States That Pay Parents to Care for a Disabled Child 2025 List

Published: November 24, 2025

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Raising a child with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or other developmental disabilities requires time, energy, and consistent care. Many parents reduce work hours or quit jobs entirely to provide daily support.

What most families do not know is that several government programs in the United States actually pay parents to care for their own special needs children. These programs are not well advertised, but they can provide support that often ranges between $600 and over $3,000 per month depending on the child’s needs and the state.In short, yes — several U.S. states do pay parents to care for a disabled child through Medicaid and state caregiver programs.

Below is a clear guide to the top 7 programs available in late 2025.

1. Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

This is the largest government program that pays family caregivers. Almost every state has Medicaid HCBS waivers designed to keep children with disabilities in their homes rather than institutions.

• How Parents Get Paid: In many states, the waiver allows for “Participant-Directed” care. This means the state budget pays a salary for a caregiver, and the parent can be hired as that caregiver.
• Payment Amount: Typically $15 to $25 per hour (Monthly totals often range from about $1,500 to $4,000 depending on approved hours).
• Top States for Parent Pay: California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon.

2. Consumer Directed Services (CDS)

CDS is a specific Medicaid model that lets the patient (or their family representative) hire their own care providers. Instead of an agency sending a stranger, you hire yourself or a family member.

• Payment Amount: $12 to $20 per hour depending on the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rate.
• Eligibility: The child must be on Medicaid and require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, or feeding.
• States with Strong CDS Options: Texas, Missouri, Virginia, and Florida.

3. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) – California Only

California runs one of the most generous caregiver programs in the country. IHSS specifically pays providers to help low-income elderly, blind, or disabled individuals, including children, remain safely in their own homes.

• Payment Amount: Rates vary by county, generally ranging from $18.00 to $25.50 per hour in 2025.
• Who Can Be Paid: Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians can be hired as the “IHSS Provider” for their minor child.
• Eligibility: The child must qualify for Medi-Cal and have a documented need for protective supervision or personal care.

4. State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Programs

Every state has a Department of Developmental Disabilities (often called DDD or DDS). Many of these departments offer specific “Family Support” grants or vouchers.

• Arizona (ALTCS): Allows parents of minor children to be paid caregivers under specific circumstances.
• Minnesota (PCA Program): Parents can be paid to provide Personal Care Assistance services to their eligible children.
• Payment Amount: Varies widely, but often provides around $500 to $2,000 per month in respite funding or direct caregiver pay.

5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

While SSI does not “hire” parents, it provides a direct monthly cash payment to help cover the costs of food, shelter, and care for a child with a disability.

• 2025 Payment Amount: The maximum federal benefit is $967 per month (up from $943 in 2024). Many states add a small supplement to this amount.
• Eligibility: This is strictly means-tested. The family must have limited income and resources, and the child must have a marked and severe functional limitation.

6. The National Family Caregiver Support Program

Funded by the Older Americans Act, this program is primarily for elder care, but it has a specific provision for “older relatives” (age 55+) caring for children with severe disabilities.

• What it Offers: It generally provides respite care funding, counseling, and supplemental services.
• Payment: Usually $200 to $600 in reimbursement for respite services or supplies, rather than a salary.

7. Paid Family Medical Leave (State-Specific)

Several states have passed laws allowing workers to take paid time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition.

• Active States: California, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, and Colorado.
• Payment: Typically 60% to 90% of your weekly wages for 6 to 12 weeks per year.
• Best For: Parents who need to take short-term leave for a surgery, intensive therapy schedule, or medical crisis.

How to Qualify Faster

1. Get a Formal Diagnosis: You need documentation from a doctor stating your child’s specific disability and their need for “institutional level of care.”
2. Apply for Medicaid: Even if you think you earn too much, your child might qualify for “institutional deeming” waivers which ignore parental income.
3. Ask the Magic Question: When calling your state disability office, specifically ask: “Does this waiver offer a Consumer Directed or Participant Directed option?”

Many parents do not realize that they can legally get paid to care for their own special needs child. Programs like IHSS, Medicaid Waivers, and CDS are designed to reduce financial pressure and ensure consistent care. While paperwork can be heavy, the financial support that often ranges from about $1,000 to $3,000 per month can make a meaningful difference. Start by applying for Medicaid in your state, as it is the gateway to almost all paid caregiver programs.

This article is for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available program guidelines. Eligibility, payment levels, and rules vary by state and should be confirmed through official government sources. SchoolAidSpecialists.com is independent and does not represent any agency or benefit program.