How to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Ohio

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How to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Ohio

Caring for a loved one isn’t just an act of love, it’s often a full-time responsibility. If you’re in Ohio and caring for an aging parent, a disabled sibling, or your child with special needs, chances are you’ve asked yourself: “Can I get paid for this?”

The answer is yes. In Ohio, there are several programs that offer financial support to family caregivers. You just need to know where to look, and how to qualify. That’s where FreedomCare comes in. We’ve helped thousands of families in similar situations navigate these programs and start getting paid for the care they’re already giving.

Whether you’re helping with daily tasks like meals and hygiene, managing medications, or providing round-the-clock support, this guide will walk you through how to get paid as a caregiver in Ohio.

Key Takeaways

• Ohio Medicaid offers several programs that allow family caregivers to be compensated.
  
  
• You may be eligible to be paid if your loved one qualifies for Medicaid and meets specific care needs.
  
  
• In Ohio, you can be paid to care for a parent, child, or relative, but not a spouse in most cases.
  
  
• FreedomCare helps families through the process of eligibility, enrollment, and ongoing support.
  
  

What Is a Family Caregiver?

A family caregiver is someone, often a child, parent, or close relative, who helps care for a loved one who can no longer manage independently. That care might include:

• Bathing and grooming
  
  
• Cooking and feeding
  
  
• Medication reminders
  
  
• Housekeeping and errands
  
  
• Transportation to doctor appointments
  
  
• Emotional support and companionship
  
  

If you’re doing any of these tasks consistently, you are a caregiver. And you’re not alone, over 1.5 million Ohioans provide unpaid caregiving to loved ones each year.

Why Ohio Families Need Caregiver Support

Life doesn’t stop when someone needs care. Many caregivers juggle jobs, children, and their own health while trying to provide the best possible care.

It’s emotionally rewarding, but it can also be:

• Financially draining, Lost income and out-of-pocket expenses add up fast.
  
  
• Emotionally exhausting, Burnout is common, especially without outside help.
  
  
• Socially isolating, Friends and normal routines often take a back seat.
  
  

That’s why getting paid for the care you provide can be a lifeline, not just for your wallet, but for your well-being too.

Can You Get Paid to Take Care of a Family Member in Ohio?

Yes, you can. In Ohio, Medicaid funds several programs that allow family caregivers to be paid, especially if your loved one prefers to receive care at home instead of in a nursing facility.

Here’s how it works:

1. Your loved one must be eligible for Medicaid and require a certain level of care.
   
   
2. They must be enrolled in a program that allows for “self-directed” care or consumer choice.
   
   
3. Once approved, they can choose you (a family member or trusted friend) as their paid caregiver.
   
   

Let’s explore these programs in more detail.

Read more about the programs offered by FreedomCare to get paid as a family caregiver in Ohio

Ohio Medicaid Programs That Pay Family Caregivers

PASSPORT Waiver Program (for Seniors)

The PASSPORT program is one of Ohio’s biggest and most well-known home care options. It helps Medicaid-eligible adults aged 60 and older get the care they need at home, rather than in a nursing facility.

You may qualify if your loved one:

• Is age 60+
  
  
• Needs help with daily activities (like bathing, dressing, eating)
  
  
• Qualifies for Medicaid
  
  
• Lives in the community (not in a nursing home)
  
  

Who can be hired as a caregiver?
 Children, other relatives, and even friends. Spouses are typically excluded.

Ohio Home Care Waiver (for Younger Adults with Disabilities)

This program supports individuals under age 60 who have disabilities or serious health conditions.

Eligibility includes:

• Medicaid eligibility
  
  
• A need for nursing-level care
  
  
• Living in a home or apartment (not a facility)
  
  

Family caregivers (excluding spouses) may be hired to provide personal care services through an approved provider.

Assisted Living Waiver Program

Although this waiver is geared toward assisted living communities, it may be useful if you’re trying to keep your loved one at home as long as possible before transitioning to that setting.

It’s not ideal for family caregiver compensation but can work alongside other programs if needs change.

Who Can Be a Paid Caregiver in Ohio?

Ohio’s self-directed Medicaid programs allow recipients to choose their caregivers. That means if your loved one qualifies, they can hire:

• An adult child
  
  
• A sibling
  
  
• A grandchild
  
  
• A trusted friend
  
  

But in most cases, spouses cannot be paid caregivers under current rules.

How Much Do Family Caregivers Get Paid in Ohio?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. The pay you receive as a caregiver depends on several factors:

• The Medicaid program your loved one is enrolled in
  
  
• The local hourly reimbursement rate for care services
  
  
• How many hours of care are approved
  
  

Typical hourly rates in Ohio range from $13 to $17 per hour, depending on your region and the agency overseeing services.

If you’re providing full-time care (30–40 hours per week), the monthly income can be meaningful.

At FreedomCare, we help families understand what’s possible, and how to maximize their hours based on care needs.

How to Apply to Be a Paid Family Caregiver in Ohio

The process can feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s what the general process looks like:

Step 1: Check Medicaid Eligibility

Your loved one must qualify for Medicaid in Ohio. Eligibility is based on:

• Income: Most Medicaid programs require monthly income to be below ~$2,800/month for individuals.
  
  
• Assets: Limits typically exclude home, car, and personal belongings.
  
  

If you’re not sure if they qualify, FreedomCare can do a free eligibility check.

Step 2: Determine Level of Care Needed

Programs like PASSPORT require a needs assessment to confirm that your loved one requires help with daily activities.

This is typically done through your local Area Agency on Aging or a care manager.

Step 3: Choose a Program That Allows Self-Direction

Some waiver programs require care through an agency. Others, like PASSPORT, allow the participant to hire and direct their own caregiver.

This is where you may be able to step in as the paid caregiver.

Step 4: Get Enrolled

This involves paperwork, medical assessments, and in some cases, background checks or caregiver training. FreedomCare handles these steps every day for Ohio families and can walk you through each form, deadline, and requirement.

How FreedomCare Helps Ohio Families

FreedomCare is one of the nation’s leaders in helping family caregivers get paid through Medicaid. We’ve expanded to Ohio to serve families just like yours, and we’re proud to provide:

• Fast eligibility checks
  
  
• Help with every form and application
  
  
• Enrollment into the correct waiver programs
  
  
• Ongoing support and communication
  
  
• Paid training so you feel confident and prepared
  
  

And the best part? You don’t need to be a nurse or a professional. If you’re providing loving care, we’ll help you get paid for the work you’re already doing.

Whether you’re just starting your caregiver journey or have been providing care for years without recognition, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Real Life: What Ohio Caregivers Are Saying

Michelle from Cleveland:
 “My dad was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. I left my job to help him. I didn’t know programs like this even existed. FreedomCare helped us get approved, and now I’m paid to be there for my dad every day.”

Andre from Toledo:
 “My sister has a disability and needs help with everything from meals to medication. I used to juggle three jobs to support us. Now I’m her caregiver full-time and actually get paid for it. It changed our lives.”

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Be Supported

If you’re sacrificing your time, your income, and your well-being to care for someone you love, you deserve more than just a thank you, you deserve support.

In Ohio, that support is available. And FreedomCare is here to help you access it.

Ready to See If You Qualify?

Click here to check your eligibility and take the first step toward getting paid as a family caregiver in Ohio.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re with you from the first phone call to your first paycheck, and every day after.

Let’s care for the people we love. And let’s make sure you’re cared for too.