How much do family caregivers get paid in Vermont?
Around $15.49–$18/hr — and here is what moves that number.
Your pay is not a posted wage. It comes out of a care budget that Vermont sets from your relative's assessed needs, which is why two caregivers in the same town can be paid differently.
What Vermont pays family caregivers
$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
What sets your number
self-directed — participant or surrogate is the employer; ARIS Solutions serves as the fiscal intermediary handling payroll, taxes, and background checks
- Spouse can be paid?
- Yes
- Parent paid for a child?
- Not right now
- Waitlist
- There may be a waitlist — apply early.
Where the money comes from
This is Medicaid money, not a grant and not a charity. In Vermont it runs through Choices for Care (self-directed), Flexible Choices, administered by Vermont Dept. of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL); Senior HelpLine 800-642-5119; ESD Benefits Service Center 800-479-6151 (financial eligibility)
147,600 people in Vermont — 23% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 14 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 Vermont program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
Vermont 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 Vermont: 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.
Vermont pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in Vermont?
Figures reported for Vermont land around $15.49–$18/hr, but that is a range, not a promise. Your rate is set inside your relative's care plan and budget. We tell you your real number before you enroll.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which Vermont program they are on, and who administers the payroll. self-directed — participant or surrogate is the employer; ARIS Solutions serves as the fiscal intermediary handling payroll, taxes, and background checks
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 Vermont?
yes — relatives including an adult child or spouse can be hired in the Highest Needs group / Flexible Choices; spouses are NOT payable in the Moderate Needs group; legal guardians excluded There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in Vermont.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in Vermont?
no via CFC — the program serves adults (18+ with physical disabilities and seniors); children's personal care runs through separate programs
Is there a waitlist in Vermont?
Highest Needs applicants are prioritized; HCBS slots may be limited and a waitlist can form when full (Moderate Needs is capped)
How do I apply in Vermont?
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.
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for Vermont →
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · arissolutions.org · medicaidplanningassistance.org · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Where most Vermont caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in Vermont — 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.