Caregiving is expensive, in time and money. There's no single program that covers it all, but there are several worth knowing — and many families miss them simply because no one told them they existed.
Everything here is general information. For your specific situation, talk to the relevant agency, and see a tax professional about anything tax-related.
For veterans' families
If your loved one is a veteran, two programs stand out. Aid & Attendance adds money to a VA pension for those who need help with daily activities — effective Dec 1, 2025, up to roughly $2,424/month for a single veteran and about $1,558/month for a surviving spouse (rates are published annually by the VA). And the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) can provide a monthly stipend plus training, respite, and health coverage to eligible family caregivers. Start with the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
Getting paid, leave, and taxes
- Medicaid self-directed care — in many states, the person receiving care can hire a family member
- FMLA — up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to care for a spouse, child, or parent (if you and your employer qualify)
- State paid family leave — a growing number of states offer partial wage replacement; check yours
- Tax provisions — the Child and Dependent Care Credit, claiming a qualifying relative, and the medical-expense deduction may apply; confirm with a tax pro
- National Family Caregiver Support Program — funds respite, counseling, and training through Area Agencies on Aging
The single best starting point for finding local help is the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), which connects you to your Area Agency on Aging.
- Call the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) to find local caregiver support programs.
- If your loved one is a veteran, call the VA Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274).
- Ask HR about FMLA, and check your state for paid family leave.
- Ask your state Medicaid office whether you can be paid as a caregiver.
- Talk to a tax professional before tax time about credits and deductions.
Keep a benefits folder with the veteran's records and VA letters, FMLA paperwork, and any state-leave claim numbers, plus a running list of programs applied to (with dates and contacts) and all caregiving receipts in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get paid to take care of my elderly parent?
In many states, yes — through Medicaid self-directed or consumer-directed programs, and for veterans' families through VA programs like Veteran-Directed Care. Availability and rules vary by state, so start with your loved one's Medicaid case manager or the VA.
How does VA Aid & Attendance work and how much does it pay?
It's a monthly add-on to a VA pension for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. Effective Dec 1, 2025, it can reach roughly $2,424/month for a single veteran and about $1,558/month for a surviving spouse. Apply through va.gov/pension.
Can a spouse or child be paid to care for a veteran?
Yes — the VA's Veteran-Directed Care program provides a budget the veteran can use to hire relatives (including a spouse or adult child in many cases), though availability varies by location.
What is the VA PCAFC program?
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers provides a monthly stipend plus training, respite, and health coverage to eligible primary family caregivers of seriously injured veterans.
Does FMLA cover caring for a parent?
Yes — FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, if you've worked enough hours and your employer is covered.