Can I Get Paid to Care for My Child With Disabilities?

Hope Grows Editor on July 23, 2025

At Hope Grows, we walk alongside caregivers who give so much of themselves, often at great emotional, physical, and financial cost. While our mission centers on nurturing mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness through therapeutic respite and nature-based care, we know that financial strain is a very real part of many caregiving journeys.

From time to time, caregivers ask us: “Can I be paid to care for my ⁠child with disabilities?” And while we don’t directly provide financial support or legal guidance, we’ve created this guide as a compassionate resource to point caregivers toward programs and possibilities that may offer relief.

Much like compensation for parent caregiving, getting paid to care for your child with disabilities allows you to keep doing what you know is the right thing for your child.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to offer general guidance and support, not legal or financial advice. As programs and benefits vary widely depending on your location and situation, we encourage you to reach out to a local social worker, legal advisor, or your state’s Medicaid office for personalized assistance.

Why Seeking Support Matters: The Dangers of Caregiver Burnout

If you feel overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone. According to The Cleveland Clinic, caregiver burnout is a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that results from taking care of someone else. 

Millions of parents in the U.S. care for their children with disabilities, often putting in full-time hours each week. Balancing those demands with financial strain can feel like carrying too much for too long.

At Hope Grows, we see this every day. The exhaustion, the quiet worry, the weight of giving so much. You deserve support, not just financial, but emotional and spiritual, too. That’s why we’re here: to help lighten the load, in all the ways that matter most.

Explore Mental Health Counseling

How to Get Paid to Care for Your Child With Disabilities: Financial Support Options

Many families caring for children with disabilities wonder if there’s financial support available for the critical care they provide at home. While every situation is different, there are several common programs worth exploring:

Getting Paid Through Medicaid Waivers

Many states offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that sometimes allow family members, including parents, to be paid caregivers. These waivers are intended to help individuals with disabilities remain at home rather than being placed in institutional care. Coverage and eligibility vary by state, but this is often one of the most direct ways to receive compensation for caregiving.

Resource: Medicaid Waivers Directory

Getting Paid Through Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to children with disabilities from low-income households. If your child meets both the disability and income criteria, your family may qualify for ongoing support. These funds can help offset some of the everyday expenses associated with caregiving.

Resource: SSI For Children Eligibility Information

Getting Paid Through State-Based Caregiver Programs

In addition to Medicaid waivers, many states have separate programs that provide financial or practical support to family caregivers. These might include direct stipends, training, or respite services. The availability of these programs can depend heavily on your state’s policies and budget.

Resource: State Medicaid Support Directory

Getting Paid as a Caregiver Through Veterans Directed Care

If your child is an adult and a veteran, the Veterans Directed Care program allows them to manage their own care budget. This includes hiring a family member—like you—as their caregiver. It’s a flexible option that supports independence while offering financial relief.

Resource: Veterans Directed Care Overview

Financial Help From Nonprofit or Community-Based Caregiver Resources

Various nonprofit organizations offer caregiver grants, stipends, or respite care funding, especially in times of acute need. These support options are usually smaller in scale, but they can be a lifeline during transitions or seasons of overwhelm. At Hope Grows, we understand that not all support needs to come in financial form. 

For those unable to travel or afford overnight stays, we offer our healing gardens, 14 distinct, therapeutic spaces at the Iris Respite House, freely as a place of reflection, restoration, and peace. Whether you need a moment to breathe or a gentle reminder that you’re not alone, we welcome you to explore these gardens from wherever you are.

Take a virtual walk through our gardens.

As these programs change over time, it’s best to contact a local social worker or disability advocate who understands the latest in your region.

How To Get Paid For Taking Care Of Your Child With Disabilities

Navigating the world of caregiver compensation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to start with a perfect plan. Here’s how to take meaningful first steps toward understanding your eligibility and accessing support:

  1. Start by Gathering Documentation: Keep a detailed log of the daily care you provide. This includes medical tasks, therapy support, transportation, emotional care, and household duties. This documentation will be important if you apply for financial assistance.
  2. Research Programs in Your State: Every state is different. Look into your state’s Medicaid office or Department of Human Services to see which programs you may qualify for. 
  3. Contact a Local Social Worker or Advocate: These professionals often know the latest program updates and how to navigate the system efficiently. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request guidance; they’re here to help.
  4. Reach Out to a Hospital or Care Team: If your child receives regular medical care, ask the care team if a case manager or hospital social worker can support you in applying for caregiver resources.
  5. Connect with a Nonprofit or Peer Community: Groups focused on disabilities or family caregiving often have real-time insights and encouragement from others who’ve walked a similar road. Social workers, hospital case managers, and local nonprofits can be powerful allies in helping you understand your options.

You Are Not Alone

While financial support is a lifeline, it’s only one piece of the caregiver puzzle. Your mental and emotional health matters deeply. At Hope Grows, we understand the weight that caregivers carry. Through our nature-based therapies, counseling services, and respite programs, we support caregivers just like you.

Whether you live near our gardens or join us virtually, we welcome you into a compassionate community that sees and honors the work you do.

If you feel overwhelmed or alone, please reach out. You deserve support. ⁠To learn more about how Hope Grows can support your caregiving journey, reach out today.

The Art of Letting Go: Balancing Expectations in Caregiving and Lessons from Nature

Amy Oledzki on July 25, 2023

In the month of June, the ThinkCaregiver™ program and its Simple Suggestions talked about expectations and all it can ensue. We started the month off with the quote by Debra L. Reble, “We must let go of any expectations of how life should be, in order to experience how life can be.” Quite profound and very relatable to nature and all things caregiving.  

Nature is a vast and intricate system that has evolved over billions of years. It offers numerous lessons and inspirations for all of us and, as I have said in the past, has a reciprocity that closely connects to the give and take of living and caring.

Caregiving, as I have said and advocated before, involves support, assistance, and nurturing to those who require help due to an age-related disease, a chronic illness, a physical or mental disability, childhood special needs, veterans, and other circumstances. While caregiving can be fulfilling and meaningful, it can drain one physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Not too mention, it can drain us financially and of our career that one has worked very hard to achieve.

One does not go into helping someone at the most vulnerable times of their lives with the expectation that they are going to be drained of so much. Although I believe it is natural to have expectations once someone is the role of caregiving, sometimes it is best to put them aside. Once put aside, the result can indeed be helpful.

Reduced stress and frustration are at the top of the list of reasons. An increase in becoming adaptable, having improved emotional well-being, a greater dynamic in the relationship and an easier time at living in the present moment. I think it is important to point out that letting go of expectations does not mean abandoning goals or ceasing to care, it is more about cultivating a mindset of acceptance and compassion. In doing this, one can focus on providing the best care possible while recognizing and appreciating the uniqueness of each situation and individual journey.

In addition, setting aside expectations can help one to strike a balance. It’s still important to have realistic goals, seek appropriate support, and maintain a level of structure and planning in caregiving, however, finding a middle ground between letting go of rigid expectations and maintaining a proactive and organized approach can help caregivers navigate their roles effectively.

Nature can help with this. It offers a multitude of expectations and lessons. By observing and learning from nature, we can develop a greater understanding of our place in the world and foster a more harmonious relationship with both the natural environment and each other. Consider one or more of those lessons.

Ebb and Flow

Amy Oledzki on May 26, 2023

The ebb and flow of life is a natural cycle that is closely interconnected with the rhythms of nature. Just as the tides of the ocean ebb and flow, so too does life go through periods of growth, change, and renewal.

Nature provides a powerful metaphor for the ebb and flow of life. For example, in the springtime, plants begin to grow and bloom after a long period of dormancy during the winter. Similarly, in our own lives, we may go through periods of rest and rejuvenation before embarking on new challenges and endeavors.

Nature also reminds us of the impermanence of life. Just as the leaves on a tree change color and fall away in the autumn, so too do we experience endings and transitions in our own lives. However, just as the tree will eventually sprout in the spring, we too have the capacity to renew ourselves and start fresh after difficult times.

Nature can provide comfort and solace during times of hardship. Spending time in nature, whether it’s walking in the woods, watching a sunset, or listening to the sound of the ocean, can help us to feel connected to something larger than ourselves and find peace in the midst of adversity.

Overall, the ebb and flow of life and nature are intricately connected, and by embracing this natural cycle, we can find meaning, purpose, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

The ebb and flow of caregiving refers to the cyclical nature of caring for someone who is in need of assistance, such as a loved one with a chronic illness or disability. Caregiving can be challenging and demanding, and it often involves a lot of emotional, physical, and mental energy.

Recognizing the ebb and flow of caregiving is important for both the caregiver and the person receiving care. Caregivers may experience periods of burnout or exhaustion, as well as times when they feel more energized and able to provide support. It’s important for caregivers to be aware of their own needs and limitations, and to take time for self-care when necessary.

Referring to the ebb and flow of caregiving can also help caregivers to recognize and anticipate the needs of the person they are caring for. For example, if the person is going through a difficult period of illness or recovery, they may require more hands-on assistance and support. Alternatively, if the person is feeling more independent and able to manage their own care, the caregiver may need to take a step back and provide more emotional support and encouragement.

Reinforcing the ebb and flow of caregiving involves acknowledging and validating the efforts of the caregiver. Caregiving can be a thankless job, and it’s important to recognize the hard work and dedication that caregivers provide. Simple gestures such as expressing gratitude, offering to help, or providing respite care can go a long way in reinforcing the caregiver’s efforts and helping them to feel supported.

Talk with someone today!

Overall, recognizing, referring to, and reinforcing the ebb and flow of caregiving can help caregivers to manage the challenges of caregiving and provide the best possible care to their loved ones.

Weathering the ebb and flow of life and caregiving can be challenging, but incorporating simple self-care practices into your daily routine can help you feel more resilient and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. One simple self-care practices that you can try is essential oils. Cypress essential oil is known for its calming and grounding properties, and it has been used for centuries for its therapeutic benefits. One of the ways in which cypress essential oil can help with the ebb and flow of life is by supporting the immune system.

Research has shown that cypress essential oil has immunomodulatory effects, meaning that it can help to regulate the immune system. Specifically, cypress essential oil has been found to increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are a type of white blood cell that play a critical role in the body’s immune defense against infections, cancer and cells infected with viruses.

Cypress essential oil has a calming and soothing effect on the nervous system. It can help to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and tension, and promote a sense of relaxation and peace. This can be particularly beneficial during times of stress or transition, when the ebb and flow of life may feel overwhelming.

It’s important to remember that adversity is a natural part of life, and it can often lead to personal growth and development. By facing and overcoming challenges, we can build resilience, learn important life lessons, and develop new skills and strengths.