Can a spouse be paid?
SometimesSometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed.
The fine print: limited — yes under Big Sky Waiver self-directed option; prohibited under CFCS/PCS (spouses and parents of minors excluded there)
Free toolSee what Montana pays →
Get paid as a family caregiver in Montana
Montana runs real Medicaid programs that pay family members to care for a loved one at home. Here is what they pay, who can be paid, and how to start.
Montana at a glance
- Aged 65+
- 239,400
- Counties
- 56
- Programs
- 2
- Spouse pay
- Sometimes
21% of the state
each with its own page
that can pay a relative
see the full rule below
- 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 Montana pays family caregivers
Rates vary — check with the program.
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: Montana Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlist in Montana
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one.
BSW: yes, limited slots (~2,800/yr, waitlist forms when full); CFCS/PCS: entitlement, no waitlist
The two big questions
Can a parent be paid for a child?
SometimesSometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — under the Big Sky Waiver a parent of a minor can be paid only for extraordinary care, up to 40 hours a week; CFCS/PCS excludes parents of minors
Montana's programs
Run by: Montana DPHHS, Senior & Long Term Care Division (406-444-4077)
Big Sky Waiver (self-directed)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Community First Choice & PCS
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →How to apply in Montana
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 Montana Medicaid at apply.mt.gov or a local Office of Public Assistance (helpline 888-706-1535); Mountain Pacific Quality Health does the functional assessment (800-219-7035).
We help at every step.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Montana questions, answered honestly
Is this legit?
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Montana, they are overseen by the Montana DPHHS. 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 Montana?
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed. The fine print: limited — yes under Big Sky Waiver self-directed option; prohibited under CFCS/PCS (spouses and parents of minors excluded there)
Can I get paid to care for my child in Montana?
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — under the Big Sky Waiver a parent of a minor can be paid only for extraordinary care, up to 40 hours a week; CFCS/PCS excludes parents of minors
How much do family caregivers get paid in Montana?
Montana doesn't publish one flat rate — rates vary and 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: BSW: yes, limited slots (~2,800/yr, waitlist forms when full); CFCS/PCS: entitlement, no waitlist
Do I have to work for an agency?
It depends on the program. In Montana: hybrid — member hires/fires the caregiver but a financial management services / provider agency handles payroll, taxes, background checks; agency-based model also available
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · dphhs.mt.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
Browse Montana by county
The programs are the same across Montana. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
- Yellowstone
- Gallatin
- Missoula
- Flathead
- Cascade
- Lewis and Clark
- Ravalli
- Silver Bow
- Lake
- Lincoln
- Park
- Hill
- Sanders
- Glacier
- Jefferson
- Big Horn
- Custer
- Fergus
- Carbon
- Richland
- Roosevelt
- Beaverhead
- Deer Lodge
- Madison
- Stillwater
- Dawson
- Broadwater
- Rosebud
- Valley
- Powell
- Blaine
- Teton
- Pondera
- Chouteau
- Musselshell
- Mineral
- Toole
- Phillips
- Sweet Grass
- Granite
- Sheridan
- Fallon
- Judith Basin
- Meagher
- Wheatland
- Liberty
- Powder River
- McCone
- Daniels
- Carter
- Garfield
- Prairie
- Wibaux
- Golden Valley
- Treasure
- Petroleum
Guides
For Montana families
Start with the Montana caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Across the line
States that border Montana
Each state writes its own rules, and they differ more than people expect — a spouse who can be paid on one side of the line often cannot be on the other.
Find out in 2 minutes
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.