Can I Get Paid to Care for My Child in Colorado? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can get paid to take care of your disabled child, you're not alone, and yes, the answer is sometimes, absolutely yes.
Here's what most people don't realize: families can earn meaningful income through caregiving, legally and sustainably, by using programs like CNA or IHSS. But you need to know which one, and when, to avoid delays, tax issues, or disqualification.
That’s exactly why I created Navigating Disabilities Colorado (NDC), so families get paid and supported.
Option 1: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
If your child is approved for Medicaid and has skilled care needs, you may be able to become their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This requires formal training and working under a home health agency.
It’s a structured path, ideal for medical care, but can take time to set up, and may not work for families who want flexibility or tax-exempt income. It also requires approved hours from the nurse assessor's skilled assessment.
Tax Tip: If you live with your child and are paid under a waiver, your income may be tax-exempt under the IRS Difficulty of Care (DOC) rule.
Option 2: IHSS – In-Home Support Services
Once your child is enrolled in a Medicaid waiver, IHSS allows an agency to hire a family member to provide caregiving in the home.
The benefit? You don’t need to be a CNA. You’re paid through the agency for personal care, homemaking, and health maintenance. It also requires approved hours from the nurse assessor skilled assessment.
⚠️ 2025 Update: Some services are shifting from waivers to Community First Choice (CFC). If your caregiver pay is moved to CFC, the IRS may no longer treat it as tax-exempt, unless the Private Letter Ruling Colorado is pursuing is approved.
What You Can Do Now
Check if your child is on a waiver via the NDC Waiver Quiz.
Compare IHSS vs CDASS options based on your lifestyle and comfort.
Join our free info session to learn about caregiver pay, taxes, and service changes in 2025.
Inside the Roadmap for the Waiver Journey, I guide families through program selection, tax prep, and funding strategy, so you’re never left wondering, “Did I set this up right?”
Your Next Step
Caregiving is a full-time job. And in Colorado, it can also come with a paycheck, if you take the right steps.
Comment WAIVER or visit the NDC Resources Page to get your free Caregiver Pay Checklist and start building a sustainable support system for your family.