Table of Contents
What is the Structured Family Caregiving Program
Benefits of the Structured Family Caregiving Program
Who is Eligible for the Structured Family Caregiving Program
Can a Spouse Caregiver Be Compensated
How to Apply for Structured Family Caregiving in Georgia
Caring for a loved one can be one of the most rewarding things we do, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re doing it alone. If you’re supporting a parent, sibling, or family member who has a disability or chronic health condition, you might be wondering: How can I continue to care for them at home without burning out or going broke?
Georgia’s Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) program may be the answer.
At FreedomCare, we help Georgia families every day navigate the SFC process so they can apply to get paid to care for the ones they love or find additional support services. Whether you’re a daughter caring for a parent with dementia or a brother supporting a sibling with autism, you’re not alone. And you deserve support.
Here’s everything you need to know to apply.
What is the Structured Family Caregiving Program in Georgia?
Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) is a Medicaid-funded program designed to financially support family members who live with and care for a loved one who needs help with daily activities. Instead of placing someone in a facility, the state helps keep families together at home, where comfort and love matter most.
In Georgia, the SFC program is overseen by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).
Benefits of the Structured Family Caregiving Program
Structured Family Caregiving is truly a win for everyone involved. It allows you, the caregiver, to focus fully on your loved one without the constant worry about how to make ends meet. By providing financial support and training, the program makes it possible to be the caregiver your family member needs, while also caring for yourself.
For your loved one, it means staying in the place that feels most comfortable: home. They don’t have to adjust to life in a nursing facility. Instead, they get to receive care from someone they already know and trust — someone who loves them.
In this program, care recipients receive round-the-clock support in the same home they share with their caregiver. This includes help with everyday tasks known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), like:
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Getting dressed
- Using the bathroom
- Eating and taking medications
- Getting around safely
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Grocery shopping and meal prep
- Paying bills and managing appointments
- Transportation to and from medical visits
Caregivers may also help with more complex needs, like managing memory loss or wandering — something many families face when caring for someone with dementia.
At FreedomCare, we’ve seen how powerful this program can be. We’ve helped daughters care for aging parents, brothers support siblings with disabilities, and grandchildren step in for grandparents — all while staying under one roof, together.
Who is Eligible for Structured Family Caregiving in Georgia?
You or your loved one may qualify for the SFC program if:
- You live in Georgia
- You are 18 or older
- You have an intellectual or developmental disability, or a chronic condition that requires daily help
- You qualify for Medicaid or are enrolled in a Medicaid waiver, such as the COMP or NOW waiver
- You need assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, or managing medications
- You are able to safely live in a family home with proper support
- You have a caregiver living in the same home (not your spouse or legal guardian) who is willing and able to provide care
Every situation is different. FreedomCare can help you figure out if you meet the requirements and what to do if you’re unsure.
Can a Spouse Caregiver Be Compensated Under the Structured Family Caregiving in Georgia?
We get this question often, and it’s an important one, especially for couples who have built their lives together and now face the challenges of caregiving as a team.
Unfortunately, under Georgia’s Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) program, spouses are not eligible to be paid as the primary caregiver. The program specifically excludes spouses and legal guardians from receiving compensation.
We understand how frustrating that can feel. Many spouses are the ones providing the majority of care, helping with medications, mobility, meals, and more. But because the SFC program is part of a Medicaid waiver with specific rules, only non-spouse family members or friends living in the same household can qualify as paid caregivers.
If you’re a spouse looking for support, you still have options. FreedomCare can help you explore alternative Medicaid programs or resources that may be available to your family, depending on your unique situation. We’ve helped many families figure out the right path, even when SFC isn’t the right fit.
How to Apply for Structured Family Caregiving in Georgia
If you or your loved one meets the criteria, here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review the checklist above. Still not sure? Talk to your doctor or case manager, or reach out to FreedomCare. We can help walk you through it and answer any early questions you may have.
Step 2: Contact Your Regional DBHDD Office
Georgia is divided into regions, and each one has a DBHDD office that handles SFC applications. You’ll need to contact the office in your region to begin the process. They’ll explain what’s needed and how to move forward. You can find your office’s contact info on the DBHDD website.
Step 3: Get a Comprehensive Assessment
A professional assessor approved by DBHDD will evaluate your loved one’s physical, emotional, and daily living needs. This helps determine what kind of care and services are necessary. It’s important to be open and honest during this step. Think about the challenges you face every day — from managing medications to helping with mobility or emotional regulation.
Step 4: Create an Individual Service Plan (ISP)
Next, you’ll work with the care team to create a plan that outlines exactly what your loved one needs. This plan is called the Individual Service Plan, or ISP. It includes everything from how often care is provided to what type of help is required, and what training the caregiver might need.
FreedomCare can help you understand what to expect in this plan and how to make sure it reflects your family’s real needs.
Step 5: Choose a Live-In Caregiver
This is usually the family member who’s already helping out the most — someone like you. The caregiver must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live in the same household as the person receiving care
- Not be the person’s spouse or legal guardian
- Be physically and emotionally able to provide care
We know this part can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right caregiver isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about finding someone with compassion, patience, and understanding. FreedomCare can help you figure out if you’re eligible to serve as the caregiver, or help you identify who in your household might be the best fit.
Step 6: Complete Required Caregiver Training
Before officially becoming a paid caregiver under the SFC program, the person providing care must complete a state-approved training course. The training includes guidance on things like medication administration, emergency response, personal care skills and techniques, and more.
We’ve seen firsthand how this training empowers family members to feel confident and prepared, even if they’ve never provided formal care before.
Step 7: Submit the Full Application
Once your assessment, ISP, and caregiver training are complete, you’ll submit the full application through your DBHDD regional office. This includes:
- Proof of Medicaid eligibility
- Results of the assessment
- The finalized ISP
- Proof of completed caregiver training
If you’re applying with FreedomCare, we help you collect and organize all the documentation so nothing gets missed.
Step 8: Wait for Approval
This part can take a few weeks or more. We know waiting is hard, especially when you’re already giving care every day. If approved, you’ll receive confirmation of services and financial support. If denied, you’ll get instructions on how to appeal.
FreedomCare is with you through all of it. We advocate for our families and help you navigate next steps if anything needs to be clarified or corrected.
What Kinds of Help Can You Expect?
Once enrolled, your family may receive:
- A monthly financial stipend for the caregiver
- Ongoing training and case management support
- Access to other Medicaid waiver services that promote safety, comfort, and independence
This isn’t just about financial help. It’s about giving caregivers the support they need to keep going, with dignity and recognition.
Let FreedomCare Help You Apply
At FreedomCare, we believe families shouldn’t have to choose between doing the right thing and staying financially afloat. That’s why we’ve helped thousands of families across Georgia apply and get approved for programs like Structured Family Caregiving.
We guide you step by step. We listen to your story. We help you understand your options.
Whether you’re caring for a child with autism, a parent recovering from a stroke, or a loved one with mobility issues, we’re here to help you get the support you deserve.
Ready to take the next step?
Let us help you check eligibility and start your application today. Contact FreedomCare and see how we can support your family’s caregiving journey.