Short answer
Generally no
No for Home Help. The MDHHS Home Help client handbook (Pub-1733) says you cannot use a 'responsible relative' (a spouse caring for a spouse, or a parent caring for a minor child) as the paid caregiver. MI Choice rules: confirm with your waiver agency.
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The programs to ask about, documents to gather, and who to call in Michigan. We'll also email you if Michigan's rules or pay rates change.
Programs to ask about in Michigan
Home Help Program
Medicaid personal care program; clients choose their own caregiver, who can be a family member other than a spouse (per MDHHS client handbook as summarized).
MI Choice Waiver – self-determination
Waiver participants can hire and manage their own workers with a fiscal intermediary handling payroll. MI Choice and Home Help cannot be used at the same time.
Structured Family Caregiving (MI Choice)
An MDHHS presentation (May 2025) describes Structured Family Caregiving as being designed for MI Choice: a live-in caregiver would get paid, typically as a daily stipend, through a provider. In that document, whether a spouse can be paid is listed as 'TBD'. The same document says Community Living Supports allows paying a spouse or legally responsible individual 'in limited situations'.
How to apply
Home Help: contact your local MDHHS office. MI Choice: contact your local MI Choice waiver agency.