Caring for a child with a disability can require constant attention, hands-on assistance, supervision, and advocacy. Many parents reduce their working hours or stop working entirely because their child cannot safely be left without support. It is understandable that parents want to know whether New York will pay them for providing this care.
The answer depends on the specific program and agency. Under the PCA and OPWDD agency programs that Family Caregiver NY currently works with, a parent cannot be enrolled as the paid caregiver for their own minor or adult child.
This does not mean your child cannot receive Home Care. It means another eligible caregiver must provide the authorized paid services.
Can a Parent Be the Paid Caregiver?
Parents are not accepted as paid caregivers for their own children through our current PCA or OPWDD agency programs. This applies even when the parent already provides most of the child’s daily care.
Legal guardians are also generally not accepted as paid caregivers through these programs.
Different Medicaid programs and service models may have their own rules. Family Caregiver NY only screens families for the Home Care programs and agency partners we currently work with. We do not want parents to complete forms or begin the process based on the expectation that they will personally become the paid caregiver when our participating agencies cannot accept that arrangement.
Can My Child Still Receive Home Care?
Yes. A child with a qualifying developmental disability may be eligible to receive support through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
OPWDD supports children and adults with developmental disabilities that began before age 22. Qualifying conditions may include autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and certain neurological conditions.
A diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify someone. OPWDD reviews medical records, developmental history, psychological evaluations, functional limitations, and the amount of assistance the individual needs.
Children who qualify may receive services related to supervision, safety, daily routines, communication, behavior, personal care, and community participation. The exact services depend on the child’s approved plan and assessed needs.
Who Can Be the Caregiver Instead?
Although the parent cannot be the paid caregiver through our current agency programs, another trusted person may potentially qualify.
An adult sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent, extended relative, or close family friend may be considered. The caregiver must meet the program and agency requirements, complete the required employment documents, and obtain any necessary PCA or HHA certification.
The caregiver’s living arrangement may also matter. Platinum generally does not accept a caregiver who lives at the same address as the child. Other agency partners may be more flexible depending on the circumstances, so every case should be reviewed individually.
If no eligible relative or family friend is available, the family may still request a licensed agency aide. This allows the child to receive professional support while the parent remains involved in directing routines, communicating the child’s needs, and overseeing their overall care.
What Information Is Needed?
To review the available options, we need to understand the child’s age, diagnosis, Medicaid status, county or borough, daily support needs, and current OPWDD status.
We also need to know whether the child already has an OPWDD care manager and whether an eligible relative or close family friend is available. If someone wants to become the caregiver, their relationship to the child and whether they live with the child must be disclosed.
Providing accurate information at the beginning helps prevent delays and avoid starting a process that does not match the family’s situation.
What If My Child Does Not Have OPWDD Yet?
Families can begin by gathering records showing that the developmental disability began before age 22. These may include diagnostic evaluations, psychological testing, medical records, school documents, and reports explaining how the disability affects daily functioning.
The OPWDD eligibility and service-planning process can take time. Approval is not guaranteed, and the amount or type of support is determined through formal assessments.
If the child does not meet OPWDD requirements, another Home Care option may be considered depending on the child’s age, Medicaid coverage, medical condition, and need for assistance.
Start by Checking Your Family’s Options
Family Caregiver NY helps families understand whether their child may qualify for Home Care and whether an eligible relative, close family friend, or licensed aide can provide the services.
Parents cannot serve as the paid caregivers through the PCA and OPWDD agency programs we currently work with, but their children may still have meaningful Home Care options.
To discuss your situation, visit our Contact page or complete the Eligibility Form.