Michigan Home Help Pay Schedule
How Much Can a Caregiver Earn?
Caring for an elderly or a disabled individual is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. Millions of Michigan resident have been taking care of their families, and they have been doing it for free for years. This is what has changed now. With the help of the Michigan Home Help Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), eligible individuals can get paid for taking care of a family member, neighbour, or even a friend who needs support with daily living activities.
But the most common question coming from caregivers is how much they will earn, and when the payment arrives. This guide breaks down the Michigan home help pay schedule, current pay rates, and everything else you need to get started.
About the Michigan Home Help Program
The Michigan Home Help Program is a Medicaid-funded program that provides in-home care assistance services to adults who need assistance with activities of daily living (ADL), like bathing, toileting, preparing meals, grooming, and mobility. What makes this program unique is that it allows recipients to choose their own caregivers, including their family or friends.
When a family member is approved as a caregiver, they start getting payments for the hours they spend on providing care. This arrangement allows them to stay with their loved ones and saves them from costly nursing facilities. Also compensates the caregivers by paying for the care they were already providing for free.
How Does the Pay Schedule Work?
Michigan Home Help caregivers are paid on a bi-weekly pay schedule, which means they get paid every two weeks of work. Here’s how the payment process works:
- Caregivers log their hours using the MI or electronic visit verification (EVV) system or an approved timekeeping method.
- Time sheets are submitted at the end of each pay period
- MDHHS or the fiscal agent processes the timesheets
- The payment is issued via direct deposit or paper check, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the pay period closes
Who Is Eligible to Be a Paid Caregiver?
To receive the MDHHS caregiver payment through the Michigan Home Help Program, both the receiver and the caregiver must meet certain criteria.
For the Care Recipient:
- Must be a Michigan resident
- Be actively enrolled in Michigan Medicaid
- Require physical assistance with at least one activity of daily living
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a documented need for assistance with activities of daily living
- Must be assessed by MDHHS to determine the number of authorized monthly hours
For the Caregiver:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must pass the background check
- Must complete a caregiver enrollment process with MDHHS
- Must be authorized and enrolled before providing paid care
- Cannot be a spouse of the recipient (in most standard cases)
FAQ
- When do I get my first paycheck?
You will get your first paycheck after your first full pay period is completed and your timesheet is submitted and approved. You should expect a delay of 4 to 8 days between starting care and receiving the first paycheck, as the enrollment and approval process takes time.
- What happens if my loved one’s needs increase?
The recipient’s health condition can change at any time. If your loved one’s health condition changes, and they require more hours of care, you can request a reaccessment through MDHHS. A coworker will evaluate the recipient’s condition and needs, and, depending on those, may authorize additional hours. However, it’s crucial to understand that this process is not automatic; you need to proactively contact your local DHS office and request a review. Increased hours mean increased pay, but only when it’s approved.
- Can I work another job while being a paid caregiver?
Yes. The Michigan Home Help Program does not prohibit caregivers from doing another job. Many of them work as part-time caregivers while doing a full-time job
Or another part-time job.
- Do I have to pay tax on my Home Help caregiver’s income?
Yes, Home Help caregiver wages are considered taxable income. You will receive a W-2 from the fiscal intermediary or MDHHS at the end of the year. Taxes are not automatically withheld in all cases, so it’s a good idea to set aside a portion of each paycheck for state and federal taxes.
- How do I apply as a Home Help caregiver?
The enrollment process starts through the care recipient’s application. They apply for the Home Care Program, and once their application is approved and hours are authorized, they can select anyone they prefer to be their caregiver. If you are chosen, you will need to complete a caregiver application form, submit it and go through the required training period. This process might take a few weeks, so starting early is highly recommended.