Caregiver Requirements

Michigan Home Help Caregiver Requirements: A 2026 Guide

Many Michigan families are unaware they can be paid to provide essential care. Learn the requirements to become a paid caregiver through the Michigan Home Help Program.

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Providing care for loved ones is one of the most significant responsibilities a person can take on. In Michigan, many families are unaware that they can be paid to provide this essential support. The Michigan Home Help Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), allows Michigan residents to receive assistance in their own homes from people they trust.

However, becoming a paid caregiver involves meeting certain requirements set by the state. At Family Love Care, our team is dedicated to helping families navigate the Michigan home help caregiver requirements so that you can focus on the well-being of your loved one.

The Michigan Home Help Program is a Medicaid-funded initiative designed for individuals who require assistance with daily activities due to disabilities or age. The program aims to promote independence by allowing participants to receive care in a familiar environment rather than a nursing facility. Because the program is funded through Michigan Medicaid, it follows strict eligibility criteria. At Family Love Care, we help applicants determine if they qualify before starting the application process.

Basic Caregiver Qualifications for 2026

Family Love Care manages the entire process β€” CHAMPS enrollment, EVV setup, ongoing revalidation

Age

Must be at least 18 years old

Legal status

Must be legally eligible to work in the United States

Background check

Must pass a criminal background check

CHAMPS enrollment

Must complete provider enrollment in Michigan’s CHAMPS system

Who Can Be a Paid Caregiver?

The program recognizes that family members often provide the best care

Eligible Caregivers

  • Adult children
  • Siblings
  • Grandchildren
  • Close friends
  • Neighbors

Not Eligible

  • Spouses

    Cannot be paid to provide care for one another

  • Parents of a minor

    Cannot be paid to care for their child under 18

Medical Eligibility for Care Recipients

Physical Hands-On Assistance Required

The person receiving care must require physical, hands-on assistance with at least one Activity of Daily Living. Those who only need supervision and not physical help are generally not eligible.

ADLs Assessed

  • Bathing & grooming
  • Dressing
  • Toileting
  • Eating
  • Mobility & transfers

Required Documentation

  • MDHHS-6200 Form

    Completed by a Medicaid-certified health professional (replaces DHS-54A)

  • In-Home Assessment

    MDHHS adult services worker determines care level and approves hours

How Care Hours Are Determined

A caseworker from MDHHS will conduct an in-home assessment to determine specific care needs and authorize monthly care hours.

Typical Hours

50–60/mo

Maximum

179 hrs/mo

In some cases, special approval from MDHHS may allow additional hours beyond the 179-hour cap.

Pay Rate

$17.13–$20/hr

Family Love Care works with families to ensure all documentation is ready for the assessment visit, helping maximize the support your loved one receives.

Caregiver support

Enrollment in the CHAMPS System

CHAMPS (Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System) is Michigan’s required portal for Medicaid providers. The system can be difficult to navigate, and errors can delay approval and payment.

Important:

Caregivers must create their own provider profile in CHAMPS. This process is not simply tied to the person receiving care and must be done correctly.

Family Love Care manages the entire CHAMPS registration from start to finish, including revalidation (typically every 5 years) to prevent payment lapses.

Learn more about CHAMPS enrollment

Medicare vs. Michigan Medicaid

Medicare Does Not Fund the Home Help Program

To qualify, the person receiving services must be enrolled in Michigan Medicaid. If your loved one only has Medicare, they will not be eligible for paid family caregivers through this program.

If you are unsure of your Medicaid eligibility, our team can help you review your health coverage options.

Services You Can Get Paid to Perform

Hands-on ADLs

  • Bathing and personal hygiene
  • Dressing and grooming
  • Mobility and transfers
  • Toileting and incontinence care

Household & Support (IADLs)

  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Light housekeeping and cleaning
  • Laundry and linen changes
  • Grocery shopping and errands

Why Partner with Family Love Care?

Navigating the Michigan Home Help Program and MDHHS requirements can be complex. Family Love Care simplifies the process -- so you can focus on providing care while we handle the details. We provide end-to-end support, including:

Higher Pay

Higher pay opportunities compared to working directly with the state

Assessment Prep

Preparation for a successful assessment β€” helping you understand what to expect

Full Application Support

Complete application and CHAMPS enrollment support from start to finish

EVV Training

Electronic Visit Verification training and ongoing support for time tracking

Faster Payments

Faster, more reliable payments through bi-weekly direct deposit

Ongoing Assistance

Ongoing help with time tracking, documentation, and payment issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Michigan Home Help caregiver requirements

Start Your Application Today

If you are ready to provide care and get paid for the vital services you offer your family, the time to act is now. The Michigan home help caregiver requirements are straightforward once you have the right support.

Contact Family Love Care today to begin the process. We will help you complete the required paperwork and ensure your loved ones receive the highest quality support in their own homes.

Care for a Loved one β€”
And get paid!

With Family Love Care, you can get paid to care for a family member or friend!

Paid by Medicaid!

Contact Us to Learn More

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