Families across New York are discovering that it’s possible to get paid for providing care to a loved one legally and with full support through New York’s Family Caregiver Programs.
If you live in New York City, Westchester, Nassau, or Albany County, these programs can help you turn your dedication into a sustainable caregiving role with weekly pay, training, and Medicaid support.
What Is the Family Caregiver Program?
The Family Caregiver Program refers to New York State Medicaid-funded programs that allow relatives or close friends to become certified caregivers for people who need help with daily activities such as dressing, meal prep, medication reminders, and personal care.
Two main pathways exist:
1. PCA Program (Personal Care Aide)
Designed for adults 18+ with a disability, illness, or mobility limitation.
- Provides same-day caregiver certification and weekly pay
- Includes help with Medicaid applications if needed
- Caregivers can be siblings, grandchildren, cousins, nieces/nephews, in-laws, or friends
- Not eligible: spouses, children, or legal guardians
2. OPWDD Family Caregiver Program
For individuals with developmental disabilities (children or adults).
- Funded through New York’s OPWDD Waiver Program
- Allows most family members and friends to be the caregiver
- Includes ongoing support, training, and case management
Where We Serve
We proudly assist families throughout New York City and Upstate regions, including:
- NYC Boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island
- Long Island: Nassau County
- Hudson Valley: Westchester County
- Capital Region: Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, and nearby areas
If your loved one lives in one of these counties, you may qualify to become their paid caregiver.
Who Qualifies?
To participate in the Family Caregiver Program:
- The person needing care must have Medicaid or be eligible for it.
- They must require assistance with daily living tasks (bathing, dressing, etc.).
- The caregiver must be a relative or close friend who lives nearby and is willing to complete basic caregiver certification (no prior experience needed).
If the loved one doesn’t have Medicaid yet, we offer free help to apply and connect you with a home-care agency that handles all the paperwork.
Why Choose Family Caregiver NY?
- ✅ Fast onboarding
- ✅ Free Medicaid support
- ✅ Weekly pay through licensed home-care agencies
- ✅ Guidance through PCA or OPWDD programs
- ✅ Service across NYC and Albany regions
We make the process simple: you focus on caring for your loved one we handle the forms, approvals, and agency connections.
How to Get Started
- Confirm interest – speak with your loved one about receiving home care
- Complete our secure form:
👉 familycaregiverny.com/eligibility-form - Our team will review eligibility and match you with the right program and agency partner.
If your family member isn’t eligible, we can provide a licensed home aide to help and you can still assist with their care plan.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Thousands of New Yorkers are now getting paid to care for family from a niece helping her aunt in the Bronx to a grandson assisting his grandfather in Albany. These programs strengthen families and communities by keeping care local and personal.
“I never thought I could earn income for helping my mom every day. Family Caregiver NY made it simple they guided us through Medicaid, and I started getting paid within weeks.”
Sarah T., Brooklyn
Apply Today
If you live in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, or Albany, and you’re ready to care for a loved one at home, take the first step:
👉 Apply Here – FamilyCaregiverNY.com/eligibility-form
Our coordinators will review your situation and contact you with next steps.