State Programs for Paid Family Caregiving
For family members to be paid for their caregiving services in Illinois, the care recipient must be eligible for and enrolled in a specific state-sponsored program. These programs are often funded through Medicaid waivers, allowing for home and community-based services that offer a cost-effective alternative to institutional care.
The Community Care Program (CCP)
Administered by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), the CCP is designed for elderly individuals who are at risk of nursing home placement. The program allows the care recipient to hire an in-home service provider, which can include a qualified family member. The family caregiver must be hired and supervised by a contracted In-Home Services agency, pass a background check, and complete required training.
- Eligibility for CCP:
- Recipient must be 60 years or older.
- Recipient must meet functional and financial eligibility criteria.
- Caregiver must be hired through an agency and meet all state requirements.
The Home Services Program (HSP)
Managed by the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DHS/DRS), the HSP assists adults with severe disabilities. Under this program, family caregivers can be hired as Personal Assistants (PAs). This program also relies on a formal process involving a state-approved entity, often a Financial Management System (FMS), to handle compensation and other employer-related responsibilities.
- Eligibility for HSP:
- Recipient must be between 18 and 59 years old with a severe disability.
- Recipient must require a nursing-facility level of care.
- Caregiver must complete the hiring process, including background checks and training.
Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Care
For eligible veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers programs that can provide financial support for caregiving, including the ability to hire a family member. The veteran must have a VA disability rating and meet other criteria.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Some private long-term care insurance policies may allow for the compensation of family caregivers. Coverage varies widely, and it is crucial to review the specific policy details to determine if it applies to informal caregiving.
Average Caregiver Pay Rates in Illinois
As of late 2025, various sources provide insight into average caregiver wages in Illinois, but it is important to remember that these are averages and the specific rate for a family caregiver will depend on the program, agency, and care recipient's needs.
- Indeed: Reports the average hourly pay for a caregiver in Illinois around $17.89/hour.
- ZipRecruiter: Shows the average family caregiver hourly wage around $15.05/hour, with a range that can go higher or lower depending on experience and location.
- Live-in Care: Roles with live-in responsibilities have a different pay structure, with average hourly wages around $22/hour ($45,294 annually), but with a very wide salary range.
It is important to note that when working through an agency, the rate the agency charges the state (for example, the Community Care Program pays agencies $29.63 per hour for in-home service) is not the amount the family caregiver receives. The agency retains a portion for administrative costs, training, and other overhead.
Comparison of Illinois Paid Caregiver Programs
| Feature | Community Care Program (CCP) | Home Services Program (HSP) | VA Programs | Long-Term Care Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible Recipient | Age 60+; functionally and financially eligible. | Age 18-59 with a severe disability; functionally and financially eligible. | Veteran with a service-connected disability or other eligibility. | Varies based on individual policy terms. |
| Administered By | Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA). | Department of Human Services (DHS/DRS). | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). | Private Insurance Carrier. |
| Caregiver Compensation | Hired and paid through a contracted agency. | Hired and paid through DHS-contracted entities. | Stipend, budget, or other allowances depending on the program. | Benefits paid based on policy; may compensate family members. |
| Process | Apply to CCP via IDoA; assessment; choose agency. | Apply to HSP via DRS; assessment; hire as PA. | Apply through the VA; assessment determines eligibility. | Contact insurance provider; assessment may be required. |
Steps to Becoming a Paid Family Caregiver
- Check Recipient Eligibility: The first step is for the care recipient to be evaluated for programs like CCP or HSP. This involves meeting specific age, disability, and financial criteria.
- Apply for Services: The care recipient or their representative must contact the relevant department—IDoA for CCP or DHS/DRS for HSP—to begin the application process.
- Complete a Needs Assessment: An official will conduct an in-home assessment to determine the level of care and number of hours needed. This assessment helps establish the care plan.
- Enroll in a Program: Upon approval, the recipient enrolls in the appropriate Medicaid waiver program.
- Find a Home Care Agency or FMS: The recipient chooses an agency (for CCP) or works with an FMS (for HSP) that is approved to handle caregiver payments.
- Complete Caregiver Requirements: The family caregiver must complete any necessary background checks, training, and paperwork required by the agency or FMS to become an official paid Personal Assistant or Homemaker.
For more detailed guidance on state programs, the official Illinois Department on Aging is an authoritative resource.
Conclusion
While family caregivers cannot be directly compensated by the state of Illinois, several avenues exist for receiving payment through state-funded programs. The most common pathways, such as the Community Care Program and the Home Services Program, involve working through a home care agency or an FMS. The amount a family caregiver is paid varies based on the program and agency, but typically falls within the average hourly wage range for personal assistants in Illinois, usually around $15-$18 per hour. Understanding the specific program requirements and working through the formal process is the key to successfully becoming a paid family caregiver.
