Family PCA/HHA Program
A relative or trusted friend can take free training, become a certified PCA/HHA with Helping Hands and get paid to care for your loved one at home. We’ll guide you through every step.
Care from someone they already trust
For Medicaid home care clients, the Family PCA/HHA Program lets the family choose who provides the care, often a relative or trusted friend. That person completes PCA/HHA training, is hired by Helping Hands, and is paid for the hours they provide.
For many families, this is the most natural fit: care is delivered by someone who knows the client deeply, in a familiar way, while the caregiver gets the support and compensation they deserve.
Who can be the caregiver?
- Siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews
- Grandchildren, aunts, and uncles
- Brothers- and sisters-in-law, and step-relatives
- A trusted friend or neighbor
Important to know
Some close relatives are not eligible to be the paid caregiver under the program — specifically the patient’s spouse, parent, child, son-in-law or daughter-in-law. We’ll review your situation and confirm exactly who qualifies.
How it works
1. Reach out
Call (718) 435-8191 or send the form. Our intake team checks Medicaid and answers your questions.
2. Nurse assessment
A nurse visits to assess your loved one’s needs at home.
3. Hours approved
The assessment determines how many hours of care are approved.
4. You get care
We send a Helping Hands aide, or your family member begins after free PCA/HHA training.
Caregiver pay and benefits
$22.40 an hour
Including benefits: health, vision and dental insurance, retirement, life insurance and other union benefits.
Free training
PCA/HHA training and certification at no cost. Speak to one of our intake reps to get started.
Start in days, not months
Care can begin in a few days to about a month, depending on Medicaid approval and training.
CDPAP vs. the Family PCA/HHA Program
| CDPAP | Family PCA/HHA at Helping Hands | |
|---|---|---|
| Caregiver’s employer | PPL (statewide fiscal intermediary) | Helping Hands Attendant Services |
| Training | Set by the program | Free PCA/HHA training and certification |
| Adult son or daughter as paid aide | Allowed | Not allowed |
| Spouse as paid aide | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Pay | Set by the program | $22.40/hour with union benefits |
Family PCA/HHA Program: common questions
How does the Family PCA/HHA Program work at Helping Hands?
Your chosen relative or friend takes free training to become a Personal Care Aide or Home Health Aide, is hired by Helping Hands Attendant Services, and is scheduled to care for your loved one at home.
Can a relative get paid to care for my loved one in New York?
Yes. If your loved one has Medicaid and needs help at home, a relative or friend who is not their spouse, parent, child, son-in-law or daughter-in-law can become their paid aide through Helping Hands.
Which relatives can be the paid caregiver?
Siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers- and sisters-in-law, step-relatives, and trusted friends or neighbors.
Can my adult child be paid to care for me?
Not in this program. Sons, daughters, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law cannot be the paid aide. A grandchild or sibling often can.
Can a husband or wife be the paid caregiver?
No. Spouses are not eligible to be paid aides in the Family PCA/HHA Program.
Who is eligible to receive care?
Someone with New York Medicaid (or eligible for it) who needs help with everyday activities at home in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island or Nassau County.
Does Medicare cover this program?
No. Medicare does not cover ongoing home care like this; Medicaid does. Our intake team can help you see whether your loved one may qualify for Medicaid.
What if my loved one has both Medicaid and Medicare?
That usually works. Medicaid pays for the home care.
How are care hours decided?
Your loved one’s Medicaid assessment and plan set the approved hours, and we schedule the caregiver for those hours.
How soon can care begin?
Anywhere from a few days to about a month, depending on Medicaid approval and when the caregiver finishes training.
Is the Family PCA/HHA Program the same as CDPAP?
No. CDPAP is now handled by one statewide fiscal intermediary. With Helping Hands, your caregiver works for our agency and is trained and supported by our team.
Can I move my care from CDPAP or another agency to Helping Hands?
Call (718) 435-8191. If your loved one has Medicaid home care and your caregiver meets the program rules, our intake team will walk you through moving care to Helping Hands.
What does the caregiver get paid?
$22.40 an hour including benefits, such as health insurance, vision, dental, retirement, life insurance and other union benefits.
Do I have to pay for PCA/HHA training?
No. Training is free. Talk to one of our intake representatives to get started.
What are the requirements to become the caregiver?
Be 18 or older, be legally authorized to work in the U.S., finish the free PCA/HHA training, and pass the required background check and health screening.
What tasks does the caregiver help with?
Personal care like bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, walking and eating, plus light housework and meals, following the care plan.
Which areas do you serve?
Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island and Nassau County, from our office at 4107 13th Avenue in Brooklyn.
How do I find out if my family qualifies?
Call (718) 435-8191. We check Medicaid eligibility, confirm who can be the caregiver and explain the next steps, free of charge.
See if your family qualifies
A quick phone call is all it takes to find out.
