What family caregivers are paid in Montana
Montana doesn't publish one flat rate, and we won't invent one. Your pay comes out of a care budget the state sets from your relative's assessed needs. We get you the real number before you enroll.
Montana at a glance
- Reported pay
- Varies
- Programs
- 2
- Spouse pay
- Sometimes
- Waitlist
- Mixed
no flat rate published
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 Montana pays family caregivers
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
What sets your number
hybrid — member hires/fires the caregiver but a financial management services / provider agency handles payroll, taxes, background checks; agency-based model also available
- Spouse can be paid?
- Sometimes
- Parent paid for a child?
- Sometimes
- Waitlist
- Some programs have no waitlist.
Where the money comes from
This is Medicaid money, not a grant and not a charity. In Montana it runs through Big Sky Waiver (self-directed), Community First Choice & PCS, administered by Montana DPHHS, Senior & Long Term Care Division (406-444-4077); Public Assistance Helpline 888-706-1535
239,400 people in Montana — 21% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 56 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 Montana program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
Montana 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 Montana: 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).
Montana pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in Montana?
Montana does not publish a single rate. Pay is set from your relative's assessed needs and the program's budget. Anyone quoting you one flat Montana number is guessing — we get you the real one before you enroll.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which Montana program they are on, and who administers the payroll. hybrid — member hires/fires the caregiver but a financial management services / provider agency handles payroll, taxes, background checks; agency-based model also available
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 Montana?
limited — yes under Big Sky Waiver self-directed option; prohibited under CFCS/PCS (spouses and parents of minors excluded there) There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in Montana.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in Montana?
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
Is there a waitlist in Montana?
BSW: yes, limited slots (~2,800/yr, waitlist forms when full); CFCS/PCS: entitlement, no waitlist
How do I apply in Montana?
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).
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for Montana →
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · dphhs.mt.gov · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Guides
For Montana families
Start with the Montana caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Where most Montana caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in Montana — 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.