How to Become a Paid Caregiver for a Family Member in Florida?

Key takeaway

Florida’s main paths to pay family caregivers are Medicaid SMMC‑LTC, HCBS waivers, and CDC+. Veterans’ programs and ADRC resources can complement these options.

SMMC‑LTC: Managed care Medicaid with self‑direction to hire certain family (spousal rules vary by plan).
HCBS waivers: Keep people at home and may allow family as paid caregivers.
CDC+: Self‑directed budget control to hire family within waiver rules.
Veterans: Aid & Attendance and PCAFC can fund family caregiving.
ADRCs: Local support, training, and respite resources.

Overview

Becoming a paid caregiver for a family member in Florida is possible through state Medicaid programs, self‑direction options, veterans’ benefits, and private arrangements. The best path depends on Medicaid eligibility, functional needs, and plan availability in your region.

Programs that pay family caregivers in Florida

Program (Type)	Care recipient eligibility	Paid family caregiver provisions
SMMC‑LTC (Statewide Medicaid Managed Care — Long‑Term Care) (Medicaid (Managed Care))	Medicaid‑eligible; needs assistance with ADLs and nursing‑home level of care; plan enrollment required.	Self‑direction can allow hiring certain family members (spouse rules vary); tasks include ADLs/IADLs like bathing, meal prep, housekeeping.
Home & Community‑Based Services (HCBS) Waivers (Medicaid)	Medicaid eligibility and medical necessity per waiver (e.g., iBudget, LTC, Model Waiver).	Supports in‑home care; some waivers permit hiring family caregivers depending on program rules.
Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+) (Medicaid self‑direction)	Enrollment in an eligible Medicaid waiver and ability to manage a care budget (with support).	Greater control over hiring and pay within budget; can hire certain family members.
Veterans Programs (Aid & Attendance, PCAFC) (Federal)	Eligible veterans; program‑specific criteria apply.	A&A increases pension to cover care; PCAFC provides a stipend, training, and supports for a designated family caregiver.
ADRC/Dept. of Elder Affairs resources (State/Local)	Varies by county and program.	Caregiver support services, respite, and training; occasional stipends depending on funding.
Private Pay / Long‑Term Care Insurance (Private)	Policy coverage or private agreement.	Some LTC policies cover family caregiving; otherwise use a written caregiver agreement for private pay.

Florida Medicaid programs: SMMC‑LTC, HCBS waivers, and CDC+

Florida’s Medicaid long‑term care is primarily delivered through managed care (SMMC‑LTC). Families can also use HCBS waivers and CDC+ self‑direction to hire certain relatives as paid caregivers.

SMMC‑LTC

The managed long‑term care program can authorize in‑home services and supports with self‑direction options depending on plan policies.

Requires Medicaid eligibility, ADL need, and nursing‑home level of care.
Self‑direction may allow hiring family; confirm spousal eligibility with the chosen plan.

HCBS Waivers

Includes iBudget (DD), Long‑Term Care Waiver, and Model Waiver for medically fragile children, among others.

Eligibility and services vary; can help keep recipients at home.
Some waivers allow family caregivers within program guidelines.

Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+)

Self‑directed funding model for certain waiver enrollees to hire caregivers (including some family) and set rates within budget.

Must be in an eligible waiver and able to manage the program (with support if needed).
Offers flexibility to tailor services and caregiver choice.

Caregiver supports via ADRCs and Elder Affairs

Florida ADRCs and the Department of Elder Affairs coordinate caregiver supports, training, and respite. Availability varies by region and funding.

Respite & support

Short‑term relief options and caregiver education resources.

Navigation help

Assistance finding the right Medicaid plan/waiver and community supports.

Who qualifies

Family caregivers for older adults or people with disabilities; program criteria vary by county.
Contact your local ADRC to confirm availability and eligibility.

Veterans’ programs

Veterans can leverage A&A and PCAFC to support family caregiving; local VA facilities can advise on enrollment.

Aid & Attendance Pension

Adds to a veteran’s pension to offset in‑home care costs, which can include family‑provided care.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

Provides a monthly stipend, training, and supports for a primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran.

Private pay and long‑term care insurance

If public programs do not apply, families can pay privately via a caregiver agreement or use long‑term care insurance when policies permit family caregiving.

What to check in the policy

Confirm policy coverage for in‑home personal care and whether benefits pay the policyholder.

How to apply in Florida (step-by-step)

Choose the path: SMMC‑LTC, HCBS waivers, CDC+, VA programs, ADRC supports, or private insurance.
Gather documents: ID, Medicaid status, income/assets (if applicable), medical records, and medications list.
Start with the right agency:
- Medicaid/SMMC‑LTC: apply via Florida DCF; request a long‑term care assessment through your local ADRC.
- HCBS waivers: contact APD or DCF depending on the waiver.
- CDC+: learn enrollment steps via APD’s CDC+ program.
- Veterans: contact the VA Caregiver Support Program.
- ADRC supports: use the Department of Elder Affairs ADRC locator to find your local center.
Complete functional and financial assessments as required by the chosen program.
If available, select self‑direction and designate your family caregiver; complete enrollment/orientation.
Begin services; track hours/claims and keep documentation for renewals and audits.