Learn more about becoming a paid family caregiver in New York through our PCA and OPWDD programs.
❓ What does FamilyCaregiverNY.com do?
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We help eligible New York residents become paid caregivers for a loved one at home through two Medicaid-funded programs:
- PCA (Personal Care Assistant)
- OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities)
We assist with eligibility checks, Medicaid support, certification, and agency placement.
❓ What is the PCA Program?
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The PCA (Personal Care Assistant) program is designed for adults who are elderly or physically disabled and need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or mobility. Certain family members may qualify to be paid caregivers once certified. Certification is provided at no cost through our program.
❓ Who can be a paid caregiver under PCA?
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You may qualify if you are a:
- Sibling
- Grandchild
- Cousin
- In-law
- Aunt or uncle
- Close family friend (case-by-case)
❌ Who is not eligible to be a paid caregiver under PCA?
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You cannot be paid through the PCA program if you are:
- A spouse
- A legal guardian
- A parent of a minor child
- A son or daughter of the patient
❓ What is the OPWDD Program?
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OPWDD stands for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. It supports children and adults diagnosed with conditions such as:
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Intellectual disabilities
Family members other than parents or legal guardians may qualify to be paid caregivers.
❓ Who can be a paid caregiver under OPWDD?
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Eligible caregivers under OPWDD include:
- Siblings
- Aunts or uncles
- Cousins
- Grandchildren
- Other relatives or close family friends (case-by-case)
Parents and legal guardians are not allowed to be paid caregivers.
❓ Can children under 18 qualify for OPWDD?
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Yes. Children under 18 with a qualifying developmental disability can receive services through OPWDD. However, their parents or legal guardians cannot be paid. In these cases, a sibling, aunt, uncle, or other relative may be approved instead.
❓ Do I need certification?
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Yes. Both PCA and OPWDD require you to be certified as a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) or HHA (Home Health Aide). We provide free, same-day PCA certification so you can start quickly.
❓ What’s the difference between PCA and OPWDD?
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| Feature | PCA | OPWDD |
|---|---|---|
| Who it’s for | Physically disabled or elderly adults | Children & adults with developmental disabilities |
| Parent/guardian eligible? | Sometimes | No |
| Other family eligible? | Yes | Yes (case-by-case) |
| Certification required | PCA | PCA or HHA |
| Care services | Daily living assistance | Habilitation, behavior & support services |
❓ Do you offer CDPAP services?
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No. We do not offer CDPAP. We specialize in PCA and OPWDD programs, which provide faster onboarding and long-term flexibility for family caregivers.
❓ How do I apply?
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Start by filling out our Eligibility Form. We’ll review your info and help with Medicaid, assessments, and certification.
❓ What if my loved one doesn’t have Medicaid?
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No problem — we help families apply for Medicaid as part of our process.
❓ How much do caregivers get paid?
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- $19.10/hour – NYC (Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island)
- $17.55/hour – Upstate NY (Albany, Schenectady, etc.)
❓ Where do you provide services?
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We currently serve families in:
- New York City – Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island
- Suburbs – Nassau & Westchester Counties
- Upstate NY – Albany, Schenectady, Fulton, Warren, Montgomery, Washington, Rensselaer, Saratoga
❓ Can I speak to someone before applying?
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Yes! Call us at 718-395-6329 — we’re happy to answer any questions before you apply.
❓ What if I’m not eligible — can another family member apply?
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Yes! If you’re not eligible, we’ll help another relative (like a sibling, cousin, or grandchild) apply instead.
📩 Still have questions?
Reach out through our contact form or call 929-660-2391. We’re here to help.