What family caregivers are paid in Oregon
Around $21.25–$25.25/hr. Your pay is not a posted wage — it comes out of a care budget Oregon sets from your relative's assessed needs, which is why two caregivers on the same street can be paid differently.
Oregon at a glance
- Reported pay
- $21.25–$25.25/hr
- Programs
- 3
- Spouse pay
- Yes
- Waitlist
- Mixed
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 Oregon pays family caregivers
$21.25–$25.25/hr
Source: Oregon Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
What sets your number
fully self-directed — participant is the employer; fiscal-agency help optional under ICP; Spousal Pay caregivers need an OHCC provider number
- Spouse can be paid?
- Yes
- 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 Oregon it runs through Independent Choices Program (ICP), Spousal Pay Program, Consumer-Employed Provider program, administered by Oregon Department of Human Services, Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) — 800-282-8096; ADRC 1-855-673-2372
850,800 people in Oregon — 20% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 36 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 Oregon program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
Oregon 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 Oregon: Contact the local Area Agency on Aging / APD office or call ODHS at 800-282-8096 (ADRC 1-855-673-2372) to request an assessment and ask for Independent Choices or Spousal Pay.
Oregon pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in Oregon?
Family caregivers in Oregon are generally paid $21.25–$25.25/hr.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which Oregon program they are on, and who administers the payroll. fully self-directed — participant is the employer; fiscal-agency help optional under ICP; Spousal Pay caregivers need an OHCC provider number
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 Oregon?
yes — spouses can be hired under ICP and the dedicated Spousal Pay Program (spouse must enroll as a provider with the Oregon Home Care Commission) There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in Oregon.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in Oregon?
limited — parents of minors historically excluded; new Children's Extraordinary Needs Waiver (2024) pays parents up to 20 hrs/wk but capped at 155 families (230 from 7/1/2026)
Is there a waitlist in Oregon?
ICP: not an entitlement — waitlist can form when slots fill; Spousal Pay Program is an entitlement with no waitlist
How do I apply in Oregon?
Contact the local Area Agency on Aging / APD office or call ODHS at 800-282-8096 (ADRC 1-855-673-2372) to request an assessment and ask for Independent Choices or Spousal Pay.
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for Oregon →
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · oregon.gov · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Guides
For Oregon families
Start with the Oregon caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Where most Oregon caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in Oregon — 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.