Caring for someone you love isn’t just something you do out of duty. It’s deeply personal. It’s cooking meals, managing medications, helping with hygiene, and being there, day in and day out. It’s also physically demanding, emotionally exhausting, and financially draining.

So it’s no surprise that more Pennsylvanians are asking:

Can I get paid to take care of my family member?

The short answer? Yes. And FreedomCare is helping people just like you turn that care into compensation.

If you live in the Philadelphia or Pittsburgh area and your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, you may be eligible to become a paid caregiver. Let’s walk through how it works, how much you can get paid, and how to start.

Here’s the fully updated “How Much Do Family Caregivers Get Paid in Pennsylvania?” section, rewritten to reflect the detailed payment structure while keeping the friendly, informative FreedomCare tone consistent with the rest of the post:

How Much Do Family Caregivers Get Paid in Pennsylvania?

If you’re caring for a loved one at home, we know how much time, energy, and heart you put into it. The good news is: you can get paid for that care through Pennsylvania’s Medicaid waiver programs with FreedomCare helping guide every step.

So, how much can you expect to earn?

Average Pay for Family Caregivers in PA

On average, family caregivers in Pennsylvania earn between $11 and $14.50 per hour. While it may vary, most caregivers through FreedomCare fall within this range.

Your actual rate depends on a few important factors, and FreedomCare makes sure all of it is handled fairly and clearly.

Factors That Influence Caregiver Pay

Every caregiving situation is unique, and your pay reflects that. Here’s what goes into determining how much you’ll earn as a family caregiver in Pennsylvania:

1. Medicaid Waiver Program Guidelines

Different waiver programs (like Community HealthChoices or OBRA) may set different parameters for caregiver compensation, including caps on hourly pay. FreedomCare helps you enroll in the program that fits your situation best.

2. Local Wage Rates

Hourly rates are determined at the zip code level to reflect wage norms and living costs in your area. This means your pay is tailored to the economic realities where you live.

3. Your Experience and Qualifications

If you’ve been a caregiver for years or have specialized training or certifications (like CPR, CNA, or first aid), you may qualify for a higher hourly rate.

4. Level of Care Needed

The more care your loved one needs, especially if you’re helping with medical tasks or managing multiple health conditions the higher your rate may be.

5. Time Commitment

Are you a part-time caregiver or fully dedicated around the clock? Caregivers providing full-time or near full-time care may earn more due to the intensity and consistency of the commitment.

6. Market Demand

In areas where there’s a higher demand for caregivers, hourly pay may be adjusted to reflect workforce shortages or regional needs.

Instant Pay, No Delays

Regardless of your rate, one thing never changes: FreedomCare pays you instantly. Once your shift ends, your earnings go straight to your account the same day. No paper checks, no waiting weeks—just fast, reliable pay for the care you’re already giving.

Can I Get Paid to Care for a Family Member in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can.

Through Pennsylvania’s Medicaid-funded home care program, eligible adults can choose their own caregiver, including a child, another relative, or a close friend.

The only major restriction? Spouses cannot get paid as caregivers in Pennsylvania.

But if you’re a son or daughter helping your parent get dressed in the morning… or a neighbor making meals for someone recovering at home… you may qualify to get paid for the care you’re already providing.

Where Does FreedomCare Operate in Pennsylvania?

FreedomCare is currently available in the following counties:

Greater Philadelphia Area:

Philadelphia
Bucks
Montgomery
Chester
Delaware

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Allegheny
Beaver
Washington
Butler
Armstrong
Westmoreland
Northern Fayette

If you live in any of these regions and your loved one needs help with daily activities, you may qualify. The best way to find out? Check your eligibility with FreedomCare. It only takes a few minutes.

How Much Do Family Caregivers Get Paid in Pennsylvania?

Family caregivers in Pennsylvania can earn up to $15.00 per hour through FreedomCare, depending on the level of care required.

That’s real income for the real work you do. And thanks to FreedomCare, there’s no waiting for your money.

Same-Day Pay

We offer Instant Pay—which means your earnings hit your account the same day you finish your shift. No delays. No red tape. Just money in your pocket, when you need it.

Full-Time Caregivers Get More

If you’re caring for your loved one full-time, you’re not just working a job you’re building a lifestyle of care and stability. That’s why full-time FreedomCare caregivers get access to:

Caregiver Wellness Program: Your health matters too.
Caregiver Support Program: Emotional and educational support to help you thrive.

Because being there for someone else starts with taking care of yourself.

Who Can Be a Paid Caregiver in Pennsylvania?

Here’s who qualifies to be a caregiver under the program:

Adult children
Other relatives (like grandchildren, siblings, cousins, etc.)
Trusted friends

Spouses are not eligible under Pennsylvania law to receive caregiver pay. But nearly every other close family member or friend is.

Real-Life Caregiving Situations We See Every Day:

A daughter helps her elderly father manage diabetes at home.
A nephew checks in every day to help his aunt bathe and get dressed.
A longtime friend provides companionship and meal prep after surgery.

If this sounds like your life, you may already be doing the work. Now it’s time to get paid for it.

How to Get Started as a Paid Family Caregiver in PA

Becoming a paid caregiver in Pennsylvania may seem complicated, but FreedomCare makes it simple.

Step 1: See if Your Loved One Qualifies

The care recipient must:

Have Medicaid
Live in one of the counties where FreedomCare operates
Need help with activities of daily living, such as: Bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, preparing meals, managing medications, and more

Don’t worry if you’re not sure—they don’t need to be in perfect health, just need some level of help with basic tasks. We’ll walk you through it.

Step 2: Choose a Caregiver

The person receiving care gets to choose their caregiver. They can select:

An adult child
A grandchild
A cousin
A close friend

Almost anyone except a spouse can be selected.

Step 3: Start Care. Get Paid.

Once eligibility is confirmed and paperwork is complete, you can begin care immediately. And with Instant Pay from FreedomCare, you’ll get paid after every shift, straight to your bank account.

Why Families in Pennsylvania Choose FreedomCare

We’ve helped thousands of families across the state get access to the care they need from someone they trust. And for the caregivers? It’s finally a way to earn money for doing what they’re already doing—loving and supporting someone they care about.

With FreedomCare, You Get:

Help with every step of the application
Easy-to-understand support with paperwork
A local team that truly cares
Peace of mind knowing you’re not alone

We also connect you to other resources like local Area Agencies on Aging, disability support networks, or tax advisors for help with dependent care credits and financial planning for caregivers.

Other States Where Family Caregivers Get Paid

If you’re not in Pennsylvania but still want to get paid to care for a loved one, FreedomCare also operates in:

New York
New Jersey
Arizona
Georgia
Missouri
Indiana
Connecticut
Nevada
Massachusetts
Colorado
Oregon

Programs may differ by state, but one thing stays the same—FreedomCare is here to help.

Medicaid Waiver Programs That Support Paid Caregivers

Medicaid plays a central role in helping Pennsylvanians get the care they need at home, rather than in a facility. But what really makes caregiver pay possible are Medicaid waiver programs; special programs that allow the state to fund non-traditional services like in-home care provided by a family member.

These waivers allow FreedomCare to help families across Pennsylvania get paid for the caregiving they’re already doing.

Here are the main Medicaid waiver programs we work with in Pennsylvania:

Act 150 / Attendant Care Waiver

The Act 150 Program, also known as the Attendant Care Program, is a Pennsylvania state-funded waiver that helps adults with physical disabilities remain in their homes and communities instead of entering nursing facilities. Unlike some other programs, Act 150 is not Medicaid-based, which makes it a critical option for individuals who may not qualify for Medicaid but still need assistance with daily living tasks.

Act 150 serves Pennsylvania residents between the ages of 18 and 59 who:

Have a medically determined physical disability (lasting at least 12 months)
Require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility
Can self-direct their care or have a designated representative
Are not financially eligible for Medicaid

OBRA Waiver Program

Designed for individuals ages 18–59 with developmental physical disabilities, this waiver helps people who qualify for care typically provided in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) stay in their communities.

If your loved one has physical disabilities but doesn’t meet the criteria for other waivers, OBRA may be the right fit.

Supports younger adults with complex physical needs
Encourages independence at home
Allows caregiver pay through self-directed care models

Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program

This is one of the most widely used programs for older adults (65+) and adults with physical disabilities (ages 21–64) in Pennsylvania.

If your loved one requires a nursing facility level of care but wants to remain at home, this program allows them to do so—while selecting a trusted family member or friend as their paid caregiver.

For seniors and adults with physical disabilities
Helps avoid institutional care
Enables caregiver pay under a person-centered plan

Bottom Line: Care With Dignity and Support

Being a family caregiver in Pennsylvania isn’t easy, but it’s meaningful. And with FreedomCare, it doesn’t have to come at the expense of your financial well-being.

You can get paid to provide the care your loved one already counts on.

Let us help you turn that love and commitment into a paycheck, plus the support and resources you need to thrive.

Ready to get started?

Check your eligibility with FreedomCare today and start getting paid to care for someone you love.

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