How much do family caregivers get paid in New York?
Around $18.65–$20.65/hr.
Your pay is not a posted wage. It comes out of a care budget that New York sets from your relative's assessed needs, which is why two caregivers in the same town can be paid differently.
What New York pays family caregivers
$18.65–$20.65/hr
Source: New York Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
What sets your number
self-directed (consumer recruits, hires, trains), but since 4/1/2025 every consumer and PA must register with PPL (Public Partnerships LLC), the single statewide fiscal intermediary that runs payroll
- Spouse can be paid?
- Not right now
- Parent paid for a child?
- Not right now
- Waitlist
- No waitlist.
Where the money comes from
This is Medicaid money, not a grant and not a charity. In New York it runs through CDPAP, administered by New York State Department of Health; Medicaid Helpline 1-800-541-2831; local county Department of Social Services determines eligibility
3.8 million people in New York — 19% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 62 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 New York program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
New York 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 New York: Apply through the county Department of Social Services (or Medicaid Helpline); enrolled members go through their care manager/MLTC plan, then consumer and caregiver register with PPL.
New York pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in New York?
Family caregivers in New York are generally paid $18.65–$20.65/hr.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which New York program they are on, and who administers the payroll. self-directed (consumer recruits, hires, trains), but since 4/1/2025 every consumer and PA must register with PPL (Public Partnerships LLC), the single statewide fiscal intermediary that runs payroll
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 New York?
no — spouses cannot be hired as CDPAP personal assistants There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in New York.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in New York?
no — parents cannot be paid caregivers for their own children under 21 (they can be paid for adult children 21+)
Is there a waitlist in New York?
no waitlist — CFCO/CDPAP is an entitlement; new 'Minimum Needs' eligibility requirements for most new adult applicants since Sept 2025
How do I apply in New York?
Apply through the county Department of Social Services (or Medicaid Helpline); enrolled members go through their care manager/MLTC plan, then consumer and caregiver register with PPL.
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for New York →
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · pplfirst.com · health.ny.gov · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Where most New York caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in New York — 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.