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Family caregiving3 min read

Can I get paid to care for a family member in Indiana?

Understand Indiana Structured Family Caregiving, what to ask about eligibility and payment, and how to take the next step without relying on a promised pay rate.

Published by Community Outreach Advocates

Family caregiving in a home setting

The short answer

Some eligible Indiana families may receive support through Structured Family Caregiving (SFC). Being a relative or already providing care does not automatically qualify someone for payment. Ask the person's care manager or health plan whether SFC is an available, authorized service and which providers can support the arrangement.

What is Structured Family Caregiving?

Indiana FSSA's family FAQ describes SFC as support delivered under an approved service plan, with a daily payment to the provider. Caregiver coaching and training are part of the support described. The provider's payment is not a quoted take-home amount for a family caregiver.

FSSA's linked SFC FAQ was updated in June 2024. It is useful background, but confirm the current rules with your care manager before making work, financial, or living-arrangement decisions.

Where should I begin with eligibility?

Indiana's PathWays for Aging program serves qualifying Medicaid members aged 60 and over. Its official FAQ lists structured family care among the additional services for members who meet the applicable functional eligibility requirements. PathWays enrollment alone is not confirmation that a particular service has been authorized.

If the person already has a care manager or service coordinator, start there. If they do not, ask FSSA or a benefits navigator which program and assessment process applies. Do not assume that an older adult, a younger adult, and a child follow the same enrollment path.

  • Which program applies, and is an assessment or service-plan change needed?
  • What relationship and shared-home requirements apply to our situation?
  • Who approves the service, and when would that approval take effect?
  • Which providers serve our location, and are there enrollment or capacity limits?

How much would a family caregiver actually receive?

Ask a prospective provider for a written explanation of the caregiver payment arrangement. A headline daily rate does not tell you what you would receive, when payment begins, or what responsibilities come with it. This guide does not quote a pay rate because COA has not supplied a current, approved caregiver payment schedule.

Before changing your employment, ask for the amount payable to you, payment timing, required records, training obligations, and how absences or interruptions are handled. Ask the appropriate benefits or tax adviser about effects on your own situation. A website inquiry is not an approval or a guarantee of income.

What else should I ask a provider?

Consider the day-to-day relationship as well as payment. Who answers practical questions? How is training arranged? What should you do if the plan is no longer workable? Ask each provider the same questions so the answers are easier to compare.

COA describes its Structured Family Care program as providing compensation, training, and resources for eligible families. Its team can explain its current process. Confirm availability, program requirements, and the actual terms directly before making a commitment.

Sources & further reading

Public sources checked September 11, 2026. Check the linked source for subsequent changes.

General education and planning guidance. Your care team and program administrator determine care needs, coverage, and eligibility. About these guides.

Find your next step with COA

Ask COA about its Structured Family Care process. The initial form only needs the requested contact details; eligibility and enrollment require a separate follow-up.

Talk with our team

Use only the requested contact details in our online form. Do not send private health information.