SFC and HHA — the two ways CareCheck pays for in-home care.
Both are Ohio Medicaid programs. The difference is who gives the care, whether they live with the loved one, and how the pay is taxed.
What's different about SFC and HHA.
| Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) | Home Health Aide (HHA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | Up to $1,800 / month, tax-free. Paid monthly to you, the caregiver. | Up to $2,500 / month of Medicaid-covered visits. Aide earns W-2 wages. |
| Who gives the care | You: a family member or close friend who lives with the loved one. | A trained aide we hire. Can be a relative; no live-in required. |
| Live-in requirement | Yes: caregiver and loved one share a home. | No: scheduled visits to the loved one's home. |
| Taxability | Generally tax-free under IRS Notice 2014-7. | Taxable W-2 wages. |
| Registered Nurse (RN) supervision | CareCheck Registered Nurse builds and maintains the care plan. | CareCheck Registered Nurse builds and maintains the care plan. |
| Best for | A relative already living with and caring for their loved one. | Families who need scheduled in-home help without a live-in caregiver. |
Many families use both at different stages: SFC for the day-to-day, HHA for respite. The eligibility check maps the right combination.
Be paid for the care you're already giving.
Ohio's program for paying a relative who lives with a Medicaid-eligible adult. Funded by Medicaid, generally tax-free, paid monthly.
You may qualify if:
- Your loved one is on PASSPORT, MyCare Ohio, or the Ohio Home Care Waiver.
- They need help with at least two daily activities (ADLs).
- You're 18+ and share a home with them.
- You're an adult child, sibling, grandchild, in-law, or close family friend. (Spouses generally cannot.)
Trained, scheduled, supervised. In your home.
In-home care from a certified Home Health Aide. Visits scheduled around your family, taxable W-2 wages, registered-nurse supervision.
HHA fits if:
- Your loved one is on an Ohio Medicaid waiver, but no relative lives with them.
- You want professional help with bathing, mobility, housekeeping, companionship.
- You're a relative who'll complete Ohio's HHA training to be paid.
- You'd rather a CareCheck-hired aide than full family caregiving.
What both programs require.
The foundation is the same: an Ohio Medicaid waiver, at least two daily-care needs, an adult caregiver.
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An Ohio Medicaid waiver in place (or a clear path to one).
PASSPORT, MyCare Ohio, or Ohio Home Care Waiver. Not yet enrolled? See the timeline.
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At least two daily-care needs (ADLs).
Bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, transferring. Two or more is the threshold.
-
An adult ready to be the caregiver.
No nursing experience needed. We run every hour of training.
Common questions, by program.
For the comprehensive 30+ question FAQ, see the full FAQ page.
SFC questions
How is SFC pay calculated?
Three tiers based on the in-home assessment. Tier 1 (lowest acuity) pays approximately $1,200/month; Tier 2 around $1,500; Tier 3 (highest acuity) up to $1,800. We give you the actual number after the assessment.
Can I be paid for SFC if I work full-time outside the home?
Yes — many SFC caregivers also have outside jobs. The program pays for the daily care you provide; it doesn't require you to leave employment.
What if my loved one needs to go to a nursing home temporarily?
SFC pauses during a nursing-facility stay (the loved one is then receiving care from another Medicaid-funded source). Pay resumes when they return home.
HHA questions
How is HHA pay set per visit?
Hourly W-2 wages, tied to the authorized hours and visit length on the care plan. The exact rate depends on the loved one's tier and the type of visit. CareCheck publishes its rate sheet during onboarding.
Can I keep working as an HHA for multiple families?
Yes. HHAs commonly have schedules across two or three families. CareCheck builds the schedule with you.
What's covered in the 75-hour HHA training?
Personal care techniques (bathing, transfers, mobility), basic safety, infection control, communication, documentation, plus 16 hours of supervised practice.
Want to see the enrollment timeline first? How it works. Are you a social worker or PCP making a referral? Refer a family. Looking for the comprehensive guide? Ohio Medicaid family caregiving overview.
Find out which program fits your family.
The two-minute check tells you on the spot. There's no commitment — and our care team is on the other end if you'd rather talk it through.