Family Caregiver Stats in Arizona

State Population: 7,260,000

Number of Caregivers: 850,000

Number of Care Hours Annually: 800,000,000 

Value per Hour: $18

Economic Value: $14,500,000,000

Source: AARP

Getting Paid as a Family Caregiver in Arizona

Family caregivers in Arizona provide 800,000,000 hours of care per year to aging family members and friends. Much of it, unpaid. If you count yourself in this group, there's good news for you. Arizona offers various programs and resources that can help you earn money for your caregiving efforts. In this article, we'll look at each of these programs, break down the eligibility criteria and help you get started on the application process. 

Family caregivers in Arizona can get paid to provide care to an aging family member or friend through several programs. They include:

• RubyWell
• Medicaid/Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Tax credits and deductions

Here, we share information about each program and who can take advantage of it, as well as other resources that Arizona family caregivers may be able to tap to help cover the cost of caring.

Getting paid with the help of RubyWell in Arizona

RubyWell is a technology company that helps patients, caregivers, and care teams work together to safely manage health at home. Our family caregiver compensation program is designed specifically for families who don’t meet Medicaid income and asset limits, but also can’t afford to pay for long term care out of pocket. And we’re bringing it to Arizona in 2025. 

If you and the person you care for qualify for the RubyWell program, you could get trained and certified as a home health aide. This will allow you to provide Medicare-covered care for a family member or friend while being employed by a home health agency. And unlike many other caregiver compensation programs, spouses are included as eligible caregivers. 

Who is eligible for RubyWell?

If you’re a family caregiver in Arizona, you may be eligible for RubyWell if the person you care for is on Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and:

• is NOT receiving Medicaid/Health First Arizona benefits
• meets Medicare’s definition of “homebound”
• has internet access where they live

As the family caregiver, you also have to:

• be eligible to work in the United States
• be 18 years of age or older
• have a smartphone or tablet
• pass a criminal background check and drug test
• be willing to complete a 59-hour, on-line home health aide certification course and 16-hours of in-person training

How much can family caregivers get paid with the help of RubyWell?

As a Medicare-certified Home Health Aide working for one of our partner home health agencies, you can get paid for a maximum of 35 hours of care per week, depending on the health and needs of your loved one. Your pay rate will align to local home health aide rates. The average pay rate for Arizona home health aides in 2025 is about $18/hour. 

RubyWell is coming to Arizona soon

RubyWell will be accepting applications from Arizona family caregivers and care recipients in 2025. ‍

Join our waitlist to be among the first to know when RubyWell launches in your state.

Getting Paid Through Medicaid in Arizona

Medicaid is a joint Federal and state program that pays for health care services for adults age 65 and older, people with disabilities, or people who are blind. Arizona’s Medicaid program is called Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), pronounced "access". Through AHCCCS, eligible individuals can receive care services at home or in the community, so they can avoid nursing home care via Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). 

Eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary by state and often include strict income and resource (asset) limits. The income and resource limits for ALTCS are as follows:

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Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)

ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program that provides long-term care services for eligible individuals. Through ALTCS, family caregivers can receive compensation for providing care to a loved one who qualifies for the program.​

Who is eligible for the ALTCS?
The person you care for must:

• be an Arizona resident and a U.S. citizen or legal alien
• be 65 years or older, blind, or disabled
• require assistance with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) or need a nursing home level of care
• Meet the ALTCS income and resource limits

How Much Can Family Caregivers Get Paid Through the ALTCS?

The payment rate for caregivers under ALTCS varies based on the level of care required, local wage rates, and the number of approved care hours. Generally, the pay rate in Arizona ranges from $13.85 to $15 per hour. ALTCS generally approves about 30 hours per week for caregiving services per week, but allows for a maximum of 40 hours per week.

How to Apply for the Arizona Long Term Care System

To start the application process:

• Call ALTCS toll-free at 888-621-6880.
• Register an application online through Health-e-Arizona Plus.
• Download and complete the DE-101 form.
• Email the completed form to altcsregistration@azahcccs.gov or mail or fax the form to your local ALTCS office.

After the application is received:

• An assessment will be conducted to determine medical and financial eligibility.
• Once approved, the person you care for can choose you as their caregiver under Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC).
• You may then be hired and paid through a third-party financial management service.

Getting Paid Through Veterans Benefits

The VA has several programs that pay adult children, relatives, and sometimes spouses who are caring for older or disabled veterans, including those who are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. These programs give veterans a flexible budget or cash allowance they can use to hire their own care providers—including family members. 

How much can family caregivers get paid through the VA in Arizona?

Eligibility criteria and payment amounts for VA benefits can vary based on the benefit program and the veteran's specific situation, level of disability, and care needs. Below, you’ll find payment information for four VA programs. If you’re interested in any of the programs, contact Arizona Division of Veteran Affairs for the most up-to-date and personalized information.

How to apply for VA benefits in Arizona

The application process for VA benefits can be very complicated. Fortunately, the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) offers Veteran Benefits Counselors (VBCs) who can help you prepare and submit VA compensation and pension applications. Call (602) 535-1215 to schedule an appointment.

Veteran Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit (A&A)

A veteran or surviving spouse who requires long-term care can receive a monthly cash allowance which they can use at their own discretion, including to pay for in-home care provided by family members other than a spouse. The cost of paying for this care can be deducted from the care recipient's income, making it easier for them to come in under the income limit to qualify for this program. 

The veteran or surviving spouse must be eligible for the basic VA pension or the basic survivor pension in order to qualify for A&A. They also must require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and/or have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. ADLs include bathing, grooming, dressing, meal prep, and medication management. 

How much can family caregivers get paid through the A&A in Arizona?

The A&A benefit provides the following maximum monthly amounts through November 30, 2025:

• Single veteran with no dependents: Up to $2,358 per month
• Married veteran or veteran with a dependent: Up to $2,795 per month
• Surviving spouse with no dependents: Up to $1,515 per month

Veteran Directed Care (VDC)

The VDC program is currently available to veterans in Arizona. Eligible veterans must be enrolled in the VA’s medical benefits package and require skilled services and assistance with ADLs. The veteran doesn't receive cash through this program. Instead, they receive a monthly budget and work with a financial management service that makes payments for durable medical equipment (e.g., a walker, wheelchair, hospital bed, etc.) or services they need to help them remain independent, such as a caregiver (including adult children, grandchildren, spouse, or other relatives). 

How much can family caregivers get paid through the VDC in Arizona?

The payment rate for caregivers under the VDC program is determined by the VA and adjusted at the local level. For information about the current payment rates in Arizona,  you can contact:

• your local ADVS office 
• Arizona Department of Veteran Affairs
• your local Area Agency on Aging

Housebound Pension Benefit

This is a monthly cash benefit that requires the veteran or surviving spouse to be eligible for the basic VA pension or the basic survivor pension. If a loved one is unable to leave their home due to a permanent disability, they may be eligible to receive a monthly cash benefit through the Housebound Pension Benefit that they can use to hire a friend or relative other than a spouse to provide in-home care.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the Housebound Pension Benefit in Arizona?

The Housebound Pension Benefit (HPB) provides the following maximum monthly amounts through November 30, 2025:

• Unmarried veteran without a spouse or dependent children: Up to $$1,727 per month
• Married veteran or veteran with one dependent child or spouse: Up to $2,112 per month
• Two veterans married to each other (one qualifies for HPB): Up to $2,165 per month
• Two veterans married to each other (both qualify for HPB): $2,478 per month
• Surviving spouse with no dependent children: Up to $1,159 per month

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

The PCAFC is for veterans who were critically injured or had a serious illness in the line of duty and are enrolled in the VA’s health care program. They must have a VA disability rate of at least 70% (individual or combined) and require at least six months of personal care services due to an inability to complete at least one ADL, and/or require supervision.

Family caregivers, including spouses, can receive monthly cash benefits through this program, as well as opportunities for education, training, counseling, and up to 30 days of respite care per year.

How much can family caregivers get paid through the PCAFC in Arizona?

The PCAFC provides a monthly stipend paid directly to the primary caregiver and is based on the veteran's level of need and the local cost of care.

Tax Benefits for Family Caregivers in Arizona

What is a tax credit?

A tax credit is a financial benefit that reduces the amount of income tax you owe to the government. Unlike tax deductions, which decrease your taxable income, tax credits reduce your total tax liability directly, providing a dollar-for-dollar cut in your taxes due.

What tax credits are available for family caregivers in Arizona?

Currently, Arizona does not provide any state tax credits for family caregivers of aging family members. However, caregivers can potentially benefit from several federal tax provisions:

• Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Credit for Other Dependents
• Head of Household
• Medical Expenses

Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit

You might qualify for this federal tax benefit if you've covered care expenses for someone you claim as a dependent. The care can be provided in various settings, including specialized facilities like adult day care centers, by professional caregivers in the home, or even by family members. This credit allows you to potentially reduce your tax bill by up to $3,000 if you're caring for one dependent, or as much as $6,000 if you're responsible for two dependents' care.

Credit for Other Dependents

You might be eligible to claim up to $500 for the Credit for Other Dependents. This credit applies to:

• Dependents of any age
• Dependents with Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers
• Dependent parents or other qualifying relatives financially supported by you
• Dependents not related to you but living with you

To claim someone as a dependent under this credit, they must have lived with you for at least half the year. Keeping detailed records and logs to prove residency is crucial for this process.

Head of Household

If you are single and providing care for an older family member who qualifies as your dependent, you may file as “Head of Household” on your Federal and Arizona tax returns. For the year 2024, this status increases your standard deduction from $14,600 to $21,900, offering significant tax relief.

Medical Expenses

If the combined medical expenses for you and your dependent family member exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you might be able to claim these costs as a deduction (not a credit) on your tax return. This is only applicable if you can legally claim the care recipient as your dependent.

Other Ways to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Arizona

Long-term Care Insurance

There are some long-term care insurance policies (LTCI) that pay family caregivers. If the individual you're caring for holds an LTCI policy, it's worth checking whether it covers services rendered by "informal caregivers"—a term often used to describe non-professional caregivers like family members or friends. If the policy includes this coverage, you might be eligible to receive payments for assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as:

• Dressing
• Bathing or showering
• Using the toilet
• Eating
• Getting in and out of bed or a chair
• Walking

Employer-Sponsored Family Medical Leave in Arizona

While Arizona doesn’t currently have a state-mandated paid family medical leave program, many employers in the state offer paid family medical leave to their eligible employees. To understand what benefits might be available to you, it's a good idea to consult with your HR department about their specific paid leave policies and how you can take advantage of them.

Proposed Legislation in Arizona

In January 2025, a bill (SB 1410) was introduced in the Arizona Legislature that proposes the establishment of a family and medical leave insurance program. If passed, this law would allow for up to 26 weeks of paid leave for employees for certain qualifying reasons. This could enable employees to take extended time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition. It would also allow self-employed Arizonans to opt in for coverage. Keep an eye on this bill, as it could offer substantial new benefits to workers throughout the state.

Personal Care Agreement

A personal care agreement is a formal contract you can establish if your family agrees to compensate you for caregiving. This agreement should clearly outline your caregiving responsibilities and the compensation you will receive, which should align with the prevailing rates for professional caregiving services in your area. Once the agreement is in place and signed by all parties, you can begin receiving payment for your caregiving services.

Other Caregiver Resources in Arizona

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

AAAs play a vital role in connecting caregivers with resources and services. They provide referrals to local programs, caregiver training, and assistance navigating Medicaid and other state benefits. They also coordinate respite care services to give caregivers much-needed breaks. Find your local AAA on the ACL’s Eldercare Locator. 

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

‍The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) offers resources to unpaid caregivers of older adults. Key services include:

• Respite care: Temporary relief for caregivers to rest or attend to personal needs.
• Training and education: Programs to improve caregiving skills.
• Financial assistance: Funds for specific items and services related to caregiving.

Eligibility is determined by local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Contact your local AAA to learn more.

Arizona Caregiver Coalition

‍The Arizona Caregiver Coalition provides resources, support, and advocacy for family caregivers across the state. They offer a Caregiver Resource Line (888-737-7494) where caregivers can speak with trained volunteers for information and support.

Duet Partners in Health and Aging

Offers support groups and other resources for family caregivers, including online and in-person support groups throughout the Valley. Learn more here.

Family Caregiver Support Program

The Family Caregiver Support Program is administered by various organizations like the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), offering support, programs, and resources to help caregivers succeed in their roles.

Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

The Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization offers information and resources about hospice and palliative care for patients, families, and caregivers.

RubyWell Values Caregiving

This is a lot to digest. But the takeaway here is that Arizona has a lot to offer family caregivers. The resources outlined in this article are available to support you as you navigate the caregiving waters. If this article has been helpful for you, feel free to share it with family or friends who live in Arizona and are caring for older family members.