Texas has more caregiver support programs than most families realize. If you're caring for an aging parent or spouse, there are programs that can pay you for your work, give you a break through respite care, connect you with other caregivers, and help you figure out the benefits your loved one qualifies for. You don't have to do this alone, and you don't have to pay for everything out of pocket.

This guide covers every major caregiver program in Texas, from Medicaid-funded options that pay family members to free support groups and training. We'll point you to the right program based on your situation.

In This Guide

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Texas Caregiver Programs at a Glance

Here is how the major Texas caregiver programs compare on what they offer, who qualifies, and what they cost.,,,,,,,

Program What It Offers Who Qualifies Cost
Medicaid CDS (STAR+PLUS, CAS, CFC) Pays family members as caregivers Medicaid-eligible seniors needing personal care Free
CMPAS (state-funded) Pays attendants, including a spouse Adults with physical disabilities who can direct their own care Income-based co-pay
VA PCAFC Monthly stipend up to $3,499/mo Veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability Free
VA Veteran Directed Care Flexible budget for hiring caregivers VA-enrolled veterans at risk of nursing home Free
Lifespan Respite (Take Time TX) $800-$1,000 respite vouchers Family caregivers of adults or children with disabilities Free
AAA/NFCSP Counseling, training, respite, support groups Caregivers of adults 60+ Free
Alzheimer's Association Support groups, 24/7 helpline, care planning Anyone affected by dementia Free
PACE Full medical + support services package Adults 55+ needing nursing facility level of care Varies

Texas Programs That Pay Family Caregivers

If you're already providing daily care for a family member, several Texas programs can pay you for that work. Here's a quick overview of each option. For the full step-by-step process, pay rates, and eligibility details, see our guide to getting paid as a family caregiver in Texas.

Medicaid Consumer Directed Services (CDS)

The most common path. CDS lets your loved one become your employer through Texas Medicaid. They hire you, set your schedule, and direct the care they receive. A Financial Management Services Agency (FMSA) handles payroll and taxes.

CDS is available through three Medicaid programs, all without a waitlist:

Pay typically ranges from $10.25 to $17.00 per hour depending on your managed care plan and region. Adult children, grandchildren, and siblings can generally be hired. A spouse cannot be paid as the attendant under any Texas Medicaid program, and under Community Attendant Services a parent cannot be the paid attendant for an adult applicant.,,

Want to find out if your family qualifies for Medicaid caregiver pay? Chat with Brevy to check eligibility, it takes just a few minutes.

CMPAS (Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services)

If your loved one doesn't qualify for Medicaid, Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services (CMPAS) may be an option. CMPAS is a Texas state-funded (non-Medicaid) program for adults with physical disabilities who are able to direct their own care or have someone who can supervise the attendant for them. Unlike Medicaid CDS, a spouse can be hired and paid as the attendant through CMPAS. Rather than a hard income cutoff, the program uses an income-based co-payment, so a family can take part regardless of income. Licensed agencies contract with Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) to run it.

VA Caregiver Programs

For families of veterans, the VA offers two programs:

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC): Pays a monthly stipend based on the veteran's location and care needs. In the Houston area, that's approximately $2,187 to $3,499 per month. The veteran must have a service-connected disability rated at 70% or higher. Spouses can qualify. Primary caregivers also receive CHAMPVA health insurance, mental health counseling, and at least 30 days of respite care per year.

Veteran Directed Care (VDC): Gives veterans a flexible budget to hire their own caregivers, including family members and spouses. A financial management services provider handles payroll. In Texas, VDC is available through organizations like REACH, Inc. and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 for more information about either program.

Respite Care Programs

Every caregiver needs a break. Respite care gives you time off while someone else cares for your loved one, even if it's just for a few hours.

Texas Lifespan Respite Care Program (Take Time Texas)

The state's main respite program provides vouchers of $800 to $1,000 per eligible family through your local Area Agency on Aging. The voucher covers in-home or facility-based respite care and can be used all at once or spread over a three-month period. This program doesn't pay you as the caregiver. It pays for a substitute so you can rest.

To find a respite provider near you, visit Take Time Texas or call your local AAA at 1-800-252-9240.

Medicaid-Funded Respite

If your loved one is on the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver, respite care is a covered benefit. The waiver provides in-home and facility-based respite so family caregivers can take a break. The STAR+PLUS base program also covers limited respite through Community First Choice.

NFCSP Respite Through Your AAA

Your local Area Agency on Aging may also offer respite care directly through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Availability varies by region and funding, so call your AAA to ask what's available in your area.

Support Groups and Counseling

Caregiving can be isolating. Talking with people who understand your situation makes a real difference.

Alzheimer's Association Texas Chapters

The Alzheimer's Association runs five chapters across Texas with free support groups, educational programs, and individualized care planning. You don't have to be caring for someone with Alzheimer's to use many of these resources.

Texas chapters include:

Each chapter offers both in-person and virtual support groups led by trained facilitators. Master's-level clinicians provide free individualized care planning sessions.

Alzheimer's Texas (txalz.org), a separate Central Texas nonprofit, also offers caregiver education and support services.

The 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 provides confidential support, crisis assistance, and referrals in over 200 languages. Calling at 2 AM because you're overwhelmed is exactly what it's there for.

AAA Caregiver Counseling and Training

Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, your local AAA offers individual counseling, caregiver training, and help organizing support groups. These services are free and available to caregivers of adults age 60 and older. Priority goes to caregivers who are older, have lower income, or care for someone with dementia.

Your Local Area Agency on Aging

Texas's 28 Area Agencies on Aging are often the single best starting point for caregivers. They're federally funded through the Older Americans Act and deliver five categories of services through the National Family Caregiver Support Program:

  1. Information about available services in your area
  2. Help accessing services. They'll walk you through applications and connect you to programs
  3. Counseling and training. One-on-one support plus caregiver skills training
  4. Respite care. Temporary relief from caregiving duties
  5. Supplemental services like home modifications, emergency response systems, and nutritional supplements (on a limited basis)

Most families who call their AAA for the first time are surprised by how much help is available. The staff know every program in your area and can point you to resources you wouldn't find on your own.

Call 1-800-252-9240 to reach your local AAA.

Other Caregiver Resources

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)

ADRCs cover all 254 Texas counties and serve as one-stop shops for long-term care information. They help caregivers and seniors find services, understand Medicaid options, and connect with local programs. Call 1-855-937-2372 (855-YES-ADRC).

2-1-1 Texas

Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org for 24/7 referrals to community services. Operators can connect you to local food assistance, utility help, transportation, and other support services that reduce the financial burden of caregiving.

PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

PACE bundles medical care, prescriptions, adult day care, home health, transportation, meals, and caregiver respite into one program for adults 55 and older who need nursing facility-level care. In El Paso, Bienvivir Senior Health Services operates PACE centers and can be reached at (915) 562-3444. PACE availability in Texas is limited to specific service areas.

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)

If you become a paid Medicaid caregiver through CDS, you'll need to know about EVV. Texas requires electronic visit verification for all Medicaid-funded personal care services. Your FMSA will help you set up the system, which tracks clock-in/clock-out times through a phone or app.

Key Phone Numbers and Contacts

Keep these Texas caregiver helplines and resources within reach.,

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) Your local starting point for caregiver counseling, respite vouchers, and program referrals, during business hours. 1-800-252-9240
Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) One-stop help finding long-term care, Medicaid options, and local services, during business hours. 1-855-937-2372
2-1-1 Texas Helpline Free referrals to food, utility, transportation, and caregiver support, 24/7 (also 1-877-541-7905). 2-1-1
HHSC Benefits Line Apply for or ask about Texas Medicaid and other state benefits, during business hours. 1-800-252-8263 hhs.texas.gov
Alzheimer's Association Helpline Confidential dementia support, crisis help, and referrals in 200+ languages, 24/7. 800-272-3900
VA Caregiver Support Line Guidance on PCAFC and Veteran Directed Care for families of veterans, during business hours. 1-855-260-3274
Take Time Texas Search the state respite-provider directory online, any time. apps.hhs.texas.gov/taketimetexas

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get paid to take care of my parent in Texas?

Yes. Through Medicaid's Consumer Directed Services (CDS) program, your parent can hire you as their paid caregiver. Adult children, grandchildren, and siblings qualify. Pay ranges from $10.25 to $17.00 per hour depending on the managed care plan. Your parent must be on Texas Medicaid and need personal care assistance. See our full guide to getting paid as a family caregiver for the step-by-step process.

Where do I find caregiver support groups near me in Texas?

Start with the Alzheimer's Association, which runs free in-person and virtual support groups through five Texas chapters. Call 800-272-3900 for help finding a group near you. Your local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-252-9240) can also connect you to support groups in your area.

How do I get respite care in Texas?

The Texas Lifespan Respite Care Program provides vouchers of $800 to $1,000 through your local AAA. Visit Take Time Texas to search for respite providers in your area, or call 1-800-252-9240. If your loved one is on the STAR+PLUS HCBS waiver, respite care is a covered Medicaid benefit.

What's the difference between CDS, CAS, and CFC?

All three are Medicaid programs that let your loved one hire family members as caregivers. CDS is the employer option available across multiple Medicaid programs. CAS provides up to 50 hours per week of attendant care. CFC is an entitlement with no waitlist. In practice, many families access CDS through CAS or CFC because neither has a waitlist. Your service coordinator can help you figure out which combination works best.

Next Steps

Finding the right caregiver program depends on your family's specific situation. Here's where to start:

  • If your loved one is on Medicaid (or might qualify), ask about CDS through their service coordinator, or read our guide to getting paid as a family caregiver in Texas.
  • If your loved one is a veteran, call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.
  • If you need a break, contact your local AAA at 1-800-252-9240 about respite vouchers.
  • If you need someone to talk to, call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
  • If you're not sure where to start, call the ADRC at 1-855-937-2372 or chat with Brevy to get personalized guidance on which programs fit your family.

For a deeper look at Texas Medicaid options, see our guides to Texas Medicaid programs, STAR+PLUS, and HCBS waivers.

Learn More

CaregiverCaregiver Programs: The 50-State GuideA directory of caregiver programs in all 50 states: paid family caregiver pathways, respite, NFCSP grants, and VA benefits. Find your state's complete guide. CaregiverMedicaid Self-Direction and Consumer-Directed ServicesHow Medicaid self-direction lets a family member be your paid caregiver: employer authority, budget authority, the 1915(j) spouse rule, and how to get started. CaregiverThe National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP): A Complete GuideWhat the National Family Caregiver Support Program funds, who is eligible, and how to reach respite and caregiver support through your Area Agency on Aging. CaregiverTexas Caregiver Resources OverviewFamily caregivers in Texas: how to get paid through Medicaid CDS and VA programs, how to get respite, what state programs exist, and who to call. Updated 2026. CaregiverHow to Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in TexasLearn how to get paid as a family caregiver in Texas through Medicaid CDS, CAS, VA programs, and CMPAS. Covers pay rates, eligibility, and step-by-step process. CaregiverTexas Respite Care for CaregiversFind respite care in Texas through Medicaid, VA benefits, and state programs. Learn about in-home, adult day care, and facility-based options for caregivers. MedicaidTexas Medicaid ProgramsTexas Medicaid programs for seniors 65+ include STAR+PLUS, CAS, HCBS waivers, and PACE. Find out what each one covers, who qualifies, and how to enroll. MedicaidTexas STAR+PLUS Waiver ProgramTexas STAR+PLUS covers Medicaid managed care for seniors 65+. The HCBS waiver income limit is $2,982/month, and Community First Choice has no waitlist. MedicaidTexas Medicaid HCBS WaiversTexas HCBS waiver programs help seniors stay home instead of a nursing facility. Learn how STAR+PLUS HCBS, CLASS, HCS, interest lists, and applying work.

Find personalized help connecting with Texas caregiver programs at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

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Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.