5 ways to get paid caring for a loved one in
New Jersey
Published on
July 29, 2022
Last updated
July 18, 2024
Caring for a loved one is an important and challenging role, but there are programs in New Jersey to help family caregivers like you get financial assistance for the work you do. This guide covers key programs, eligibility requirements, and how much you might earn as a family caregiver.
Get paid through New Jersey Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals. This includes families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Some states can offer extra services through Medicaid waiver programs. These waivers let states "waive" some federal rules to provide more specific support to specific groups of people, like those needing long-term care.
In NJ, the following waivers are available with a caregiver pay option:
can you get paid?
Who are you caring for?
Medicaid waiver programs can change over time, so it's important to consult the official New Jersey Medicaid website or contact the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services for the most up-to-date info on available waivers, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
How much do family members get paid by Medicaid for caregiving?
The amount you can be paid through Medicaid varies based on a few things:
- Medicaid program rules: Each state runs different Medicaid programs, such as Structured Family Caregiving, consumer-directed services, or personal care services, each with its own pay structure.
- Local wage rates: Pay is often tied to home care wages in your state and county.
- Level of care required: Higher pay may be available for caregivers providing complex medical or personal care.
Typical pay rate
In many states, Medicaid pays family caregivers between $10 and $20 per hour, though rates can be higher in areas with higher costs of living or for caregivers providing skilled care. Some programs pay caregivers as a stipend, ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 per month depending on the state and care needs.
Steps to become a paid family caregiver through Medicaid
Use the Givers matching tool
Start by using our
free program matching tool to find programs in your zip code that offer caregiver pay options. If you’re eligible for a program we support, we’ll help you submit your initial referral.
Work with case managers through enrollment
If appropriate, you and your loved one will need to work with a dedicated case management agency to determine care needs and eligibility for in-home care. The managing agency will help arrange this as part of the application process.
Complete program-specific requirements
If approved, you’ll need to meet any program-specific requirements, such as passing a background check, health exam, trainings, or competency tests.
Provide care and document your work
Start providing care according to the program’s guidelines. Keep accurate records of caregiving tasks, hours worked, and other required documentation to stay compliant.
Receive support and payment
Support and payment will be provided by Givers or your selected agency.
Annual unpaid care value:
$17.6B
Get paid through Veterans Affairs
Veterans, and the surviving spouses of veterans, have a few options to pay family caregivers.
- Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC): Provides a stipend of up to $2,750 per month, plus training, counseling, and respite services for primary caregivers of veterans seriously injured in the line of duty.
- Veteran Directed Care Program (VDC): Eligible veterans can hire family members as caregivers and pay them using a monthly care budget. Rates range from $8-$21 hourly, based on VA guidelines.
- Aid & Attendance (A&A) Pension: Provides up to $3,261 per month to cover care costs, including family caregivers. Eligibility depends on VA pension qualifications and a disability requirement.
- Housebound Allowance: Offers up to $1,882 per month to eligible veterans who are mostly homebound. Spouses cannot be paid as caregivers under this benefit.
Get support through the New Jersey Division of Aging Services
The Georgia Department of Human Services' Division of Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) help informal caregivers by connecting them to caregiver support programs that offer assistance for caregivers.
Key services include:
- Information & referrals: Find guidance on local resources and programs.
- Respite care: Get temporary relief so primary caregivers can rest.
- Caregiver training: Learn caregiving techniques and stress management.
- Support groups: Connect with other informal caregivers for advice and shared experiences.
- Access to benefits: Help with the application process for Medicaid services, transportation assistance, and home-based care services.
Get tax credit for caregiving
Tax credits can help offset caregiving expenses by reducing the amount of taxes you owe. Here are key tax benefits that may apply to family caregivers:
- Child and Dependent Care Credit (CDCTC): This credit covers a percentage of care-related expenses incurred to allow you to work or look for work. Eligible caregivers may claim up to $3,000 for one dependent or $6,000 for two or more dependents if they pay an eligible third-party care services provider.
- Child Tax Credit (CTC): This federal credit provides financial assistance for families with dependent children (under 18). In 2023, it offers up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 18 years old. It doesn’t apply to caregiving for adults or elderly family members.
- Credit for Other Dependents (ODC): This credit is for dependents who don’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit, such as elderly parents, adult children with disabilities, or relatives who meet the IRS eligibility requirements for dependents. It offers up to $500 per dependent. To qualify, the dependent must live with you, rely on you financially, and have income below the IRS threshold.
Additionally, New Jersey matches the federal tax credit up to 50%, which can equate to an extra $300 off your taxes.
The New Jersey Legislature is considering bill A1802, to create a tax credit that equal to 22.5% of a caregiver's care-related expenses. The nonrefundable tax credit can be worth up to $3,000. The bill is currently under consideration. Read more...
get paid as a caregiver
Givers supports and pays people who are caring for their loved ones.
See If You're EligibleOther ways to get paid as a family caregiver
Here are a few caregiver programs in your state that you may want to explore:
- Long-term care insurance: If your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it may allow funds to be directed to an informal caregiver. Contact the insurance company or agent to ask about caregiver benefits.
- Employer-sponsored caregiving leave: Some companies offer paid leave for employees to care for loved ones. Check with your Human Resources department to see if this benefit is available to you.
- Get paid by family: Families might find it more cost-effective to pay you for caregiving instead of hiring professional caregivers or using institutional care like nursing homes. If they agree to compensate you, consider creating a formal personal care agreement to outline the services and payment arrangements for clarity and legal purposes.
- Personal Preference Program (PPP): This program is part of the NJ FamilyCare State Plan and is available to Medicaid beneficiaries who are elderly or disabled and require personal care assistance. It gives participants a monthly budget to manage their own long-term care and hire the caregiver of their choosing, including spouses, relatives, or friends.
- New Jersey Family Leave Insurance: Under the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), Family Leave Insurance (FLI) provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off to care for a loved one.
- Assistance for Community Caregiving: This non-Medicaid program provides services and supports for elderly residents who are at-risk of nursing home placement. Family members can be paid to provide caregiving services for their loved ones, including spouses and adult children.
- Statewide Respite Care: This program relieves an unpaid caregiver of his or her caregiving responsibilities by providing trained professionals who supervise or act as a companion to the individual in need of care.
While the federal government does not require private employers to offer paid family leave, New Jersey has a rule that could be worth $993 per week to caregivers. Employees can receive up to 85% of their weekly earnings for up to 12 weeks to care for a seriously ill family member. Learn more here
Know your caregiver rights and resources
Laws and government programs in New Jersey that provide support to informal caregivers include the following:
- Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): The FMLA provides eligible employees of covered employers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month time frame.
- CARE Act: The Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act, passed in over 40 US states, is intended to provide family caregivers of hospitalized patients with the knowledge and skills needed for safe and efficient transitions.
