How much do family caregivers get paid in Washington?
Around $22.52–$27.28/hr.
Your pay is not a posted wage. It comes out of a care budget that Washington sets from your relative's assessed needs, which is why two caregivers in the same town can be paid differently.
What Washington pays family caregivers
$22.52–$27.28/hr
Source: Washington Medicaid program data · Updated September 2026
What sets your number
no traditional agency, but all Individual Providers must be employed through CDWA (Consumer Directed Employer; handles contracting, background check, training, payroll) while the client directs day-to-day care
- 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 Washington it runs through Community First Choice (CFC), Medicaid Personal Care (MPC), Individual Provider (via CDWA), administered by WA Dept. of Social and Health Services, Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA); HCS regional intake: Region 1 Spokane 800-459-0421, Region 2 Seattle 800-346-9257, Region 3 Tacoma 800-422-5129; CDWA 866-214-9899
1.4 million people in Washington — 17% of the state — are 65 or older, spread across 39 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 Washington program fits, and roughly what it pays.
- usually weeks
Medicaid + care assessment
Washington 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 Washington: The care recipient applies for Apple Health LTSS through a DSHS Home & Community Services regional intake office and gets a CARE assessment; the family caregiver then applies as an Individual Provider at consumerdirectwa.com.
Washington pay questions, answered honestly
How much do family caregivers get paid in Washington?
Family caregivers in Washington are generally paid $22.52–$27.28/hr.
What decides my exact hourly rate?
Three things: how much help your relative is assessed as needing, which Washington program they are on, and who administers the payroll. no traditional agency, but all Individual Providers must be employed through CDWA (Consumer Directed Employer; handles contracting, background check, training, payroll) while the client directs day-to-day care
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 Washington?
no — DSHS: 'Spouses cannot be paid to care for each other'; some spouses may qualify via Veteran Directed Care or WA Cares Fund instead There is a full page on this: see spousal caregiver pay in Washington.
Can a parent be paid for caring for their own child in Washington?
no — DSHS: 'Parents cannot be paid to care for a child under 18'
Is there a waitlist in Washington?
CFC is an entitlement — no waitlist; MAC & TSOA paused enrollment and started a waitlist 12/1/2025
How do I apply in Washington?
The care recipient applies for Apple Health LTSS through a DSHS Home & Community Services regional intake office and gets a CARE assessment; the family caregiver then applies as an Individual Provider at consumerdirectwa.com.
Married and caring for your husband or wife? Read the spouse rules for Washington →
Sources: dshs.wa.gov · dshs.wa.gov · seiu775.org · Population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau · Updated September 2026. Rates change — always confirm with the program.
Where most Washington caregivers are
Counties with the most residents aged 65 and older. The rules are the same everywhere in Washington — 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.