Taking care of a loved one isn’t easy. It’s real work, physically, emotionally, and financially. And in Arizona, more families than ever step up to provide daily care for aging parents, disabled spouses, or relatives who can’t manage alone.
Here’s the big question we hear all the time: Can I get paid to care for my family member? The short answer? Yes, if you qualify.
Arizona has a Medicaid-funded program called ALTCS. And with FreedomCare, this program lets you choose someone you trust, like a child, spouse, or close friend, to care for you. The best part? They get paid.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how much family caregivers get paid in Arizona and how you can start. Let’s dive in.
Can I Get Paid to Care for a Family Member in Arizona?
Yes, you can. Arizona’s ALTCS program (Arizona Long-Term Care System) is part of the state Medicaid program. It’s for older adults, people with disabilities or serious medical conditions who need help at home.
What Is ALTCS?
ALTCS is one of Arizona’s home and community-based services programs. It helps people avoid being put in a nursing home by offering care in home and community settings. This includes personal care services, meal preparation, medication management, homemaker services and more.
The best part? With Medicaid’s self-directed services, eligible patients can choose a family member or friend to provide care, and that caregiver gets paid.
ALTCS Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, the care recipient must:
- Live in Arizona
- Be over 65 or have a recognized disability
- Need help with daily living activities (like bathing or dressing)
- Meet financial eligibility requirements for ALTCS
- Be able to direct their own care, or have someone who can do it for them
Important: You must have ALTCS or be eligible for it (which means meeting both financial and medical requirements). Call FreedomCare to find out if you or your loved one qualifies — we’re here to help.
FreedomCare helps you navigate these government programs so you can become a paid family caregiver without the guesswork.
How Much Do Family Caregivers Get Paid in Arizona?
If you’re caring for a loved one in Arizona, you can get paid $16.00 per hour through FreedomCare.
That’s not volunteer work. That’s a real paycheck for the real work you’re already doing, helping your parent, spouse, or friend with daily needs.
Instant Pay, No Delays
FreedomCare offers same-day pay. The moment your shift ends, your pay hits your account. No waiting. No chasing down checks. You also get direct deposit, so everything stays smooth and secure.
Extra Perks for Full-Time Caregivers
If you provide care full-time, you may also qualify for benefits, including:
- Medical insurance
- Caregiver Wellness Program
- Caregiver Support Program
These aren’t just extras, they help you stay healthy and supported while you care for someone else.
You don’t need a license or a professional background. If your loved one qualifies for ALTCS, they can choose you as their caregiver.
Who Can Be a Paid Family Caregiver in Arizona?
Arizona’s ALTCS program empowers patients to choose their own care providers, including family members or friends they already trust.
Eligible Caregiver Relationships
Under personal attendant services programs, the following people can become paid caregivers:
- Adult child
- Relative (like a sibling, cousin, or grandchild)
- Legal spouse
- Close friend
These eligible family caregivers step into the role of providing help with personal hygiene, meal prep, mobility, and other daily needs.
Common Caregiver Scenarios
You may qualify if you:
- Care for an aging family member with Alzheimer’s disease
- Support a spouse with physical disabilities
- Help a parent with basic needs as they recover from illness
- Provide day-to-day assistance as a friend or informal caregiver
Many Arizonans use ALTCS to avoid putting loved ones in an assisted living facility. The program offers financial assistance, respite care, and access to veterans’ benefits or government programs through partners like the Veterans Affairs or your local area agency.
In some cases, families may also explore tax credits, such as the dependent care credit, or take legal steps, like a personal care agreement, which an elder law attorney can help draft.
How to Start Getting Paid as a Family Caregiver
Becoming a paid caregiver in Arizona is easier than you think, especially with FreedomCare guiding the way. Here’s how the process works, step by step.
Step 1: Get Assessed
To begin the process of getting paid as a family caregiver in Arizona, the first step is to complete two required ALTCS assessments, and we’ll help guide you every step of the way.
- Financial Assessment:
An ALTCS caseworker will review the care recipient’s income and assets to determine if they fall within the program’s financial eligibility limits. If they’re slightly over the threshold, there may still be legal ways to qualify — and we can connect you with trusted professionals who can help. - Medical/Functional Assessment:
A medical professional will evaluate how much help your loved one needs with daily activities like bathing, dressing, toileting, and eating. They’ll also review any health conditions, disabilities, or self-harming behaviors that may impact safety and independence.
These assessments are required whether you’re caring for an aging parent with Alzheimer’s, a disabled spouse, or a friend who needs daily support.
If your loved one qualifies, FreedomCare will help you start the ALTCS application, gather the right paperwork, and walk with you through the entire process so you never feel overwhelmed or alone.
Step 2: Choose a Caregiver
The patient gets to choose who provides their care. It could be an adult child, legal spouse, or another trusted person. This is key to building a care plan with someone who knows their needs.
Step 3: Begin Care and Get Paid
Once enrolled, you can start care right away. FreedomCare ensures that caregivers get paid instantly after each shift, no waiting for payday. You’ll receive your pay through direct deposit with no delays.
FreedomCare Makes It Simple
We help with:
- Application assistance for ALTCS
- Enrollment and paperwork
- Ongoing support for both patients and caregivers
Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, or veteran, we connect you with the right resources. That includes access to financial assistance, monthly cash benefits, VA benefits, and other government programs like the Veteran Directed Care Program, attendance pension benefit, or paid family leave if eligible.
FreedomCare also connects you to tools like the Family Caregiver Alliance and your local disability resource center for added support.
This is more than care. It’s comprehensive assistance and peace of mind.
Other States That Pay Family Caregivers
Arizona isn’t the only state where you can get paid to care for a loved one. FreedomCare also operates in:
- New York
- Nevada
- Missouri
- Pennsylvania
- Indiana
- Georgia
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- Oregon
- Massachusetts.
State Programs May Vary
Each state has its own rules for eligibility, pay rates, and caregiver qualifications. Some states may require specific training or medical evaluations. Others may have different definitions for personal care attendants or what qualifies as a caregiver for a family member.
For example, programs may be tied to Medicaid, VA’s health care program, or specialized elder care programs. Some families may also qualify for the housebound pension benefit, VA’s medical benefits package, or a basic survivor pension through veterans programs.
Even if you’re helping certain family members or other family members, FreedomCare helps you understand what benefits apply and how to receive monthly cash benefits.
FreedomCare Makes It Easier
FreedomCare is here to guide you. We simplify the process and help you take advantage of programs that offer paid family leave, financial aid, and caregiver support. If you’re in one of our service states, we’ll help you every step of the way.
The Bottom Line
If you’re caring for a loved one in Arizona, you don’t have to do it alone — or for free. Through the ALTCS program, eligible family caregivers can get paid to provide the care their loved ones already rely on every day.
FreedomCare makes the process simple. From application to enrollment and beyond, we walk you through every step.
Wondering if you or a loved one qualifies as a family caregiver? It only takes a few minutes to find out.
Check your eligibility with FreedomCare today and get care from someone you trust.