One of the best-kept secrets of Michigan’s Home Help Program is that the paid caregiver can be someone your loved one already knows and trusts — often a member of their own family. But not everyone in the family is eligible. Here’s a clear breakdown.
Family members who generally CAN be paid
- Adult children caring for a parent
- Grandchildren caring for a grandparent
- Siblings
- Nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives
- Trusted friends and neighbors the person chooses
In other words, the people most likely to already be helping are usually the people who can be paid to keep doing it.
Who generally CANNOT be the paid caregiver
- A spouse of the person receiving care
- The person’s legal guardian
- Anyone the care recipient’s benefits already count on as a legally responsible party
The background check
Because caregivers work one-on-one with vulnerable adults, every caregiver must pass a criminal background check before providing paid care. This protects the people being cared for — and it’s a normal, straightforward part of getting started. Most caregivers clear it without any issue, and we walk you through the process.
Caregivers also need to be legally able to work in the United States, since being paid means being employed.
Can more than one family member be paid?
Often, yes. If your loved one is approved for a significant number of hours, those hours can sometimes be shared among more than one eligible caregiver — for example, two adult children splitting the week. It depends on the authorized hours and scheduling, and we help families set this up in a way that works.
What if the caregiver lives with the person?
Living in the same home is generally fine — many paid caregivers live with the person they care for. What matters is the relationship (not a spouse or guardian), the documented need, and passing the background check.
Find out who in your family can be paid
Tell us who’s providing care and we’ll tell you who’s eligible — free and with no obligation.
Check your eligibilityThis article is general information, not legal, medical, or benefits advice. Caregiver eligibility rules are set by MDHHS and are subject to change. We’ll confirm the specifics for your situation.