Monday, December 8, 2025
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
Published on: September 22, 2025
Caring for a loved one takes time and energy because you need to manage their medications and appointments, as well as other daily needs, and your own needs and responsibilities at the same time. Social Security caregiver benefits can help take care of some of your costs.
There are programs in Michigan that allow family members to get paid for caregiving, so knowing how caregiving through Social Security and Medicaid programs works can help you find financial support. Here, we’ll take a look at some of your options.
What Are Social Security Caregiver Benefits?
Social Security caregiver benefits aren’t part of one single program, so payments can come from different sources, and it depends on the person being cared for and what benefits they qualify for. You might be able to get paid if you’re caring for someone who gets Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Some states, including Michigan, use Medicaid funds to pay family caregivers through programs like the MI Choice Waiver, which aren’t technically Social Security caretaker benefits, but they work alongside federal programs to support families who provide long-term care.
Who Qualifies as a Caregiver Under Social Security?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has clear definitions of what caregiving is and who can receive payment, so not everyone is eligible.
Family Caregivers vs. Professional Caregivers
People often assume they can’t get paid for caring for their family members, but it depends. Certain state Medicaid programs provide payment to spouses, adult children, and other relatives if the person they’re caring for qualifies for home and community-based services.
The guidelines for professional caregivers hired through agencies are different, and they usually get paid through private funds, insurance, or Medicaid, not Social Security. But if you’re providing daily care to a family member in Michigan, waiver programs might be able to get you compensation.
SSI vs. SSDI Eligibility for Caregiver Pay
Eligibility for Social Security caregiver pay is different for SSI and SSDI. SSI is based on need, and a person’s employment history isn’t a factor. Recipients get benefits according to their income, so paying a caregiver could reduce or affect their eligibility.
SSDI is for disabled workers who’ve already paid into Social Security, which means it’s more flexible because it’s not based on the person’s current income.
How to Apply for Caregiver Benefits Through Social Security
To apply for caregiver benefits through Social Security programs, you have to provide paperwork and proof of care. The exact processes for SSI and SSDI are different, but they have some steps in common.
Documentation and Proof of Care
No matter what, you have to prove that you’re actually providing daily care, which usually means you have to show medical records and a doctor’s care plan, or any notes from healthcare providers. Whether you’re dealing with the Social Security Administration or Medicaid, they’ll want proof that your loved one needs regular assistance with personal care, medications, and so on.
For example, you can keep a written log of the things you do, like the hours you spend caregiving and what specific tasks you handle. Write down the appointments you take them to as well. This is a good way to show how you’re involved.
Income and Asset Limitations
SSI is strict about income and asset limits, so if you’re caring for someone on SSI and you want to get paid for it, their total household income, including your caregiver wages, needs to be below federal limits.
Medicaid waiver programs have their own ways of calculating income, and some don’t count caregiver pay against the person receiving care. To be safe, a lawyer can help show you how each program measures income and help you avoid any issues that could stop or reduce SSI benefits.
Understanding Caregiver Pay: What to Expect
Social Security caretaker benefit payments are usually modest, and the amount depends on the specific program and the state you live in, since each county follows state guidelines that set hourly rates and limit the number of hours a caregiver can bill each week. The pay structure isn’t meant to replace a full income but rather provide some financial relief for the time you spend caregiving.
Even partial compensation helps, since it can help offset some of the expenses that come with caring for someone full-time. Family members often take on responsibilities that would otherwise require professional home care services, and these programs recognize that.
Legal Support for Caregivers Seeking Benefits in Michigan
Applying for Social Security caregiver benefits takes time, and sometimes you get denied, or your application can get sent back for more information. The rules also change from time to time, which makes things more complicated, so it helps to have someone who understands the process to keep things in order.
Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., works with Michigan families trying to access Social Security and Medicaid benefits. Our personal injury lawyers in Michigan and benefits team know how the federal and state systems work, including programs like MI Choice, and we help with paperwork, appeals, and the documentation that agencies ask for.
If you’re a caregiver and you were injured on the job, we’re also here to help, since a Michigan accident attorney from our firm can look at your situation and explain if you might qualify for workers’ compensation or other benefits.
Let Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., Fight for Your Rights
Caring for a family member shouldn’t strain your finances, and if you’re looking to get Social Security caregiver benefits in Michigan, we can help you understand your options and make sure the paperwork gets done correctly.
We work on contingency, which means you don’t pay anything up front, and we don’t get paid at all unless we recover compensation for you. Call us 24/7 at 1-866-MICH-LAW or contact us online for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family caregiver get paid through Social Security in Michigan?
They don’t get paid directly through Social Security, but there are Medicaid waiver programs in Michigan, like MI Choice, that work alongside Social Security benefits and allow family members to get paid for caring for individuals who qualify.
What’s the difference between SSDI and SSI for caregivers?
SSDI provides benefits to disabled workers who’ve already paid into Social Security, and it’s less restrictive than SSI because it’s not tied to your current income. SSI is based on financial need, and there are strict limits on income and assets, so a family member getting paid as a caregiver could affect eligibility.
How do I apply for caregiver pay through Social Security?
Apply through your state’s Medicaid office, not through Social Security. That means contacting Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services. You’ll have to provide documentation of your loved one’s medical needs and the care you provide.
Do Social Security caregiver benefits vary by state?
Yes, every state manages its own Medicaid waiver programs. Michigan’s rules, including pay rates and hour limits, are different from those of neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana.
What documents are needed to prove caregiver status?
Medical records, a doctor’s care plan, proof that you’re related, and a daily log of your hours and the tasks you handle.
Is there a time limit to apply for Social Security caretaker benefits?
There’s no set federal deadline, but spots in the programs can be limited, so apply early to avoid waiting lists or delays.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.