Hiring path Hiring a caregiver directly Paying a family member or familiar helper Comparing direct hire with an agency Medicaid, VA, or local self-directed program Not sure yet
Who controls schedule and duties? Family sets schedule, duties, and supervision Worker says they operate independently Agency controls caregiver assignment and payroll Not sure yet
Expected schedule Occasional backup care Part-time weekly care Full-time weekly care Live-in or extended shifts
Pay approach being discussed Hourly pay Flat weekly or day rate Cash or informal payment Agency invoice Not decided yet
State labor and unemployment review Not started Started checking state rules Reviewed with official or qualified help
Tax and payroll setup Not started Planning to use payroll provider Setup mostly ready Not sure what is needed
I-9 employment eligibility status Not started Need help understanding timing or storage Completed and stored securely Agency or program says they handle it
Insurance and injury coverage Not checked yet Checking household, auto, or workers comp Possible gap found Coverage questions reviewed
Recordkeeping status No private hiring records folder yet Basic folder started Records are in a shared family folder Records are organized privately
Payroll help plan Not decided yet Payroll provider, CPA, or attorney will help Family expects to handle it Agency or program says they handle it
Use this before hiring or paying a private caregiver.
Do not enter names, addresses, birth dates, Social Security numbers, immigration documents, tax IDs, bank details, diagnoses, passwords, or private medical information. Keep employment and care records in a secure place.
This planner is educational only. It is not legal, tax, employment, immigration, insurance, benefits, financial, or medical advice. Household employment rules vary by facts, state, locality, year, and payment program.
Useful references:
IRS Publication 926 ,
U.S. Department of Labor direct-care worker rules ,
USCIS Form I-9 ,
AARP hiring an in-home caregiver .
