Virginia 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.
18% 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
$13.88–$17.97/hr
Your exact pay is set by the program and your care plan. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Source: Virginia Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one.
not an entitlement — a waitlist can form when slots fill, though it has historically had no waiting list
Sometimes — it depends on the program and the care needed.
The fine print: limited — spouses payable only as Legally Responsible Individuals for 'extraordinary care' (ADLs only, not IADLs/supervision) when circumstances prevent a non-LRI caregiver; capped at 40 hrs/week; LRI rules updated eff. 7/1/2025
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents.
The fine print: limited — parents of minors payable under the same LRI rules (extraordinary care, ADLs only, up to 40 hrs/week per child); no respite allowed alongside a paid LRI
Run by: Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), Office of Community Living
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.
Apply for Medicaid via Cover Virginia or the local Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) office and request a functional (nursing-facility level of care) screening through local DSS.
Forms, phone calls, the enrollment visit — we walk you through it all, free.
Yes. These are real Medicaid programs run by the state. In Virginia, they are overseen by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS). 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 — spouses payable only as Legally Responsible Individuals for 'extraordinary care' (ADLs only, not IADLs/supervision) when circumstances prevent a non-LRI caregiver; capped at 40 hrs/week; LRI rules updated eff. 7/1/2025
Sometimes — special programs for children may pay parents. The fine print: limited — parents of minors payable under the same LRI rules (extraordinary care, ADLs only, up to 40 hrs/week per child); no respite allowed alongside a paid LRI
Reported figures are around $13.88–$17.97/hr, but rates vary — the program sets your exact pay. We'll tell you your real number before you enroll.
Some programs here have no waitlist. Others can have one. Details: not an entitlement — a waitlist can form when slots fill, though it has historically had no waiting list
It depends on the program. In Virginia: no home-care agency; fully consumer-directed but a fiscal/employer agent is mandatory — PPL (Public Partnerships) or Consumer Direct Care Network depending on the member's managed-care plan, plus a services facilitator
Sources: medicaidplanningassistance.org · dmas.virginia.gov · dmas.virginia.gov · Updated September 2026. Program rules change — always confirm with the program.
The programs are the same across Virginia. Pick your county to see how they work where you live.
Guides
Start with the Virginia 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.