Can a Parent Get Paid to Care for a Minor Child in Arizona?
If you are the parent of a minor child with developmental disabilities, your daily routine likely involves a level of care that goes far beyond typical parenting. Between administering medications, managing complex behavioral needs, and assisting with daily living activities, providing this care often becomes a full-time job—making it difficult or impossible to maintain outside employment.
Naturally, one of the most common questions families ask is: Can I get paid by the state to care for my own child?
The short answer is yes. Under current Arizona policies, parents of minor children can be hired as paid caregivers. However, the state has specific eligibility rules and training requirements you must meet first.
Here is exactly how the Family Caregiver program works for parents of minors in Arizona.
The Policy Shift: From "No" to "Yes"
Historically, Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) did not allow parents to be paid for providing care to their minor children. The assumption was that parents are naturally legally responsible for their children's care.
However, recognizing the severe shortage of direct care workers and the unique, highly skilled care required by children with developmental disabilities, the state changed its policies. What started as a temporary emergency measure has evolved into a permanent program, allowing parents to be compensated for providing what the state defines as "extraordinary care."
What is "Extraordinary Care"?
To be paid, the care you provide must exceed what is typically expected of a parent raising a child of the same age without a disability.
For example, helping a neurotypical four-year-old bathe is considered standard parenting. However, if your ten-year-old child requires specialized physical assistance with bathing, dressing, or feeding due to their disability, that qualifies as extraordinary care. Your DDD Support Coordinator will assess your child's specific needs to determine the authorized hours.
Which Services Can a Parent Be Paid For?
Under the Arizona DDD waiver, not all service codes are treated equally when it comes to parents of minors.
Attendant Care (ATC): Parents can typically be paid for Attendant Care, which involves assisting with personal care, grooming, bathing, and mobility.
Respite Care (RSP): Parents cannot be paid for Respite Care. By definition, respite is meant to provide the primary caregiver (you) with a short-term break. You cannot be paid to give yourself a break.
The Agency with Choice (AWC) Solution
Even when approved by DDD, the state cannot simply write a check directly to a parent. To receive payment, you must be employed by a state-approved Qualified Vendor that acts as your Fiscal Intermediary.
This is where the Agency with Choice (AWC) model comes in. Through this program, you partner with an authorized agency to handle the complex employer responsibilities.
At Nova Z Health Services, we act as your administrative partner. While you focus on providing extraordinary care for your child in your own home, we handle the backend logistics. When you submit your timesheets, Nova Z Health processes your payroll, automatically handles all federal and state tax withholdings, manages workers' compensation, and bills DDD on your behalf.
Required Training for Parents
Being a parent does not exempt you from the state's professional standards. Before Nova Z Health can process your first paycheck, you must complete the exact same certifications as any other professional Direct Support Professional (DSP) in Arizona. This includes:
A Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
Article 9 Training (a mandatory DDD course on disability rights and incident reporting)
CPR and First Aid Certification
Direct Care Worker (DCW) standardized training modules
Navigating these compliance steps while raising a child with high needs is exhausting. Our team at Nova Z Health is dedicated to guiding Phoenix-area parents step-by-step through this onboarding process so you can start getting paid as quickly as possible.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your child is enrolled in ALTCS and DDD, and you are ready to transition into a paid caregiver role, we are here to help.
