Can a spouse be paid?
YesYes — Hawaii can pay you to care for your spouse.
The fine print: yes — relatives including spouses and adult children can be hired under QI self-direction
Hawaii
Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Hawaii
Hawaii has real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here's what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.
What Hawaii pays family caregivers
$14–$23/hr
Rates vary — check with the program.
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Hawaii Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlist in Hawaii
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one.
Medicaid/QI enrollment is an entitlement, but HCBS/LTSS participant slots can be limited — waitlist can form when full
The two big questions
Can a parent be paid for a child?
SometimesSometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — self-direction allows hiring relatives, but payment of a parent for a minor child is not documented; confirm with Med-QUEST
Hawaii's programs
Run by: Hawaii Dept. of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division (MQD)
QUEST Integration self-direction
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →How to apply in Hawaii
Check your match — 2 minutes, free.
Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Start the state application.
Apply for Med-QUEST online at MyBenefits or with form DHS 1100 at a Med-QUEST Service Center (800-316-8005); once enrolled, request a long-term-services assessment through the QI health plan.
We help at every step.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Hawaii questions, answered honestly
Is this legit?
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Hawaii, they are overseen by the Hawaii Dept. of Human Services. We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.
Why would the government pay me?
Care at home costs Medicaid far less than a nursing home. So states pay family members to give that care at home. It's good for your loved one, and it's the law working the way it should.
Can I get paid to care for my spouse in Hawaii?
Yes — Hawaii can pay you to care for your spouse. The fine print: yes — relatives including spouses and adult children can be hired under QI self-direction
Can I get paid to care for my child in Hawaii?
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — self-direction allows hiring relatives, but payment of a parent for a minor child is not documented; confirm with Med-QUEST
How much do family caregivers get paid in Hawaii?
Reported figures are around $14–$23/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Is there a waitlist?
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one. Details: Medicaid/QI enrollment is an entitlement, but HCBS/LTSS participant slots can be limited — waitlist can form when full
Do I have to work for an agency?
It depends on the program. In Hawaii: self-directed: participant hires the caregiver; a financial management services (FMS) agency handles payroll/taxes; services authorized through the member's QI health plan (MCO)
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · medquest.hawaii.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
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