Vermont 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.
23% of the state
each with its own page
that can pay a relative
see the full rule below
Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Rules from each state's published Medicaid program
$15.49–$18/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Vermont Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
There may be a waitlist. Applying early holds your place.
Highest Needs applicants are prioritized; HCBS slots may be limited and a waitlist can form when full (Moderate Needs is capped)
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed.
The fine print: limited — Choices for Care pays a spouse for hands-on personal care but not for household tasks (IADLs), in both consumer-directed personal care and Flexible Choices; legal guardians and the surrogate employer cannot be paid
Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid.
The fine print: no via CFC — the program serves adults (18+ with physical disabilities and seniors); children's personal care runs through separate programs
Run by: Vermont Dept. of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL)
A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →A program that can pay a family member for care at home.
2-min check →Our quick check tells you which programs fit your family before you talk to anyone.
Submit a Vermont Long-Term Care Medicaid application (DAIL does the clinical assessment, ESD at 800-479-6151 the financial eligibility); the Senior HelpLine at 800-642-5119 can help start the process.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Vermont, they are overseen by the Vermont Dept. of Disabilities. We help you enroll — applying costs you nothing.
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.
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed. The fine print: limited — Choices for Care pays a spouse for hands-on personal care but not for household tasks (IADLs), in both consumer-directed personal care and Flexible Choices; legal guardians and the surrogate employer cannot be paid
Not for young children right now — but parents of adult children can often be paid. The fine print: no via CFC — the program serves adults (18+ with physical disabilities and seniors); children's personal care runs through separate programs
Reported figures are around $15.49–$18/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
There may be a waitlist. Applying early holds your place. Details: Highest Needs applicants are prioritized; HCBS slots may be limited and a waitlist can form when full (Moderate Needs is capped)
It depends on the program. In Vermont: self-directed — participant or surrogate is the employer; ARIS Solutions serves as the fiscal intermediary handling payroll, taxes, and background checks
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · arissolutions.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
The programs are the same across Vermont. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
Guides
Start with the Vermont caregiver program, then read how the pieces fit together.
Across the line
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.
Answer 5 easy questions. See your programs and pay before you share any contact info.