult children are commonly approved.

Which Pennsylvania Programs Allow Family Members to Be Paid?

• Community HealthChoices (CHC) — Pennsylvania’s Medicaid managed long-term services and supports program, covering adults 21 and older who need long-term care at home instead of in a nursing facility.
• OBRA Waiver — Serves adults with physical disabilities between ages 18–59.
• COMMCARE Waiver — For individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
• Act 150 / Independence Waiver — Supports adults with physical disabilities in avoiding nursing home placement.

Each program has specific eligibility criteria. A-Team’s enrollment team can review your situation at no cost and tell you which program your family member likely qualifies for.

The A-Team Family Caregiver Program

A-Team Home Care runs a dedicated Family Caregiver Program for Philadelphia-area families. If your loved one is enrolled in Medicaid (or is eligible for Medicaid), A-Team employs you as a Direct Care Worker (DCW), handles the paperwork, and puts you on regular bi-weekly payroll.

What A-Team handles so you do not have to:

• Medicaid enrollment assistance for your loved one
• Caregiver onboarding, background clearances, and training
• Payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, and liability insurance
• Care plan coordination with your loved one’s physician
• Compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services requirements

Pay and Benefits

Pennsylvania’s Direct Care Worker (DCW) wage floor is $15.00 per hour. A-Team caregivers — including family caregivers enrolled through the program — receive bi-weekly paychecks (every other Friday). New caregivers currently qualify for A-Team’s $2,000 Quality Care Program.

Does Your Loved One Qualify? Eligibility Basics

Medical Eligibility

They must require a level of care that would otherwise require a nursing home — typically meaning help with two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transferring, or eating. Conditions like dementia, COPD, heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and post-stroke disability commonly qualify.

Financial Eligibility

They must qualify for Pennsylvania Medicaid. Income and asset limits apply. Many families discover a parent qualifies who they assumed would not — especially given medical expense deductions and spend-down rules. A-Team’s team can walk through a basic eligibility check at no charge.

Common Questions Families Ask

Can I get paid to care for my parent if they live with me?

Yes. Live-in family caregivers can be enrolled. The care must be documented and delivered per an approved care plan. Living in the same household does not disqualify you.

Can I get paid to care for my spouse in Pennsylvania?

No. Federal Medicaid rules prohibit paying a spouse as a caregiver in most waiver programs. However, adult children or other qualifying family members of your spouse may be paid.

What if my parent is not yet on Medicaid?

A-Team can assist with the Medicaid application as part of Family Caregiver Program enrollment. Many families discover eligibility they did not expect.

How long does it take to start getting paid?

Once Medicaid is active and A-Team completes enrollment, many caregivers start receiving paychecks within a few weeks. A-Team provides a realistic timeline based on your specific situation.

Do I need experience or certifications?

No nursing license or clinical certification is required. A-Team provides required training during onboarding. You need to pass a background clearance, complete orientation, and you are ready to start.

Can I keep another job while being a paid family caregiver?

Yes, in most cases. Hours paid depend on how many hours your loved one’s care plan authorizes. Many family caregivers work part-time care hours while maintaining other employment.

How to Get Started with A-Team

Call A-Team directly. The enrollment team will ask a few questions about your loved one’s age, health situation, and current insurance — and tell you on the same call whether the Family Caregiver Program is a realistic option for your family. No commitment required for the initial assessment.

More detail: A-Team Family Caregiver Program — How It Works

• A-Team Family Caregiver Program
• Personal Care Services
• Home Care in Philadelphia
• Home Care in Bucks County