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Paying for care in Michigan

Getting paid to care for a family member in Michigan

Yes. In Michigan, a family member can be paid to give care through Home Help Program. A spouse cannot be paid through this program.

Respite care for family caregivers in Michigan

Yes. In Michigan, family caregivers can get respite through one program on record: Respite (MI Choice Waiver).

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Programs on record

How to apply

Home Help Program

How to apply

Anyone can make a referral for Home Help, by phone, mail, fax or in person to your local MDHHS office. A complete application needs two forms: the Adult Services Application (DHS-390), signed by you or your legal guardian, and the Medical Needs Form (DHS-54A), completed by a Medicaid-approved medical professional such as a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist or physical therapist. An adult services worker then visits your home for a Comprehensive Assessment.

If you need Medicaid, apply online at michigan.gov/mibridges or call your local MDHHS office for a paper application.

Source: Home Help Program Client Handbook, MDHHS-Pub-1733 (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 4-24)Checked

Respite (MI Choice Waiver)

How to apply

MI Choice is run through waiver agencies. Ask the MI Choice waiver agency serving your area. It checks your functional eligibility with an in-person nursing facility level of care determination, and services are set through an in-person assessment and person-centered planning. If the agency is at capacity, it screens you by phone or in person with the MI Choice Intake Guidelines, and if you appear potentially eligible it places you on its waiting list in order of the date of that contact. Someone else can call on your behalf.

Before you enroll you are told about all the long-term care options you qualify for and sign a Freedom of Choice form. You can be enrolled in only one long-term care program at a time, so MI Choice cannot be combined with Home Help, a nursing facility or PACE.

Source: Medicaid Provider Manual, MI Choice Waiver chapter (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, version October 1, 2026)Checked

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