Quick answer
Yes, family members can be paid in California
- Spouse Limited
- Adult child Yes
1 program to ask about. Start here: In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).
These badges summarize the details below. "Not confirmed" means we couldn't find it stated on an official page yet.
Get your free California Pay Checklist + rule-change alerts
The programs to ask about, documents to gather, and who to call in California. We'll also email you if California's rules or pay rates change.
Programs that pay family caregivers
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Medi-Cal-funded program in which an approved recipient hires their own individual provider. Family members can be providers after completing provider enrollment. IHSS has sub-programs (PCSP, IHSS Plus Option, CFCO, IHSS-R) and which one applies depends partly on who the provider is.
Who can be paid?
Can I get paid to take care of my parent in California?
Adult children can be providers. For minor recipients, CDSS All County Letter 23-106 describes removal of earlier limits on parent providers; details depend on the sub-program.
Can a spouse be paid as a caregiver in California?
Yes, in some sub-programs. CDSS regulations say PCSP is unavailable when the provider is the recipient's spouse; those recipients are served under other IHSS sub-programs (e.g. IHSS Plus Waiver), which do not bar a spouse.
How to apply
How do I apply in California?
Submit form SOC 295 to your county IHSS office. A county social worker does a home assessment; a Health Care Certification (SOC 873) is required before services are authorized.
Is there a waiting list in California?
Unknown – not stated on the CDSS pages we checked.
Pay and requirements
How much does it pay?
Hourly wage varies by county (negotiated per county). The State issues provider checks. Ask your county social worker for your county's rate.
Caregiver requirements
Provider must complete enrollment (SOC 426), in-person ID check, fingerprint criminal background check, provider orientation, and sign the provider agreement (SOC 846) before being paid.