Can a spouse be paid?
YesYes — New Jersey can pay you to care for your spouse.
The fine print: yes — spouse, adult child, sibling, relative, friend, or neighbor can be hired as the paid PCA
New Jersey
Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in New Jersey
New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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: New Jersey Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Waitlist in New Jersey
No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in.
no waitlist — entitlement for those approved for PCA services
The two big questions
Can a parent be paid for a child?
Not right nowNot for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid.
The fine print: no — parent of a minor Medicaid recipient is categorically excluded per the federal 1915(j) rule; guardians of incapacitated adults CAN be paid if someone else serves as authorized representative
New Jersey's programs
Run by: NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (PPP office 609-631-2481)
Personal Preference Program (PPP)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →How to apply in New Jersey
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.
Enroll in NJ FamilyCare Plan A, then call your Managed Care Organization to request a PCA assessment and PPP enrollment; PPP helpline 609-631-2481.
We help at every step.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
New Jersey questions, answered honestly
Is this legit?
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In New Jersey, they are overseen by the NJ Department 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 New Jersey?
Yes — New Jersey can pay you to care for your spouse. The fine print: yes — spouse, adult child, sibling, relative, friend, or neighbor can be hired as the paid PCA
Can I get paid to care for my child in New Jersey?
Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid. The fine print: no — parent of a minor Medicaid recipient is categorically excluded per the federal 1915(j) rule; guardians of incapacitated adults CAN be paid if someone else serves as authorized representative
How much do family caregivers get paid in New Jersey?
New Jersey 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?
No waitlist. If you qualify, you're in. Details: no waitlist — entitlement for those approved for PCA services
Do I have to work for an agency?
It depends on the program. In New Jersey: self-directed (participant is employer) but a fiscal intermediary is mandatory: Palco (Horizon NJ Health) or Public Partnerships LLC/PPL (Aetna, Fidelis, UnitedHealthcare, Wellpoint); FI transition in progress 2025-26
Sources: nj.gov · medicaidplanningassistance.org · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
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