Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Illinois?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

The state of Illinois has several programs that allow family members to get paid to provide in-home care for an elderly loved one. The Illinois Department on Aging’s Community Care Program is designed to help older adults live independently while aging in place in the comfort of their own homes. Family members may be compensated for caring for a loved one through Medicaid if they qualify. Veterans may also be eligible to receive home care through VA benefits to pay for family caregivers.

Medicaid Payments for Family Caregivers

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers provide eligible seniors with the option of obtaining in-home care instead of care at a senior living facility. These waivers allow Medicaid funds to be redirected to cover the cost of home services, including those given by relatives. With self-directed personal assistant services (PAS), seniors can employ their own chosen caregivers, typically family members or close friends. Through PAS, the caregiver is accountable for creating a personalized care plan with the senior’s preferences and abilities in mind, as well as establishing an individual backup plan that outlines what steps must be taken if they can no longer carry out their duties.

VA Benefits for Paid Family Caregivers

For family members providing in-home care for a veteran, VA benefits can be a valuable asset. VA Aid and Attendance offers eligible veterans and surviving spouses a significant monthly payment in addition to their standard VA pensions. This allowance can be used by senior veterans or spouses who are unable to look after themselves to pay for extra help, such as assistance from another family member. Although the program does not allow spouses to get paid for caregiving duties, other relatives may be eligible for Aid and Attendance if the eligible veteran or spouse meets certain income, age and disability criteria, and served on active duty with an honorable discharge.