If you are dedicating your time to caring for an elderly or disabled family member at home, Georgia’s Structured Family Caregiver (SFC) program offers a way to receive a daily financial stipend and professional health coaching. Recently, the state updated its requirements for late 2025 and January 2026, introducing a few important changes to who qualifies for the program.
Whether your family is looking to apply or you just want to understand the current rules, here is a quick breakdown of the newest requirements for both members and caregivers.
Updates to Member Eligibility (The Person Receiving Care)
The most significant change for the Medicaid member receiving care is the minimum age requirement. Under the newest state guidelines, the member must now be at least 21 years old. Previously, this age limit was 18, so families caring for younger adults will need to keep this new threshold in mind.
Updates to Caregiver Eligibility (The Person Providing Care)
To be the paid primary caregiver, you must live in the same home as the member and be related by blood or marriage. The state has introduced two major updates regarding caregiver eligibility:
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Disability Income Restrictions: The rules have been clarified to state that the primary family caregiver cannot receive disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs (VA) disability. This is in addition to the existing rule that SFC caregivers cannot be employed outside the home or run a home business, as the program requires your full-time dedication to your loved one.
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CPR and First Aid Certification: For caregivers hired on or after October 1, 2025, the state now strictly requires you to obtain and maintain active CPR and First Aid certification However, there is fantastic news for SFC families! Recognizing how difficult it is for live-in caregivers to leave their loved ones to attend long, in-person classes, the state has made a special exception: SFC is the only program permitted to complete this certification online.
Caring for a loved one is a massive commitment, and the SFC program is designed so you don't have to do it alone. If your family meets these updated requirements and you are ready to get the financial and professional support you deserve, contact Caring Hands United today to start the intake process!
