If you are a caregiver for a loved one who is eligible for Medicaid in Georgia, the Structured Family Caregiver (SFC) program can help you manage the costs of caregiving. The Structured Family Caregiver program provides a tax-free financial stipend to family members who provide personal care and support services to a Medicaid member in the member’s private home (or the private home of the caregiver). In addition to the stipend to help offset the costs of caregiving, respite care is available to give caregivers a break.
To be eligible to participate in Georgia’s SFC program, you must meet certain income and asset requirements, and your loved one must be aged, blind, or disabled. The requirements may be broken down into two categories: Patient (Medicaid Member) Requirements and Caregiver Requirements. If your family already meets the criteria listed below and you’re ready to get started with services from Caring Hands United (or to start the process of qualifying for EDWP services), click here to start the intake process. Family caregivers who do not meet the criteria due to working other jobs or not living in the same home may be eligible for the Family Hire program.
The family caregiver must be biologically or legally related to the individual receiving care. However, a spouse, legal guardian, parent of a minor child or conservator is not eligible to be the structured family caregiver.
The family caregiver must reside in the same home with the individual receiving care.
The family caregiver is not allowed to have any other means of employment. The primary caregiver cannot be employed or self-employed.
Additionally:
- Caregiver must be at least 18 years of age
- Caregiver must pass a criminal background check
- Tasks must be recorded every day (electronically)
- Monthly contact with Health Coach regarding the Member’s care.
- Must complete 8 hours of training annually
- In-home meeting with Health Coach and case managers twice annually
To qualify for SFC, the Medicaid Member must already be approved for SOURCE or CCSP home care services under Georgia Medicaid’s Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP), also known as Community Care Services Program or CCSP.
Must be willing to pay monthly Cost Share, if assessed one due to higher income. Caring Hands United can assist in Cost Share payments for our SFC participants.
Individuals receiving Structured Family Caregiver are not eligible for the following services under the EDWP program:
- Medicaid Home Care Services from another provider
- Home Delivered Meals
- A Stipend payment for days when the Member is in a hospital, nursing facility, or other institution.
Start Services or Request Info
For general information or questions, you may contact us through our SFC information request form by clicking here.
If you’re ready to qualify for services and qualify for EDWP (if you don’t already have it), click here to start the intake / qualification process.
