How to Get Paid to Care for Grandparents or Extended Family

Caring for grandparents or extended family members is often seen as a duty of love in Indian culture. Many families willingly take care of their elders without expecting anything in return. However, with the increasing cost of living, time demands, and personal sacrifices, many caregivers are now looking for ways to be financially supported while continuing this noble task.

If you're providing care to an elderly grandparent, aunt, uncle, or another relative in India, you may be eligible for financial support in various ways. This blog post explores how to get paid to care for family members, covering government schemes, private arrangements, insurance, and professional caregiving options available in India.

Understanding the Role of a Family Caregiver

A family caregiver provides non-medical support such as assistance with daily tasks, personal hygiene, medication reminders, emotional companionship, mobility help, and sometimes even basic medical care.

In many cases, this becomes a full-time responsibility, especially if the family member is suffering from a chronic condition like Alzheimer's, dementia, paralysis, or age-related disabilities. This caregiving work can often lead to financial strain, loss of job opportunities, and emotional burnout.

Recognising this, some structured ways to get paid or compensated for caregiving are gradually emerging in India.

Check for Government Support Schemes

India does not yet have a nationwide caregiver stipend programme like in the US or UK, but there are a few government schemes and state initiatives that may help offset the cost of caregiving:

a. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

Under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), elders above the age of 60 and below poverty line (BPL) receive a monthly pension. Though this goes to the senior citizen, it indirectly supports family caregivers who may be managing their expenses. States often add additional top-ups to this amount.

b. State-Specific Pension Schemes

Some Indian states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Delhi have their own senior citizen pension or caregiver support policies. Check with your local municipal office or district social welfare office for benefits in your state.

c. Disability and Caregiver Allowances

If the elderly relative is disabled (as per the RPwD Act, 2016), they may be eligible for disability pension. Some states provide caregiver support under this category as well.

Apply for Caregiver Jobs Within Your Own Family

If you are devoting full-time attention to caregiving, consider formalising the role within your family. Families often spend lakhs on external help, but hesitate to financially compensate internal caregivers. You can address this by:

a. Setting Up a Caregiver Agreement

Draft a simple caregiver contract with the help of a lawyer or family mediator. It should include:

• Caregiver responsibilities
• Hours of service
• Payment terms (monthly stipend or salary)
• Living arrangements
• Duration of contract

This type of agreement can make things transparent, reduce disputes, and create a formal recognition of your work.

b. Receiving Payments from Family Trust or Assets

If your grandparents have assets or savings, payments to you for caregiving can be made legally through those means. You can also ask to be compensated through inheritance or shared ownership, though it is important to consult a financial advisor or lawyer before finalising.

Use Health Insurance and Home Care Allowances

Many health insurance policies in India now cover home care expenses under cashless benefits or reimbursement models. Some of these funds can be used to:

• Hire a caregiver (you can take this role yourself)
• Buy medical equipment or supplies
• Pay for physiotherapy and nursing care at home

Tip: If you're the designated caregiver, discuss with the insurer if you can be paid directly or reimbursed for the services you're providing.

Register as a Professional Caregiver

Several home healthcare agencies in India allow family members to get certified and registered as formal caregivers. Once certified, you may be eligible to work through these agencies and receive payment either through the family or the organisation.

Popular Agencies in India:

• Portea Medical
• Nightingales Home Health
• Care24
• Apollo HomeCare

By registering with one of these, you not only improve your caregiving skills but also gain access to jobs, salary packages, and sometimes even medical insurance for caregivers.

Freelance or Private Caregiving Jobs

Many urban families in India are now looking for trusted caregivers. If you're already taking care of a grandparent, you may take on additional caregiving work in your locality to earn extra income.

Platforms include:

• UrbanClap (now Urban Company)
• CaregiverAsia India
• Job portals like Naukri, QuikrJobs, and Indeed

These allow you to monetise your skills without leaving your own home unattended.

Start a Home-Based Elder Care Service

If you have the capacity and space, you can convert your caregiving role into a home-based elder care service. You can:

• Provide day-care for one or two elderly people
• Offer companionship and activities like reading, yoga, or light physiotherapy
• Partner with doctors or nurses to visit your home weekly

You can charge fees ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 per person monthly, depending on services offered. This works especially well in metro cities and tier-1 towns.

Financial Planning for Caregivers

Even if you’re receiving some payment, it’s important to manage your finances well. Here are some tips:

• Keep a monthly caregiver budget
• Set aside an emergency health fund
• Save for your own retirement via SIPs or NPS
• Look for tax exemptions under Section 80D for medical expenses

Also, talk to a financial advisor to help you build long-term stability without compromising your caregiving responsibilities.

Document Everything

When receiving money for caregiving, especially within families, document all transactions. This includes:

• Bank transfers
• Signed contracts
• Proof of expenses
• Care logs and hours spent

Having a written record protects you legally and helps in future disputes or financial assessments.

Conclusion

Getting paid to care for your grandparents or extended family in India may not yet be a widespread or formalised option, but it's certainly possible with the right approach. From government benefits and private agreements to caregiver certification and home-based services, there are many pathways to make caregiving a sustainable and respected profession—even within your own family.

By valuing your time, skills, and dedication, you not only provide a loving environment for your elders but also secure your own financial and emotional well-being.

Need help creating a caregiver contract or finding certification programs in your city?
Reach out to your local NGO, social welfare office, or private caregiver agency today to start your caregiving journey with the right support.