How to Be Paid as a Family Caregiver

Arizona Long-Term Care Services (ALTCS) and the VA (Veterans Administration)

By David Walter, ARD Strategies – Your Trusted Partner in Care and Clarity for Seniors and Caregivers

Imagine this:

You’re sitting at the kitchen table, your hands wrapped around a warm mug of coffee, listening to your loved one share stories of their youth, some joyful, some painful, and some heroic.

You’ve become more than just a family member.

You’re their support system, their advocate, their everything.

But as the days pass and the responsibilities pile up. You've got doctor appointments, medication schedules, hygiene, meals, and endless paperwork leaving one question that echoes in your heart:

“Who’s taking care of me while I’m taking care of them?”

If you’ve ever felt that, you’re not alone. And more importantly, there’s help. Yes, even financial help. You Deserve to Be Paid for the Care You Give

Being a caregiver for a parent, spouse, or relative isn’t just an act of love…it’s a full-time job.

You may have left your career, put your dreams on hold, or are simply running on fumes.

Here’s the truth:

Arizona recognizes your commitment.

The ALTCS program (Arizona Long-Term Care System) and the Veterans Administration (VA) both offer real, structured programs that allow family caregivers to be paid for their time, compassion, and hard work.

Let’s break it down—clearly, practically, and with heart.

1. Arizona Long-Term Care Services (ALTCS): Get Paid to Care for Family

ALTCS is Arizona’s Medicaid program for seniors and people with disabilities who need ongoing care.

How It Works:

Your family member must first apply and qualify for ALTCS. Once enrolled, you can request to become their paid family caregiver.

Start here: Apply for ALTCS https://www.azahcccs.gov/members/getcovered/apply.html and scroll down to see the ALTCS documents.

Or call 1-888-621-6880 to ask about the application process.

Once accepted into the program and designated as the Family Caregiver for the ALTCS program:

• You'll be connected with an ALTCS-approved homecare agency.

• That agency will train and pay you as a professional caregiver.

• Training includes CPR/First Aid and the Fundamentals of Caregiving. This is often just one day long.

💡 See the document: “ALTCS Process Explained” for detailed steps.

What You Need to Know:

• ALTCS pays family members (not spouses/legal guardians) to be caregivers through agencies.

• Your loved one must meet medical and financial eligibility requirements.

• A case manager will help build a care plan that includes you as the caregiver.

Here’s a Quick Roadmap to Becoming a Paid Caregiver Through ALTCS:

1. Determine ALTCS eligibility (online or by phone).

2. Apply with medical records, income, and asset documentation.

3. Select an in-home care agency that supports “consumer-directed care.”

4. Get trained, get hired, and get paid.

At ARD Strategies, we can walk you through every step of this journey. We've done it for others, and we'll do it for you.

2. The VA Program: Veterans Supporting Veterans (and Their Families)

If your loved one is a veteran, additional resources and benefits are available.

Call BeConnected at 866-429-8387

Visit: www.beconnectedaz.org

Or call the VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274

Key VA Programs That Pay Family Caregivers:

A. VA Aid & Attendance Benefit

• For veterans (or surviving spouses) needing help with daily activities.

• Can be used to pay unlicensed family caregivers.

• Requires documentation of service, financial need, and medical necessity.

B. VA Caregiver Support Program

• Primarily for Post-9/11 veterans—recently expanded.

• Offers monthly stipends, training, and respite care for family caregivers.

• After approval, you're officially recognized and paid as a VA caregiver.

C. Veteran-Directed Care

• Self-directed program allowing veterans to manage their own care budget.

• Veterans can hire their own family members as caregivers.

• Available through many VA Medical Centers—call yours to ask!

🔗 Learn more about VA caregiver benefits here https://va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers

Why This Matters—A Story from the Heart

Let me tell you about Maria, a mother of three who left her teaching job to care for her aging father, a Korean War veteran.

Money got tight. Stress piled up. And hope started to fade.

Then she reached out.

We guided her through ALTCS enrollment and the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit.

Today?

Maria receives monthly payments to continue doing what she was already doing, with more confidence, more financial security, and more peace.

This isn’t just about money. It’s about dignity...hers, her father’s, and yours.

Your Next Steps

We know the systems are overwhelming.

The language is confusing.

The waiting is exhausting.

But you're not alone anymore.

At ARD Strategies, we help families like yours navigate ALTCS, VA benefits, and caregiver compensation with our step by step program.

1. We help you assess eligibility

2. We connect you with trusted caregiving agencies

3. We walk with you through the paperwork, the calls, the wait—and the wins.

Ready to explore how you can be paid as a caregiver?

📞 Call ARD Strategies at 480-331-3604 or 602-332-0780

You’re already doing the hardest part. Let us help with the rest.