Short answer: Not through Georgia’s Structured Family Care (SFC) program or our Family Hire program. In Georgia, a spouse can’t be the paid caregiver in either one. That rule surprises a lot of families, so here’s what you can do instead.
Why spouses can’t be paid
Georgia sets the rules for these programs, not the provider. Both SFC and Family Hire, our version of Personal Support Services (PSS), exclude spouses and legal guardians from being the paid caregiver. Every provider in Georgia follows the same rule.
What you can do instead
1. Another family member can be paid
An adult son or daughter, grandchild, sibling, niece or nephew can be the paid caregiver. If they live with you and can care for your spouse full time, SFC is usually the fit. If they work another job or live somewhere else, Family Hire usually is. You can keep helping as you always have. You just won’t be the one on payroll.
2. A close friend or neighbor can be paid
With Family Hire, we can hire a close friend or neighbor who already helps, once they complete our caregiver training. They must be 18 or older and pass a background check.
3. Your spouse can still get help at home
If your spouse qualifies for Georgia Medicaid and the CCSP or SOURCE waiver, they can get hands-on help at home even if no family member is paid. That can take some of the load off you.
4. If your spouse is a veteran
The VA runs its own program, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, and spouses can be the caregiver in it. The veteran generally needs a service-connected disability rating of 70% or higher and needs in-person care for at least six months. The primary family caregiver can receive a monthly stipend. Freedom Adult Care isn’t part of the VA program. To ask about it, call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
5. Get support for yourself
Caring for a husband or wife is hard work. Georgia’s Area Agencies on Aging offer caregiver support, including respite for caregivers of older adults and people living with dementia. In Columbus, that’s the River Valley Area Agency on Aging. The statewide line, 1-866-552-4464, will connect you to the right office.
Common questions
Can I get paid to take care of my husband in Georgia?
Not through SFC or Family Hire. Georgia doesn’t allow a spouse to be the paid caregiver in either program. Another family member, or a close friend or neighbor through Family Hire, can be.
Can our daughter be paid to help care for my wife?
Yes, if your wife qualifies for Georgia Medicaid. If your daughter lives with you and cares for her full time, look at SFC. If she works or lives elsewhere, look at Family Hire.
Does it matter which provider we use?
No. The spouse rule comes from Georgia, so it’s the same with every provider.
What if my spouse isn’t on Medicaid yet?
Call us anyway. We’ll walk you through what’s needed.
Find out in one call
The first call is free and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Call (706) 786-3041 and we’ll tell you who in your family can be paid and which program fits. You can also read SFC or Family Hire: which one fits? or learn more about our Family Hire program.