Family Caregiver Stats in Connecticut

State Population: 3,620,000

Number of Caregivers: 420,000

Number of Care Hours Annually: 390,000,000 

Value per Hour: $18

Economic Value: $7,200,000,000

Source: AARP

Caring for a loved one can be both rewarding and financially challenging. Fortunately, Connecticut offers various programs and resources to help family caregivers receive compensation for their vital work. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of available options, eligibility requirements, and application steps.

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

• RubyWell
• Medicaid/HUSKY Health
• CT Home Care Program for Elders
• 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 Connecticut family caregivers may be able to tap to help cover the cost of caring.

Getting paid with the help of RubyWell in Connecticut

If you care for someone who doesn’t qualify for Medicaid/HUSKY Health, but can’t afford to pay for long term care out of pocket, RubyWell could soon be an option for you. RubyWell is a technology company that helps patients, caregivers, and care teams work together to safely manage health at home. In 2025, we plan to bring RubyWell to Connecticut.

RubyWell could help you get trained and certified as a home health aide so you can provide Medicare-covered care for your loved one as a paid employee of one of our partner home health agencies in your area. 

The best part is that RubyWell doesn’t require the person you care for to meet income or asset limits in order to qualify. And spouses can be trained and paid to provide care. 

Who is eligible for RubyWell?

If you’re a family caregiver in Connecticut, 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/HUSKY Health benefits
• meets Medicare’s definition of “homebound”
• has health conditions that require a prescription for home health care
• 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?

Your hourly pay rate aligns to the going rate for Home Health Aides in your area. The average pay rate for Connecticut home health aides in 2025 is about $18/hour. Through the RubyWell program, you may be approved for a maximum of 35 hours per week. 

RubyWell is coming to Connecticut soon

RubyWell will be accepting applications from Connecticut 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/HUSKY Health in Connecticut

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. Eligibility requirements for state Medicaid programs vary by state and often include strict income and asset limits. 

Connecticut’s Medicaid program is called HUSKY Health. It offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that allow Medicaid recipients to receive care services at home or in the community, so they can avoid nursing home care. These waivers include the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Waiver and the Community First Choice (CFC) program.

Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Waiver

The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Waiver is a Medicaid program designed to help adults with physical disabilities hire and pay for personal care assistants, including certain family members, to assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Care recipients, or their authorized representative, have the flexibility to hire, train, and manage their caregivers directly. 

Who is eligible for the PCA Waiver?

The person you care for must:

• Be between ages 18 and 64
• Have a long-term health condition that requires hands on care with at least two ADLs
• Meet financial eligibility requirements
• Be able to supervise the personal care attendant or have a conservator who can do so
• Not have access to community supports that could help them live independently
• Have Medicaid, or have applied for Medicaid and are pending or have a start date

How much can family caregivers get paid through the PCA Waiver?

The payment rate for caregivers under the PCA Waiver is negotiated between the care recipient and the caregiver. Rates vary depending on the complexity of care, the local wage market, and Medicaid guidelines, but they typically align with the going rate for home care services in Connecticut.

How to apply for the PCA Waiver

1. Contact the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) or your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for information about the PCA Waiver.
2. Verify eligibility for Medicaid through Connecticut’s HUSKY Health program.
3. Complete the necessary application forms and provide documentation of the care recipient’s medical and financial eligibility.
4. Work with a case manager to develop a care plan and enroll in the program.

Community First Choice (CFC) Program

CFC is a new program in Connecticut that allows Medicaid members to receive supports and services in their home. These services can include help preparing meals and doing household chores, assistance with ADLs and more.

Who is eligible for the CFC Program?

The person you care for must:

• Be between ages 18 and 64
• Be a Medicaid member
• Be able to self-direct services or have someone who can direct service for them
• Meet Institutional Level of Care (they would likely need to be in a nursing home if they didn’t have home and community based services. 

How much can family caregivers get paid through the CFC Program?

The CFC program provides a stipend that the person you care for can use to pay you or other family caregivers to provide their care. The payment amount varies based on your loved one’s need for assistance with ADLs, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), and health-related tasks. The program will assess your loved one’s level of need and assign a budget accordingly. 

How to apply for the CFC Program

1. Verify eligibility for Medicaid through Connecticut’s HUSKY Health program.
2. Submit an application to the CFC program online.
3. For assistance, or to complete an application by phone, you can call 2-1-1 between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Getting Paid Through the CT Home Care Program for Elders

The CT Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) enables adults aged 65 and older to receive services and supports in their home instead of a nursing facility or other institutional setting. Through CHCPE, eligible adults can receive home care services from a Personal Care Attendant. 

The Personal Care Attendant (PCA) can be provided by a home care agency. Or, the care recipient or their authorized representative can choose a friend or family member to be the PCA. In this case, a fiscal intermediary handles all payroll and applicable taxes and insurance.‍

Who is Eligible for CHCPE?

You don’t have to be on Medicaid to be eligible for CHCPE. The program offers both state-funded and Medicaid-funded options. This gives individuals with varying financial situations the opportunity to participate. 

The person you care for must:

• be age 65 or older
• need assistance with ADLs or be at risk of hospitalization or nursing home placement
• meet asset and income limits, which vary depending on the funding source.
  
  • State-funded CHCPE: 2025 asset limits are $47,375 for an individual and $63,168 for a couple. There is no income limit.
  • Medicaid-funded CHCPE: 2025 asset limits are typically $1,600 for an individual, $3,200 for a married couple. Income limits range from $1,956 to $2,901 per month.

How much can family caregivers get paid through CHCPE?

The payment rate for caregivers under CHCPE is negotiated between the care recipient and the caregiver. Rates vary depending on the complexity of care, the local wage market, and Medicaid guidelines, but they typically align with the going rate for home care services in Connecticut.

How to apply for CHCPE

Complete the online application form or download the form in English or Spanish. Complete and fax it to 860-424-4963 or mail it to:

Department of Social Services, Community Options, 9th Floor
55 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105

Getting Paid Through Veterans Benefits

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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 Connecticut?

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 CT Veteran Affairs for the most up-to-date and personalized information.

How to apply for VA benefits in Connecticut

The application process for VA benefits can be very complicated. The Connecticut Veterans Affairs Office of Advocacy and Assistance can assist you and the veteran you care for in the process of finding and applying for benefits under federal, state, and local laws.

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 Connecticut?

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)

This pilot program is currently available to veterans in Connecticut. 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 VDC. 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 Connecticut?

Through the VDC program, family caregivers in Connecticut can be paid between $8 and $21 per hour. The exact rate is determined by the VA and adjusted at the local level. 

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 Connecticut?

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 Connecticut?

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 Connecticut

What is a tax credit?

A tax credit allows taxpayers to directly decrease the total tax dollars that you owe. This is different from a tax deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

What state tax credits are available for family caregivers in Connecticut?

The state of Connecticut doesn’t offer any caregiver tax credits at this time. However, Senate Bill 321, establishing a state caregiver tax credit, was proposed in January 2025. It would provide a $500 nonrefundable tax credit for family caregivers who have a federal adjusted gross income of $200,000 or less. To qualify, you must be supporting family members who are 60 years of age or older, or 50 years of age or older and receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Meanwhile, there are federal tax benefits that you may be able to claim:

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

Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit

You may be able to receive this federal tax credit if you can claim the person you care for as a dependent and paid for their care that was provided by a care facility (day care or residential), a paid in-home caregiver, family members or friends. You can claim up to $3,000 for one dependent and up to $6,000 for two dependents. 

Credit for Other Dependents

The Credit for Other Dependents offers up to $500 in tax savings when claimed for: 

• Dependents of any age
• Dependents who have Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers
• Dependent parents or other qualifying relatives supported by the taxpayer
• Dependents living with the taxpayer who aren't related to the taxpayer

You can even claim an unrelated person as a dependent if they have lived with you for at least six months and they meet the requirements listed above. Just be sure to keep detailed records, including a log that can prove that they’ve lived in your home.

Head of Household

Are you single and caring for an older family member who you can claim as a dependent? If so, you can file as “Head of Household” on your Federal and Connecticut tax returns. In 2024, the Head of Household standard deduction was $21,900 vs. $14,600 for those ineligible for this filing status.

Medical Expenses

If you claim the person you care for as your dependent, and cover their medical costs, and their costs and yours total more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, you may be able to claim that amount as a deduction (not a credit). 

Other Ways to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Connecticut

Long-term care insurance

If the person you care for has a long term care insurance policy, it may pay for you to provide care. Read through the policy or just call the insurance company or broker and ask if the policy covers care provided by “informal caregivers.” That would be you. If so, you may be able to get paid to help with activities of daily living (ADLs) which include:

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

Paid Family Medical Leave

Connecticut Paid Leave

The state of Connecticut offers up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to eligible workers who need to care for a relative or friend with a serious health condition. Learn more about this program on the Connecticut Paid Leave website. 

Employer-Sponsored Family Medical Leave

Ask your HR department if they offer paid family medical leave for their eligible employees. Many do!

Personal Care Agreement

Some families agree to pay one or more family members to provide care to an aging relative. If your family can align on this approach, you can work with a lawyer to draw up a Personal Care Agreement. This legally binding document lays out the responsibilities and pay for the caregiver, as well as who will pay for the care. Your pay rate should be based on the going rate for professional care in your area. And payments can begin for care provided after the agreement is signed.

Other Caregiver Resources in Connecticut

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.

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

The DSS provides a range of resources for caregivers, including access to Medicaid programs like the PCA Waiver and the CFC program, as well as information on housing and nutrition assistance. Explore the DSS caregiving resources here.

My Place CT

‍MyPlaceCT.org is a free online resource from the Connecticut Department of Social Services that puts older adults in touch with the information they need to live how and where they choose. It includes a lot of DDS information, but in a more organized and easy-to-access format.

Connecticut Aging and Disability Resource Centers

This information hub can link older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Connecticut to the services you seek. You can contact them at 1-800-994-9422.

RubyWell Values Caregiving

Whew! All that information might seem overwhelming. So take the time you need to absorb it. The good thing is, you live in a state that provides a wealth of resources for family caregivers. The support systems we shared in this article are designed to help you manage the challenges of caregiving. If you found this article useful, consider sharing it with family or friends in Connecticut who are caring for older loved ones.