What family caregivers are paid in Kansas
Around $13–$17/hr. Your pay is not a posted wage — it comes out of a care budget Kansas sets from your relative's assessed needs, which is why two caregivers on the same street can be paid differently.
Kansas at a glance
- Reported pay
- $13–$17/hr
- Programs
- 4
- Spouse pay
- Yes
- Waitlist
- Possible
set inside the care plan
that can pay a relative
full rule on the spouse page
apply early either way
- 50 + DC
- states covered
- 3,144
- counties with local data
- $0
- it is always free to apply
- 2 min
- to see if you qualify
Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Rules from each state's published Medicaid program
What Kansas pays family caregivers
$13–$17/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Kansas Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
What sets your number
self-directed hire/train/fire, but a Financial Management Services (FMS) agency must handle payroll/taxes
- Spouse can be paid?
- Yes
- Parent paid for a child?
- Yes
- Waitlist
- There may be a waitlist — apply early.
Where the money comes from
This is Medicaid money, not a grant and not a charity. In Kansas it runs through Frail Elderly Waiver, Physical Disability Waiver, Brain Injury Waiver, Technology Assisted Waiver (children), administered by Kansas Dept. for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS); KanCare Clearinghouse 800-792-4884, ADRC 855-200-2372
528,200 people in Kansas — 18% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 105 counties. The programs on this page exist because caring for them at home costs the state far less than a nursing home does.
From first call to first paycheck
- 2 minutes
Check eligibility
Five questions tell you which Kansas program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
Kansas confirms your relative qualifies and how much help they need. The hours in that assessment become your paid hours.
- after approval
Enrol and hire
Your relative enrols, then names you as their caregiver. Background check, paperwork, done.
- every pay period
Get paid
You log the hours you already work and are paid for them, like any job.
How to start in Kansas: Apply for KanCare online (Self-Service Portal), by phone 800-792-4884, or paper, checking the HCBS box; ADRC (855-200-2372) arranges the functional assessment.
Kansas pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in Kansas?
Figures reported for Kansas land around $13–$17/hr, but that is a range, not a promise. Your rate is set inside your relative's care plan and budget. We tell you your real number before you enroll.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which Kansas program they are on, and who administers the payroll. self-directed hire/train/fire, but a Financial Management Services (FMS) agency must handle payroll/taxes
How many hours a week can I be paid for?
Hours come from the care assessment, not from how many you actually work. That is the single biggest thing families get wrong — an honest assessment is worth more than any negotiation later. We help you prepare for it.
Is family caregiver pay taxable?
Usually yes — it is normally treated as wages, with taxes withheld. One exception is worth asking about: the IRS difficulty-of-care rule can make some payments tax-free when the caregiver lives with the person receiving care.
Can I be paid to care for my spouse in Kansas?
yes — spouse can be hired under FE/PD self-directed attendant care There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in Kansas.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in Kansas?
yes — TA Waiver pays parents for personal care up to 12 hrs/day (40 hrs/wk, no overnight respite; nursing if parent is RN/LPN); BI and PD waivers also permanently allow paid parents of minors
Is there a waitlist in Kansas?
FE Waiver: new waitlist for FE applicants effective July 6 2026; PD waitlist eliminated end of FY2025; BI at risk of first-time waitlist after 2025 budget cuts
How do I apply in Kansas?
Apply for KanCare online (Self-Service Portal), by phone 800-792-4884, or paper, checking the HCBS box; ADRC (855-200-2372) arranges the functional assessment.
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for Kansas →
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · kdads.ks.gov · kidswaivers.org · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Guides
For Kansas families
Start with the Kansas caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Where most Kansas caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in Kansas — pick yours for the local picture.
Find out in 2 minutes
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.