Getting paid to care for a parent: CDPAP in New York (2026)

How a son, daughter or other relative can be paid by Medicaid to provide home care, and what changed with PPL.

Updated November 5, 2026 · Reviewed by Ettrick M. Campbell, Esq.

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) lets someone on Medicaid choose their own home care aide, and that aide can be a family member or friend. Many Caribbean families already care for parents at home. CDPAP can pay for it.

Who can be the paid caregiver

  • An adult child, grandchild, niece, nephew, sibling or friend.
  • Not a spouse.
  • Not the person acting as the patient's "designated representative," who manages the paperwork.

How to get it

  1. The person needing care must be on Medicaid (see our guide on who qualifies) and need help with daily activities.
  2. They get an assessment that sets the number of care hours.
  3. They enroll in CDPAP through their Medicaid plan.
  4. The caregiver registers with PPL (Public Partnerships LLC), which handles payroll.

What changed: one company now pays everyone

Since April 1, 2025, every CDPAP caregiver in New York is paid through a single statewide company, PPL. Before that there were hundreds of agencies. The switch caused payment delays for many families, and there is ongoing litigation about it. If your pay is late or wrong, keep records of your hours and every call.

Tips

  • Keep a simple daily log of the care you give.
  • Ask for a reassessment if your parent's needs increase.
  • Get Medicaid in place before a crisis. Applications take time.

General information, not legal advice. Program details verified November 2026.

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