Family Caregiver Stats in Pennsylvania

State Population: 13,010,000

Number of Caregivers: 1,490,000 (11% of population)

Number of Care Hours (millions): 1,390

Value per Hour: $15.63

Economic Value (millions): $22,000

Source: AARP

Great news! Several programs in Pennsylvania pay family caregivers to provide care to an aging family member or friend. They include:

• RubyWell
• Medicaid/Medical Assistance
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• PA OPTIONS program
• Tax credits and deductions

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

Getting paid with the help of RubyWell in Pennsylvania

Do you care for someone whose income and asset levels are too high to qualify for Medicaid? RubyWell could be a great option for you. RubyWell is a company that’s building tools to help family caregivers save, find, and earn money. This summer, we launched our first pilot to evaluate our program that helps Pennsylvania family caregivers get paid. Unlike many other family caregiver programs in PA, RubyWell does not have income or asset limits that the person you care for needs to meet in order to qualify. And spouses are included as eligible family caregivers. 

Who is eligible for RubyWell?

If you’re a family caregiver in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible for RubyWell if the person you care for is 65 or older and:

• NOT receiving Medicaid/Medical Assistance benefits
• requires a walker, cane, wheelchair, ramp, or assistance from a person to leave their home; or their doctor believes that their health could get worse if they leave their home
• has internet access where they live

As the family caregiver, you also have to:

• prove that you’re eligible to work in the United States
• have a smartphone or tablet
• pass a criminal background check
• be 18 years of age or older
• 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?

Once you’ve earned your Home Health Aide certification, you can get paid for a maximum of 35 hours of care per week. The number of hours you’ll be approved for depends on the health and needs of the person you care for. 

Your hourly pay rate aligns to the going rate for Home Health Aides in your area. The average pay rate for PA home health aides in 2024 is about $14/hour. So RubyWell may help PA eligible family caregivers earn up to about $2100/month.

How to apply for RubyWell

You can find out if you’re eligible to join the RubyWell PA pilot by filling out this online form.

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Getting paid through Medicaid/Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, a.k.a. Medical Assistance, is a joint Federal and state program that pays for health care services for older adults (ages 65 and older), people with disabilities, or people who are blind. 

What are the eligibility requirements for Medicaid/Medical Assistance in PA?

The PA Medicaid/Medical Assistance program has strict income and asset limits. In 2024, these limits are:

Household furnishings and appliances, personal effects, one vehicle, and in some cases, the primary home are not included in Medicaid’s asset limit. The primary home is not included in these circumstances:

• The person applying for Medicaid lives in the home or intends to return to it.
• In 2024, their home equity interest (their portion of the current value of the home minus outstanding mortgage) is no greater than $713,000. 
• A spouse who is not applying for Medicaid lives in the home.
• A dependent of the person applying for Medicaid lives in the home.

Important note: The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) requires all state Medicaid programs to file a claim for repayment of long term care costs after an applicant passes away. So whether or not your family member’s home is exempt while they’re receiving Medicaid benefits, some or all of the proceeds from its sale may need to be paid to Medicaid.

PA Medicaid programs that pay family caregivers 

PA has a number of Medicaid waivers that allow aging adults to receive care at home or in their community instead of in a nursing home. These waivers give the care recipient the option to pay a family member to provide certain kinds of care.

How does a Medicaid waiver pay family caregivers?

Medicaid waivers, often called Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, allow states to provide care services in home and community settings rather than institutions. To be eligible, the person seeking care must qualify for Medicaid and meet the state's criteria for needing a nursing home level of care, and the family caregiver must meet the state's qualifications to be a paid caregiver. 

Many waivers offer consumer-directed (also called self-directed) options that allow the Medicaid recipient to choose their own caregiver (including certain family members), manage the caregiver's schedule and tasks, and determine the caregiver's pay rate (within state guidelines).

The payment process for Medicaid waivers typically works like this:

1. The Medicaid recipient is assessed and given a care plan and budget
2. The family caregiver is approved as a provider
3. The caregiver documents care provided
4. Payment is made through a fiscal intermediary or Medicaid managed care organization

Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program

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Community HealthChoices (CHC) is a Medicaid waiver program serves Pennsylvania residents aged 65 or older, and adults aged 21-64 with physical disabilities, who meet a nursing facility level of care. If the person you care for is eligible, they can receive medical benefits and long-term services and support (LTSS) through a Medicaid plan that has a network of care providers in their area. They may receive LTSS through that network, or they may choose to hire their own caregiver to provide these paid services. This can be a friend or family member who is not a spouse or legal guardian. 

How much can family caregivers get paid through the PA CHC program?

Many factors can impact the amount that family caregivers can be paid for the PA CHC program, including:

• Local rates for professional caregivers
• Caregiver qualifications and experience 
• Level of care required
• Hours of care required 
• Demand for caregivers in your area

The pay rate for family caregivers through Medicaid waiver programs typically ranges between $10 and $15 per hour.

How to apply for the PA CHC program

Call 1-877-550-4227 to reach the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB) or fill out and submit a Community Referral Form. 

The IEB will schedule an in-person assessment to determine your loved one’s functional needs. They can also help you complete the Medicaid application. Financial need for Medicaid is determined by your family member’s county assistance office (CAO). 

OBRA Waiver

OBRA stands for the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (a.k.a. Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987). The OBRA Waiver helps people with a developmental physical disability (e.g., cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or similar conditions) live as independently as possible in their community. The program serves PA residents aged 18-59, who have a severe developmental physical disability requiring an Intermediate Care Facility/Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care. If the person you care for is eligible, they can choose to hire a family caregiver to provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). This can be a friend or family member who is not a spouse or legal guardian. 

How much can family caregivers get paid through the PA OBRA Waiver?

The amount that family caregivers can be paid under the OBRA Waiver varies by geographic area. The current pay rates range from $13-15/ per hour. 

How to apply for OBRA in PA

Call 1-877-550-4227 to reach the Independent Enrollment Broker (IEB). The IEB will schedule an initial home visit to explain the waiver program and help you complete the application forms. Financial need for Medicaid is determined by your family member’s county assistance office (CAO). 

A second home visit will be scheduled to assess your family member’s level of care needs. Organizations like A Bridge to Independence can provide guidance on the application process.

Consolidated Waiver

The Consolidated Waiver program provides support and services to people of all ages with an intellectual disability (ID) or autism, people under age 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition, and children with a developmental disability under age 9 with a high probability of resulting in an ID or autism diagnosis. And they must have been recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation. If the person you care for is eligible for this program, you may be able to receive payment for the care you provide to them if you’re a friend or family member, including a spouse or legal guardian.   

How much can family caregivers get paid through the PA Consolidated Waiver?

The amount that family caregivers can be paid under the OBRA Waiver varies by geographic area. The current pay rates range from $13-15/ per hour. 

How to apply for the PA Consolidated Waiver

Call the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) customer line at 1-888-565-9435. If the person you care for is not registered with their County Office of Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities (MH/ID), call that office and make an appointment to register for support or services.

Getting Paid through Veterans Benefits in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania?

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 CA programs. If you’re interested in any of the programs, contact the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the most up-to-date and personalized information.

How to apply for VA benefits in Pennsylvania

The application process for VA benefits can be very complicated. The Pennsylvania County Directors of Veterans Affairs are accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) who can assist Veterans and their families in the process of finding and applying for benefits under federal, state, and local laws. They never charge Veterans for their assistance. The Pennsylvania County Directors of Veterans Affairs Directory can lead you to your county’s VSO. 

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 Pennsylvania?

The A&A benefit provides the following maximum monthly amounts through November 30, 2024:

• Single veteran with no dependents: Up to $2,300 per month
• Married veteran or veteran with a dependent: Up to $2,727 per month
• Surviving spouse with no dependents: Up to $1,478 per month

Veteran Directed Care (VDC)

This pilot program is currently available to veterans in Pennsylvania. 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) 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 Pennsylvania?

Through the VDC program, family caregivers in Pennsylvania 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 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 Pennsylvania?

This VA benefit provides the following maximum monthly amounts through November 30, 2024:

• Unmarried veteran without dependent children: Up to $1,685 per month
• Married veteran or veteran with a dependent child: Up to $2,112 per month
• Surviving spouse with no dependent children: Up to $1,130 per month

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

This program 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 Pennsylvania?

The PCAFC provides a monthly stipend paid directly to the primary caregiver. While the exact amount isn't specified, it's based on the veteran's level of need and the local cost of care.

Getting paid through the OPTIONS program in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania OPTIONS Program (also called Help at Home) is a non-Medicaid program that enables eligible aging adults to receive services and support in their homes and communities. The program allows for a consumer-directed model of reimbursement for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and home support services (housekeeping, errands, meal preparation, garbage removal, and minor home repairs and maintenance). This means the care recipient takes responsibility for hiring the provider of the service. This may include a family member.

The cost of the OPTIONS program depends on the needs and income of the care recipient, with a maximum of $1,900/month. 

Who is eligible for the PA OPTIONS program?

If you’re a family caregiver, you may be eligible for to get paid through the OPTIONS program the if the person you care for is 60 or older and:

• NOT eligible Medicaid/Medical Assistance benefits
• Experiencing some degree of frailty in regard to physical and/or mental status that impacts daily functioning
• A Pennsylvania resident 
• A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident 

How to apply for the PA OPTIONS program

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to begin the application process. 

Tax Benefits for Caregiving in Pennsylvania

What is a tax credit?

A tax credit is a financial benefit that allows taxpayers to reduce the amount of income tax they owe. Unlike tax deductions, which lower taxable income, tax credits directly decrease the total tax liability that you owe.

What tax credits are available for family caregivers in Pennsylvania?

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

Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit

This is a federal tax credit that you may be able to receive if you can claim the person you care for as a dependent and paid for care for them that was provided by a care facility (including adult day care), a home care professional, or members of the family or community. You can claim up to $3,000 for one dependent and up to $6,000 for two dependents. 

PA Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

This is a state tax credit you may be able to claim with you file your Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40). You must receive the federal credit to also be eligible for the state credit in Pennsylvania. This credit can range between $600 and $2,100, depending on your income level and the number of your dependents. The minimum credit will be $600 (one dependent) or $1,200 (two or more dependents), provided expenses are at least $3,000 per dependent.

Credit for Other Dependents

You may be able to claim up to $500 with the Credit for Other Dependents. This federal tax credit can be 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 may claim an unrelated person as a dependent if they meet the above requirements, and they have also lived with you for at least half of the year. To do this, it’s crucial to keep detailed records, including a log that can prove their residency in our home.

Head of Household

If you’re single and caring for an older family member who you can claim as a dependent, you can file as “Head of Household” on your Federal and PA tax returns. This increases your standard deduction from $13,850 to $20,800.

Medical Expenses

If you cover a family member’s medical costs, and their costs and yours total more than 7.5% of  the adjusted gross income, you may be able to claim that amount as a deduction (not a credit). Again, you’d have to be able to claim the care recipient as your dependent.

Other ways to get paid as a family caregiver in Pennsylvania

Long-term care insurance

Some long-term care insurance (LTCI) policies pay family caregivers to provide care to the policy holder. If the person you care for has an LTCI policy, check to see if it covers care provided by “informal caregivers.” That’s how they refer to family members or friends who provide care. 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 

Employer-sponsored family medical leave

At this time, Pennsylvania does not have a paid family medical leave program. But many employers offer paid family medical leave for their eligible employees. Ask your HR department what their paid leave policy is and how you may take advantage of it. 

The Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible Pennsylvania employees to care for certain family members with a serious medical condition. Learn more about FMLA eligibility, provisions, and protections on our PA FMLA page.  

Personal care agreement

If your family agrees to pay you to provide care to an aging loved one, you can draw up a legally binding document called a Personal Care Agreement. This lays out the duties and responsibilities of the caregiver and the amount the family will pay you. Your pay rate should be based on the going rate for professional care in your area, and you can start receiving pay for the care you provide after the agreement is signed. 

Other Caregiver Resources

Pennsylvania Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)

The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program offers resources and support to make caregiving easier and reduce caregiver stress. The program provides:

• Respite care
• Formal and informal support services
• Financial reimbursement to help with caregiving costs and supplies

Contact your local Area Agencies on Aging to learn more about this program and apply. If you enroll, you’ll be assigned a care manager who will come to your home, conduct a comprehensive assessment of your needs, provide support, and work with you to develop a plan of care that suits your needs.

Pennsylvania Department of Aging

The PA Department of Aging can direct you to numerous local resources that may be able to help you find the support the person you care for may need. Resources include:

• Adult day centers
• Senior community centers
• Area Agencies on Aging
• PA Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA LINK)

This is a lot to digest. But the takeaway here is that Pennsylvania 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 you know other family caregivers in PA, feel free to share the link to this article with them.

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