How to Pay for In-Home Care
How to Pay for Home Care in Arkansas
Jump to a state to see its Medicaid programs, waivers, and other ways to help pay for in-home care.
This directory lists Arkansas-specific and federal payment sources that can pay for, reimburse, offset, or help plan for home care. Some are direct payment sources; others are indirect supports that reduce the amount of private home care a family must buy. Arkansas's strongest state-specific pathways include ARChoices with IndependentChoices self-direction, state-plan Medicaid Personal Care, PACE in current service areas, the CES Waiver and PASSE for developmental-disability-focused HCBS, Money Follows the Person transition support, and Area Agency on Aging caregiver support, and VA benefits are broken out because they can be one of the strongest payment pathways for eligible Arkansas veterans and surviving spouses.
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by Valerie VanBooven, RN, BSN
Arkansas Medicaid / LTSS
ARChoices in Homecare
YesHelps pay for: Medicaid HCBS alternative to nursing-facility placement; can authorize a package of in-home and community supports for eligible adults with physical disabilities and older adults.
Who qualifies: Age 21–64 with qualifying physical disability or age 65+; financial eligibility; intermediate nursing-facility level of care; need for at least one waiver service.
How to start: Contact Choices in Living or a DHS county office for LTSS screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes through self-direction; relationship rules apply
Arkansas Medicaid / ARChoices
ARChoices Attendant Care
YesHelps pay for: Hands-on help with bathing, dressing, transfers, toileting, eating, meal preparation and other authorized daily activities.
Who qualifies: Must be ARChoices-eligible and have attendant care authorized in the person-centered plan.
How to start: Ask the ARChoices nurse/case manager about attendant care and whether self-direction fits.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes through IndependentChoices/self-direction
ARChoices Home-Delivered Meals
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Delivers nutritious meals to eligible participants, reducing meal-preparation spending and caregiver time.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility and service authorization based on assessed need.
How to start: Ask the ARChoices case manager to include meal delivery if appropriate.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ARChoices Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Emergency call-button service that supports safer independent living and may reduce supervision needs.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility and plan authorization.
How to start: Ask the case manager about PERS.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ARChoices Adult Day Services
Offsets care cost / day careHelps pay for: Supervised daytime services and activities that can reduce the number of paid in-home care hours needed.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility and assessed need; provider availability applies.
How to start: Ask the case manager about adult day service options.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ARChoices Adult Day Health Services
Offsets care cost / health careHelps pay for: Adult day programming that includes skilled nursing/health-related services, supervision and activities.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility and authorization; clinical need may apply.
How to start: Ask the case manager about adult day health.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ARChoices In-Home Respite
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: A trained provider stays with the participant at home to give the unpaid caregiver a break.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility; respite must be authorized in the service plan.
How to start: Request in-home respite through the case manager.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage to primary caregiver
ARChoices Facility-Based Respite
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Short facility stays can temporarily relieve an unpaid caregiver and reduce private respite spending.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility and authorization.
How to start: Ask the case manager whether facility respite is appropriate.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ARChoices Environmental Accessibility Adaptations / Adaptive Equipment
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Can fund qualifying home changes or equipment such as accessibility improvements that support safe community living.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility; item/modification must be approved in the plan and meet program requirements.
How to start: Discuss safety, mobility and accessibility needs before purchasing or building.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
ARChoices Adult Family Home
Residential care alternativeHelps pay for: Community residential option in a family-home setting for some waiver participants; can substitute for more expensive institutional care.
Who qualifies: ARChoices eligibility; adult family home provider and service-plan requirements apply.
How to start: Ask Choices in Living about Adult Family Home availability and cost-sharing.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct caregiver wage assumption
Arkansas Medicaid / Self-Direction
IndependentChoices
YesHelps pay for: Self-directed Medicaid option that gives an eligible participant budget and employer authority to hire, train, schedule and supervise personal assistants.
Who qualifies: Generally age 18+; Medicaid category must cover personal care or ARChoices attendant care; participant must be able to self-direct or use a qualified decision-making partner.
How to start: Contact PPL to begin IndependentChoices assessment/enrollment.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, subject to relationship restrictions
IndependentChoices Paid Family Member
YesHelps pay for: A qualifying family member can serve as the participant’s paid personal assistant under IndependentChoices.
Who qualifies: Family members other than persons with legal responsibility may serve as personal assistants; worker must meet program/employment requirements.
How to start: Tell the IndependentChoices support broker whom you want to hire and complete worker enrollment before services begin.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes — but not spouse, guardian, power of attorney or another legally responsible person
Arkansas Medicaid / State Plan
Personal Care Services (PCS)
YesHelps pay for: Medicaid can pay trained personal-care workers for help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation and eating when medically necessary.
Who qualifies: Medicaid eligibility, medical necessity and service authorization/provider requirements apply.
How to start: Ask the treating provider/DHS about PCS assessment; ask separately about IndependentChoices.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Generally agency worker; self-direction may be available through IndependentChoices
Arkansas Medicaid / Medical
Medicaid Home Health
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: Can cover medically necessary skilled nursing, therapy and qualifying home-health services under Medicaid rules.
Who qualifies: Medicaid eligibility, medical necessity, ordering/referral and provider requirements.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician and Medicaid provider about home health.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicaid Private Duty Nursing
Yes - skilled nursingHelps pay for: Can cover extended skilled nursing in the home for eligible beneficiaries when private-duty nursing criteria are met.
Who qualifies: Medical necessity, Medicaid eligibility, plan of care and authorization/provider rules apply.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician about private-duty nursing assessment and authorization.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Medicaid / End of Life
Medicaid Hospice
Yes - hospiceHelps pay for: Can cover hospice services for eligible Medicaid beneficiaries who meet hospice criteria.
Who qualifies: Medicaid eligibility plus hospice medical eligibility and election requirements.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician or hospice provider about Medicaid hospice.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Medicaid / Integrated Care
PACE
YesHelps pay for: Integrated Medicare/Medicaid program for adults 55+ who meet nursing-facility level-of-care criteria; can coordinate home care, medical care, therapies, meals, transportation and other LTSS.
Who qualifies: Age 55+; nursing-home level of care; live in a PACE service area; able to live safely in the community with support.
How to start: Contact the PACE organization serving the county or Choices in Living.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct cash
Arkansas Medicaid / Assisted Living
Living Choices / Level II Assisted Living
Residential alternativeHelps pay for: Medicaid helps pay qualifying assisted-living services for eligible adults who need an intermediate level of care; room and board are not covered by the waiver.
Who qualifies: Age/disability, financial and intermediate level-of-care requirements apply.
How to start: Apply through DHS LTSS and ask about participating Level II assisted-living facilities.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Medicaid / Transition
Money Follows the Person
Offsets transition/care costHelps pay for: Helps eligible Medicaid members transition from institutional settings to homes or community settings; transition services can reduce move-in and setup costs.
Who qualifies: Must meet Arkansas MFP/Medicaid transition criteria and have an eligible community setting/support plan.
How to start: Ask the facility social worker, Choices in Living or Medicaid transition staff.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Medicaid / Transportation
Non-Emergency Transportation (NET)
Offsets transportation costHelps pay for: Provides rides to and from Medicaid-covered medical services for eligible Medicaid members.
Who qualifies: Medicaid eligibility and NET trip rules apply.
How to start: Call the NET helpline and arrange eligible trips in advance.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Medicaid / Developmental Disabilities
Community & Employment Support (CES) Waiver
Yes / HCBSHelps pay for: HCBS waiver for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who would otherwise require ICF/IID-level care; supports community living.
Who qualifies: DDS eligibility, Medicaid financial eligibility, ICF/IID level-of-care criteria and waiver slot availability. A waitlist currently exists.
How to start: Contact DDS Intake & Referral to apply and ask about the waitlist.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes; provider/service-specific rules apply
Arkansas Medicaid / CES
CES Supportive Living
YesHelps pay for: Can fund person-centered supports that help an eligible waiver participant live safely and participate in community life.
Who qualifies: CES waiver eligibility and authorization in the person-centered plan.
How to start: Discuss supportive-living needs with the DDS/PASSE care coordinator.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes; verify relationship/provider rules
CES Respite
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: Can provide respite to relieve unpaid caregivers of eligible CES participants.
Who qualifies: CES eligibility and service-plan authorization.
How to start: Ask the PASSE/DDS care coordinator about respite.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No continuous caregiver wage
CES Adaptive Equipment & Environmental Modifications
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Can fund approved adaptive equipment and environmental modifications that support independence and safety.
Who qualifies: CES eligibility; item/service must be approved and meet waiver requirements.
How to start: Raise equipment/home-access needs during person-centered planning.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Medicaid / Managed Specialty Care
PASSE Care Coordination
Yes / coordinates benefitsHelps pay for: PASSE coordinates Medicaid physical health, behavioral health and specialized services for eligible members with complex behavioral-health or developmental-disability needs.
Who qualifies: Must meet PASSE enrollment criteria, including qualifying DD or behavioral-health needs and Medicaid eligibility.
How to start: Contact the assigned PASSE care coordinator or DHS.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on covered service and worker rules
Arkansas Medicaid / PASSE HCBS
PASSE Personal Care, Respite & HCBS Supports
Yes / partialHelps pay for: PASSE members may qualify for personal care plus HCBS such as respite, transition services, adaptive equipment, environmental modifications and supportive living.
Who qualifies: PASSE enrollment plus eligibility and authorization for the specific State Plan or HCBS service.
How to start: Review the person-centered service plan with the PASSE care coordinator.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes; service-specific
Arkansas Medicaid / Children
TEFRA
Indirect / enables coverageHelps pay for: Medicaid eligibility pathway for certain children with disabilities who meet institutional level-of-care criteria while living at home; can unlock covered Medicaid services without counting parental income in the usual way.
Who qualifies: Child must meet Arkansas TEFRA medical/functional and financial rules; premium may apply.
How to start: Apply through Access Arkansas and follow TEFRA assessment steps.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
Autism Waiver
Partial / HCBSHelps pay for: Home- and community-based waiver for young children with autism that can fund specialized supports and reduce family out-of-pocket care costs.
Who qualifies: Diagnosis, age, Medicaid/waiver eligibility and program-specific functional criteria apply.
How to start: Contact Arkansas Medicaid/DDS for current eligibility and openings.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct caregiver wage assumption
Arkansas Medicaid / Working Disabled
Workers with Disabilities Medicaid
Indirect / enables coverageHelps pay for: Full Medicaid coverage for qualifying working adults with disabilities, potentially preserving access to personal care, home health and other covered services while employed.
Who qualifies: Age 16–65, disability and income/cost-sharing rules apply.
How to start: Apply through Access Arkansas or DHS county operations.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on covered service
Arkansas Medicaid / Older Adults
ARSeniors Full Medicaid
Offsets household/medical costHelps pay for: Full Medicaid category for certain low-income Medicare beneficiaries age 65+; can reduce medical spending and preserve income for home care.
Who qualifies: Age 65+, Medicare-related/Medicaid income and other eligibility rules.
How to start: Apply through Access Arkansas or a DHS county office.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Aging Network
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) In-Home & Community Services
Partial / subsidizedHelps pay for: Local AAAs connect older adults to services such as meals, transportation, caregiver support, senior centers and other community supports that can reduce paid-care needs.
Who qualifies: Age, need, local funding and program-specific criteria vary.
How to start: Find the AAA serving the county and request an assessment/resource screening.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually no
Homemaker / Chore / In-Home Support Services
Yes / subsidizedHelps pay for: Local aging programs may help with housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, chores or other supports that help an older adult remain at home.
Who qualifies: Availability and eligibility vary by AAA, county, funding and assessed need.
How to start: Ask the local AAA specifically about in-home or homemaker services.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually no
Arkansas Aging / Caregiver Support
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Partial / respiteHelps pay for: Can provide caregiver information, counseling, training, respite and limited supplemental services through local aging-network providers.
Who qualifies: Older Americans Act caregiver eligibility and local funding/availability apply.
How to start: Contact the local AAA caregiver-support program.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No continuous caregiver wage
Arkansas Caregiver Support
Arkansas Lifespan Respite / Take the Time
Support / respite navigationHelps pay for: Statewide respite initiative and locator helps family caregivers find respite resources; grant-funded direct-service opportunities may be offered periodically.
Who qualifies: Availability of direct-service opportunities varies; the coalition itself is not a direct respite provider.
How to start: Use the respite locator/registry and ask about current grant-funded opportunities.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Not a standing caregiver wage
Arkansas Aging / Nutrition
Home-Delivered Meals / Meals on Wheels
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Local senior nutrition programs can provide meals and safety checks, reducing food spending and caregiver meal-preparation time.
Who qualifies: Generally older/homebound adults; local assessment and funding rules apply.
How to start: Contact the local AAA or senior nutrition provider.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Congregate Meals / Senior Centers
Offsets household/care costHelps pay for: Nutritious meals and social programming at senior centers can reduce food costs and provide structured daytime support.
Who qualifies: Local age/program rules and site availability apply.
How to start: Contact the local AAA or senior center.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Aging / Transportation
Senior & Disability Transportation
Offsets care costHelps pay for: AAA/community transportation can reduce caregiver driving time and out-of-pocket transportation expenses.
Who qualifies: Local age, disability, trip-purpose and funding rules vary.
How to start: Ask the local AAA about available transportation programs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Aging / Adult Day
Community Adult Day / Senior Center Services
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Daytime supervision, activities and social support may reduce paid in-home hours for appropriate participants.
Who qualifies: Program-specific eligibility, fees and local funding apply.
How to start: Ask the AAA/Choices in Living about adult day options.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Aging / Employment
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Part-time community-service employment can provide income for eligible low-income adults age 55+, helping offset household and care costs.
Who qualifies: Age 55+ plus income and program eligibility; openings vary.
How to start: Ask the local SCSEP grantee/AAA about enrollment.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas Aging / Volunteer Support
AmeriCorps Seniors / Senior Companion Resources
Support / cost offsetHelps pay for: Volunteer companion programs may provide social support, errands or caregiver relief in participating communities, reducing isolation and some informal-care burden.
Who qualifies: Program availability and volunteer matching vary by community.
How to start: Ask the local AAA or AmeriCorps Seniors sponsor about Senior Companion services.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Arkansas ADRC
Choices in Living Resource Center
Navigation / cost avoidanceHelps pay for: Free statewide long-term-care options counseling and navigation for seniors, people with disabilities, families and caregivers.
Who qualifies: Open to anyone seeking Arkansas LTSS information; no cost for counseling.
How to start: Call for program screening before paying privately for long-term care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare Counseling
AR SHIIP
Offsets medical/household costHelps pay for: Free one-on-one Medicare counseling, including plan review and screening for Extra Help and other ways to lower Medicare out-of-pocket costs.
Who qualifies: Medicare-eligible Arkansans and families/caregivers.
How to start: Contact AR SHIIP or a local certified counselor.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare Cost Reduction
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB / SLMB / QI)
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Can pay some or all Medicare premiums and, depending on program, deductibles/copays—preserving income for home care.
Who qualifies: Medicare enrollment plus program-specific income/resource criteria.
How to start: Apply through Arkansas DHS; SHIIP can help screen eligibility.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Prescription Cost Reduction
Medicare Part D Extra Help
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Federal subsidy can reduce Part D premiums, deductibles and prescription copays, preserving income for care.
Who qualifies: Medicare Part D and income/resource eligibility rules apply.
How to start: Apply with Social Security or ask SHIIP for help.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare
Medicare Home Health
Yes - skilled/limited aideHelps pay for: Medicare can cover intermittent skilled nursing, therapy and qualifying home health aide services for eligible homebound beneficiaries under a clinician-certified plan of care.
Who qualifies: Must meet Medicare home-health eligibility, homebound and skilled-care requirements.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician for a Medicare-certified home-health referral.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare Caregiver Training Services
Offsets care costHelps pay for: Medicare may cover caregiver training when it is needed to support treatment or help manage an illness/disability at home.
Who qualifies: Medicare coverage criteria and clinician involvement apply.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician whether caregiver training can be billed to Medicare.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct wage
Medicare / Dementia
GUIDE Model Dementia Care
Partial / respiteHelps pay for: Participating GUIDE providers can offer comprehensive dementia care, care navigation, caregiver education/support and respite benefits for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.
Who qualifies: Traditional Medicare beneficiary with dementia; must enroll with a participating GUIDE organization and meet model requirements.
How to start: Search for a participating GUIDE provider serving the area.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No continuous caregiver wage
Medicare / End of Life
Medicare Hospice
Yes - hospiceHelps pay for: Medicare hospice covers interdisciplinary end-of-life care, equipment, medications related to terminal illness and caregiver support/respite under the hospice benefit.
Who qualifies: Medicare hospice eligibility and election rules apply.
How to start: Ask the treating clinician or Medicare-certified hospice for evaluation.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Supplemental In-Home Benefits
Sometimes / limitedHelps pay for: Some MA plans offer supplemental in-home support, meals, transportation or other benefits not available under Original Medicare.
Who qualifies: Benefits vary widely by plan, county and year.
How to start: Review the Evidence of Coverage and confirm benefits before arranging care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually no
Food Cost Reduction
Arkansas SNAP
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Food assistance can reduce household grocery spending, preserving cash for caregiving and home-care costs.
Who qualifies: Income/household eligibility applies; Arkansas SNAP purchase restrictions changed July 1, 2026.
How to start: Apply through Access Arkansas or a DHS county office.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Energy Cost Reduction
Arkansas LIHEAP
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Helps eligible households with heating and cooling bills through regular and crisis benefits, preserving income for care.
Who qualifies: Income and program rules apply; applications go through the community-based organization serving the county.
How to start: Contact the local LIHEAP community-based organization.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Home Cost Reduction
Weatherization Assistance Program
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Can install qualifying energy-efficiency and health/safety improvements in low-income homes, reducing ongoing utility expenses.
Who qualifies: Generally income at or below 200% FPL or categorical eligibility; home must qualify.
How to start: Apply through the local weatherization provider/community action agency.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Property Tax Relief
Arkansas Homestead Tax Credit
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Arkansas homeowners may receive a homestead property-tax credit; beginning with 2026 tax bills, the authorized maximum is $600.
Who qualifies: Principal-residence ownership/occupancy and filing rules apply.
How to start: Apply with the county assessor.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Age 65 / Disabled Homeowner Assessment Freeze
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Eligible homeowners age 65+ or disabled can have the taxable assessed value of their homestead frozen, limiting future assessment increases.
Who qualifies: Must qualify for homestead treatment and meet age/disability rules; new construction/substantial improvements can change assessed value.
How to start: Apply with the county assessor.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Veteran Cost Offset
Arkansas Disabled Veteran Property-Tax Exemption
Offsets household costHelps pay for: Qualifying disabled veterans and certain survivors may receive Arkansas homestead property-tax relief/exemption, preserving income for care.
Who qualifies: Veteran/disability and ownership/occupancy rules apply; 2026 law expanded qualifying ownership structures in certain cases.
How to start: Contact the county assessor or Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for current documentation requirements.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Insurance / Private Funding
Long-Term Care Insurance
YesHelps pay for: A private LTC insurance policy may reimburse covered home-care, personal-care, respite or other long-term-care expenses after benefit triggers and elimination periods are met.
Who qualifies: Policy-specific benefit triggers, covered providers, daily/monthly limits, elimination periods and exclusions apply.
How to start: Request the policy’s full schedule of benefits and start a claim before assuming coverage.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes, depending on policy
Long-Term Care Partnership Policy Planning
Yes / planning toolHelps pay for: Arkansas-approved Partnership-qualified LTC insurance can combine private coverage with Medicaid asset-protection advantages if policy and Medicaid requirements are met.
Who qualifies: Must be a qualifying Partnership policy and later meet Medicaid LTSS eligibility rules.
How to start: Verify Partnership status with the insurer/Arkansas Insurance Department before purchase or claim planning.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Depends on policy
Home Equity
FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Eligible older homeowners may convert part of home equity to cash that can be used for care, subject to mortgage costs and obligations.
Who qualifies: Generally age 62+; HUD-approved counseling and property/financial requirements apply; loan must be repaid under HECM terms.
How to start: Speak with a HUD-approved HECM counselor before applying.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
Life Insurance / Private Funding
Life Insurance Accelerated Death Benefit or Life Settlement
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Some policies allow early access to death benefits or a sale of the policy, potentially generating cash for care.
Who qualifies: Policy terms, health status, taxes, Medicaid eligibility and transaction costs may materially affect the result.
How to start: Ask the insurer and a qualified financial/legal adviser before changing or selling a policy.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
Workers Compensation
Workers Compensation Home / Attendant Care
SometimesHelps pay for: For a compensable work injury, workers-comp coverage may pay medically necessary home nursing or attendant services when authorized.
Who qualifies: Must arise from a covered work injury and meet medical/legal authorization requirements.
How to start: Ask the carrier/claims adjuster or workers-comp attorney about home-care benefits.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Sometimes, case-specific
Auto / Liability
Liability or Accident Settlement
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Settlement proceeds from an injury claim can be reserved or structured to pay future home-care expenses.
Who qualifies: Depends on the claim, settlement terms, liens, benefits coordination and legal/tax issues.
How to start: Coordinate with the attorney, insurer and benefits/financial advisers.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
Charitable / Community
Disease-Specific or Charitable Grants
Sometimes / limitedHelps pay for: Nonprofit foundations, faith communities and disease-specific organizations may offer limited grants, respite or practical assistance.
Who qualifies: Diagnosis, geography, income and current funding rules vary by organization.
How to start: Ask a hospital social worker, AAA or disease-specific organization about active programs.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Usually no
Private Pay / Family
Family Cost-Sharing / Private Pay
YesHelps pay for: Families can combine the care recipient’s income with voluntary contributions from relatives to purchase home care when public programs do not cover all needed hours.
Who qualifies: Use a written care/payment agreement when paying a relative; consider tax, employment, Medicaid transfer and estate-planning implications.
How to start: Document the arrangement and consult tax/elder-law professionals when appropriate.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, if privately arranged
VA Benefits
Veteran-Directed Care
YesHelps pay for: VA self-directed HCBS can give eligible Veterans a flexible budget to hire workers, potentially including a family member or neighbor, where the program is available.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment/community-care eligibility, clinical need and local VDC availability.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker specifically about Veteran-Directed Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes
VA Aid & Attendance Pension Add-On
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Additional VA pension amount for qualifying Veterans/survivors who need help with daily activities or meet other Aid & Attendance criteria; cash can help pay for care.
Who qualifies: Must qualify for VA Pension plus Aid & Attendance criteria and financial rules.
How to start: Apply through VA or an accredited Arkansas VSO.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide
YesHelps pay for: VA may pay an authorized community aide to help an eligible Veteran with ADLs and selected daily tasks.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment/community-care eligibility, clinical need and local availability; copay may apply. Ask VA primary care/social work for assessment and authorization.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Homemaker & Home Health Aide.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)
YesHelps pay for: Flexible self-directed budget for eligible Veterans needing personal care; workers may include family or neighbors subject to local program rules.
Who qualifies: Enrolled Veteran; community-care eligibility; clinical need; VDC must be available locally. Ask the VA social worker specifically about Veteran-Directed Care.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Veteran-Directed Care (VDC).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes
VA Skilled Home Health
Yes - skilled careHelps pay for: VA may purchase skilled nursing, therapy and related home-health services from authorized community providers.
Who qualifies: Clinical need, VA eligibility and authorization/local provider availability. Ask the VA care team for skilled home-health assessment/referral.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Skilled Home Health.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Respite Care
Yes - respiteHelps pay for: VA may arrange in-home, adult-day or nursing-home respite to give an eligible caregiver a break.
Who qualifies: Clinical need, VA enrollment and local availability; authorization may apply. Ask the caregiver support coordinator/social worker.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Respite Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Aid & Attendance
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Additional pension amount for qualifying Veterans/survivors who need help with daily activities, are bedridden, have severe visual impairment or meet nursing-home criteria.
Who qualifies: Must be eligible for VA Pension and meet Aid & Attendance criteria. Apply through VA or an accredited representative/VSO.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Aid & Attendance.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Direct caregiver stipendHelps pay for: May pay an approved primary family caregiver a monthly stipend and provide training, counseling, respite and other supports.
Who qualifies: Veteran and caregiver must meet PCAFC eligibility and complete VA assessment/enrollment. Apply jointly through VA Caregiver Support.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes
VA Community Care Network - Region 3
Pays authorized providerHelps pay for: VA-authorized community care can include home health and other approved services. Arkansas is in CCN Region 3, administered by Optum.
Who qualifies: VA referral/authorization and community-care eligibility generally apply. Obtain VA authorization before routine community care; do not assume reimbursement after private hire.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Community Care Network - Region 3.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Pension
Cash / indirectHelps pay for: Monthly needs-based pension for qualifying wartime Veterans with limited income/net worth; pension cash can help fund care.
Who qualifies: Wartime service, age/disability, discharge, income/net-worth and other VA pension rules apply. Apply through VA or an accredited VSO.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Pension.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: Yes, indirectly
Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
Offsets care costHelps pay for: VA HISA grants may pay for medically necessary home changes that improve access to essential areas or permit treatment at home.
Who qualifies: Eligibility, medical justification, lifetime limit and project requirements apply. Ask VA prosthetics/primary care about HISA before construction.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Adult Day Health Care
Offsets care cost / day careHelps pay for: VA may provide or purchase adult day health services, including supervision, activities and health-related care, reducing in-home caregiver hours.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment, clinical need and local availability/authorization. Ask the VA social worker or geriatric care team.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Adult Day Health Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
VA Hospice & Palliative Care
Yes - hospice/palliativeHelps pay for: VA can provide or purchase hospice/palliative services, including symptom management and caregiver support in the home or other settings.
Who qualifies: VA enrollment, clinical criteria and care-team authorization. Ask VA physician/social worker for palliative or hospice evaluation.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about VA Hospice & Palliative Care.
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No
Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS)
Support / respite navigationHelps pay for: Provides education, coaching, peer support, respite/navigation and other support for family caregivers of enrolled Veterans without requiring PCAFC stipend eligibility.
Who qualifies: Caregiver supports an eligible Veteran enrolled in VA health care; specific services vary. Contact VA Caregiver Support.
How to start: Ask the VA social worker or care team about Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS).
Good to know: Family caregiver payment: No direct stipend
Where Arkansas Families Can Start
Not sure where to begin? Match your situation to a contact below.
No-cost LTSS options counseling; screen ARChoices, PACE, assisted living, transitions and other home/community programs
Choices in Living Resource Center
Apply for Medicaid, SNAP, TEFRA and other DHS benefits; renew cases and upload documents
Access Arkansas / DHS County Operations
Self-direction enrollment, support broker, worker enrollment and payroll/EVV questions
IndependentChoices / Public Partnerships (PPL)
ARChoices eligibility, attendant care, respite, meals, PERS, adult day and accessibility supports
ARChoices / DAABHS
Integrated medical and long-term-care services for qualifying adults 55+ in PACE service areas
Arkansas PACE
CES Waiver, developmental-disability services and waiver waitlist
DDS Intake & Referral
Caregiver support, meals, transportation, senior centers and local aging services
Local Area Agency on Aging
Respite locator, caregiver resources and current grant-funded respite opportunities
Arkansas Lifespan Respite
Free Medicare counseling, MSP/Extra Help screening and plan review
AR SHIIP
Energy-bill assistance and home weatherization
Arkansas LIHEAP / Weatherization
Accredited help with VA benefits and claims
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs / VSO
PCAFC stipend screening, caregiver support and respite navigation
VA Caregiver Support
Before You Rely on Any Payment Source
Planning Point
Why It Matters
IndependentChoices can pay many relatives — but not legally responsible people
Arkansas rules allow family members other than those legally responsible for the beneficiary to serve as paid personal assistants. A spouse, court-appointed guardian, power of attorney or income payee may not serve as the personal assistant under the cited IndependentChoices rule.
ARChoices and IndependentChoices are related but not identical
ARChoices is the HCBS waiver for eligible older adults/adults with physical disabilities. IndependentChoices is the self-direction mechanism used for eligible personal-assistance services, including ARChoices attendant care and Medicaid personal care.
ARChoices requires intermediate, not skilled, nursing-facility level of care
DHS states ARChoices applicants must meet the intermediate level of care. People who require skilled-care level may need a different pathway.
2026 LTSS financial limits should be verified at application
Arkansas’ April 2026 quick-reference chart lists a $2,982 monthly income limit for nursing facility, assisted living, ARChoices and DDS waiver applicants, with a $2,000 individual resource limit, but eligibility has many exceptions and spouse rules.
PACE is not statewide
Arkansas currently lists PACE organizations serving defined counties in northwest, northeast and central Arkansas. A person must live in a PACE service area.
CES Waiver has a waitlist
Arkansas DDS states there is currently a waitlist for CES Waiver slots. People on the waitlist may still qualify for Medicaid State Plan services such as personal care, DME and therapies.
PASSE coordinates benefits; it is not a separate cash allowance
PASSE members receive State Plan services and may qualify for HCBS, but services must be authorized through the person-centered plan and applicable provider rules.
Lifespan Respite is primarily a system/locator, not a guaranteed voucher
Arkansas DHS says the Lifespan Respite Coalition itself is not a direct service provider. Direct-service opportunities depend on grant funding and current availability.
SNAP rules changed July 1, 2026
Arkansas implemented a nutrition waiver restricting SNAP purchases of soda, candy and certain other beverages. SNAP still reduces food spending, but allowable purchases differ from prior years.
Property-tax relief can preserve money for care
Beginning with 2026 tax bills, Arkansas authorizes a homestead credit up to $600. Age-65/disabled homeowners may also qualify for an assessed-value freeze; these benefits reduce household expenses rather than paying caregivers directly.
VA community care requires authorization
Arkansas is in VA CCN Region 3, administered by Optum. Routine non-VA home care generally needs VA referral/authorization; do not assume VA will reimburse a privately hired provider after the fact.
Combine programs carefully
Public benefits, insurance, VA payments and private funds may interact with Medicaid income/resource rules, estate recovery, taxes and employment law. Verify coordination before restructuring assets or paying a family caregiver.
Program rules, income limits, and availability change over time and can vary by county. Confirm current details with the program directly, or ask a home care provider in Arkansas to help you navigate the application process.
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