Texas caregiver benefits
Last checked: May 18, 2026
Texas does not have a broad state paid family leave program that pays most workers to take time off to care for a sick parent, spouse, or other loved one. Some Texans may still have job-protected unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, called FMLA, or paid time through an employer policy.
If you need money for care, do not stop at the phrase “paid family leave.” In Texas, the better route may be Medicaid home care, STAR+PLUS, Community First Choice, Consumer Directed Services, VA caregiver help, Aid and Attendance, respite, or employer leave.
Quick answer
Texas does not have a broad state paid family leave program for caregivers. There is no Texas state application that pays most private workers while they take time off to care for an adult family member.
Your first work leave route is usually FMLA, if you qualify. FMLA can protect your job, but it is usually unpaid. For help paying for care at home, check Texas Medicaid, STAR+PLUS, Community First Choice, Consumer Directed Services, Area Agencies on Aging, and VA caregiver programs.
Main programs and routes in Texas
| Route | Who it may help | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Texas paid family leave | There is no broad state paid family leave program for most caregivers. | Ask your employer if it offers paid family leave, paid sick time, PTO, or group family leave insurance. |
| Federal FMLA | Workers at covered employers who meet job length and hours rules and need leave to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. | Ask HR or your leave office for FMLA forms. The family member medical form is often DOL Form WH-380-F. |
| STAR+PLUS | Adults age 65 or older, or adults with disabilities, who qualify for Texas Medicaid and need long-term services and supports. | Visit YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1. If already enrolled, call the managed care plan service coordinator. |
| Community First Choice | Some Medicaid members who need help with daily activities and meet program rules. | Ask Texas HHS, the STAR+PLUS plan, or the service coordinator for a Community First Choice screening. |
| Consumer Directed Services | Some Medicaid members who want more control over who provides approved services. | Ask the case manager or STAR+PLUS service coordinator, “Can this service be done through Consumer Directed Services?” |
| Area Agency on Aging and ADRC | Older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers who need respite, benefits counseling, meals, transportation, or local referrals. | Call 800-252-9240 for Area Agency on Aging help, or call 2-1-1 and ask for the ADRC. |
| VA caregiver programs | Caregivers of eligible Veterans. Some VA programs may include a stipend or respite, depending on the program and eligibility. | Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 or contact the local VA Caregiver Support Program team. |
Does Texas have paid family leave for caregivers?
No. As of May 18, 2026, Texas does not have a broad state paid family leave program that pays most workers when they take time off to care for a family member.
This means there is no general Texas paid family leave application like some other states have. A caregiver in Texas usually has to check several other routes.
- FMLA for unpaid job-protected leave, if the worker qualifies.
- Employer paid leave, such as sick leave, PTO, vacation, paid family leave, or short-term disability, if the employer offers it.
- A group family leave insurance benefit, if the employer has one.
- Texas Medicaid home care routes, if the person who needs care qualifies.
- VA caregiver or pension-related help, if the person who needs care is an eligible Veteran or survivor.
- Respite and local caregiver help through Area Agencies on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Centers.
Texas warning: Rules can change. Counties, managed care plans, waiver contractors, and agencies may use different names for the same or similar services. Confirm details with Texas Health and Human Services, your managed care plan, your employer, or the VA before you make a work or money decision.
Who qualifies
For a Texas state paid family leave program
There is no broad Texas state program, so there is no general state caregiver leave applicant group, wage rule, or state claim form for this benefit.
For FMLA
FMLA is a federal law. It may protect your job if you need time off to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition.
You usually must meet all three worker rules:
- You have worked for the employer for at least 12 months.
- You worked at least 1,250 hours for that employer in the 12 months before leave starts.
- You work at a site where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles.
Private employers are usually covered if they have 50 or more employees in the required time period. Public agencies and schools have special coverage rules.
FMLA family caregiver leave is narrower than many people expect. It covers a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. It does not usually cover a sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or friend unless another FMLA rule fits the facts.
For employer paid leave
Employer paid leave depends on the written policy, handbook, union contract, or insurance certificate. Texas Workforce Commission says an employer must pay unused vacation, sick leave, parental leave, or similar benefits only if the employer has a written policy or agreement that says it will pay them.
Ask for the written rule. Do not rely only on a short verbal answer.
For Medicaid home care or caregiver pay routes
Texas Medicaid routes are based on the person who needs care, not the worker who needs leave from a job.
For example, STAR+PLUS is a Texas Medicaid managed care program for adults who have disabilities or are age 65 or older. It can include long-term services and supports, such as help at home with basic daily activities.
Community First Choice can provide certain services and supports to Medicaid members who live in the community and meet program rules.
Consumer Directed Services lets some people who receive Texas Medicaid services hire and manage the people who provide approved services. Whether a family member can be paid depends on the program, service plan, relationship rules, budget, and worker requirements. Ask the service coordinator before you assume a family member can be hired.
For a broader guide, see Can I get paid to be a caregiver? and the caregiver pay quiz.
How much pay and how much time
| Route | Pay | Time | Job protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas broad paid family leave | No broad state wage replacement program. | No broad state caregiver leave bank. | No broad Texas paid leave job protection program for most private workers. |
| FMLA | Usually unpaid. Paid employer leave may run at the same time if allowed or required by policy. | Up to 12 workweeks in a 12-month period for most FMLA reasons. Up to 26 workweeks for military caregiver leave in a single 12-month period. | Yes, if the worker and employer are covered and the leave qualifies. |
| Employer paid leave or insurance | Depends on the policy. Ask for wage replacement, waiting period, and weekly cap. | Depends on the policy. | Depends on the policy and whether FMLA also applies. |
| Medicaid services, CDS, STAR+PLUS, CFC | May pay for approved care services. It does not replace the caregiver’s lost wages from a separate job. | Depends on assessment, plan approval, service limits, and budget. | No job protection for your outside job. |
| VA caregiver programs | Some VA caregiver routes may include a stipend or added pension amount. It depends on VA eligibility. | Depends on the VA program. | No job protection for your outside job unless FMLA or employer policy applies. |
Use the care cost calculator to estimate the gap between missed work, home care costs, and any help you may receive.
How to apply
For FMLA or employer leave
- Tell your employer you need leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition. You do not need to say magic words, but you do need to give enough facts.
- Ask for the FMLA eligibility notice and any employer paid leave forms.
- If the need is planned, give at least 30 days notice when it is possible and practical.
- If the need is sudden, notify your employer as soon as you can.
- Ask whether the employer needs medical certification.
- If caring for a family member, ask whether DOL Form WH-380-F or an employer version is required.
- Return the completed form to your employer or leave administrator, not to the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Ask for the decision in writing.
For Texas Medicaid, STAR+PLUS, or Community First Choice
- Apply through Your Texas Benefits, the state benefits site.
- You can also call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 and choose Option 2 for state benefits.
- Ask for Medicaid long-term services and supports, STAR+PLUS, Community First Choice, and home care screening.
- If the person already has STAR+PLUS, call the health plan and ask for the service coordinator.
- Ask whether Consumer Directed Services is available for the approved service.
- Ask for the appeal steps if services are denied, reduced, or delayed.
To understand waiver-style home care, read Medicaid HCBS waivers explained. If income or assets are the issue, see Medicaid spend-down and Medicaid look-back period.
For VA caregiver help
- Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.
- Ask for the local Caregiver Support Program team for the Veteran’s VA facility.
- Ask about the Program of General Caregiver Support Services and PCAFC.
- If the Veteran or survivor needs help with daily activities and already receives VA pension, ask about VA Aid and Attendance.
What to say on the phone
Call HR or your leave office
“I need time off to care for my family member who has a serious health condition. Am I eligible for FMLA? Please send me the FMLA forms, any paid leave policy, and the deadline for medical certification. I would like the decision in writing.”
Call 2-1-1 or Texas HHS
“I care for an older adult or adult with a disability at home. We need help with bathing, dressing, meals, respite, or home care. Can you screen us for Texas Medicaid long-term services and supports, STAR+PLUS, Community First Choice, and the local Aging and Disability Resource Center?”
Call a STAR+PLUS plan
“I need to speak with the service coordinator. The member needs more help at home. Please tell me how to request an assessment, Community First Choice, respite if available, and Consumer Directed Services.”
More examples are in caregiver phone scripts.
How it works with FMLA
FMLA is not a Texas paid leave program. It is a federal job-protection law.
If you qualify, FMLA can protect up to 12 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period for many family and medical reasons. Military caregiver leave can be up to 26 workweeks in a single 12-month period.
FMLA leave may be unpaid. It may run at the same time as employer paid leave if your employer policy or the law allows or requires that. For example, your employer may count the same absence as FMLA and also let you use PTO so some pay continues.
Texas Medicaid, VA caregiver help, or respite services do not replace FMLA. They are care or benefit routes. They do not protect your separate job unless FMLA, employer policy, or another law applies.
If your employer denies FMLA, ask for the exact reason in writing. Common reasons include not enough hours worked, employer not covered, family member not covered, or medical certification missing details. If a form is incomplete or unclear, ask how many days you have to fix it.
If Texas does not have paid leave
If you are losing income because you must care for someone, try these routes in order.
- Ask your employer for every paid option. Ask about PTO, sick time, vacation, donated leave, short-term disability, paid family leave, remote work, reduced schedule, and group family leave insurance.
- Ask for FMLA if your job may be covered. Even unpaid leave can protect your job while you set up care.
- Apply for Medicaid home care if the person may qualify. Start at Your Texas Benefits or call 2-1-1.
- Ask about STAR+PLUS, Community First Choice, and Consumer Directed Services. These are not the same as paid family leave, but they may help pay for approved care.
- Call the Area Agency on Aging or ADRC. Ask about respite, caregiver support, meals, transportation, benefits counseling, and local programs.
- Check VA routes if the person served. Ask about the VA Caregiver Support Program and Aid and Attendance.
- Check tax issues before you pay or get paid. See caregiver tax deductions and talk with a tax professional for your facts.
If you need a break more than a paycheck, start with respite care for caregivers. If you need a task list, use caregiver checklists.
Documents to gather
- Your employer’s leave handbook or written policy.
- Your work schedule and pay stubs.
- Dates you need off, including appointments and expected treatment dates.
- The family member’s doctor’s contact information.
- Hospital discharge papers, care plan, or a short doctor letter if available.
- Medication list and diagnosis list, if the person agrees to share it.
- Proof of relationship if your employer or program asks for it.
- Texas Medicaid notices, STAR+PLUS plan letters, or denial letters.
- VA rating, VA health care enrollment, pension letters, or VA forms if the person is a Veteran or survivor.
Keep copies of everything you send. Write down the date, time, name of the person you spoke with, and what they said.
What to do if the first answer is no
Do not stop at a short phone answer.
- Ask, “Can you send me the denial or rule in writing?”
- Ask, “What rule makes us ineligible?”
- Ask, “Is there another program name I should request?”
- Ask, “What is the appeal deadline?”
- Ask for a supervisor, service coordinator, benefits counselor, or ombudsman office if the answer does not make sense.
For FMLA problems, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division can answer questions and receives complaints. For Texas Medicaid managed care problems, ask the plan for appeal rights and ask Texas HHS how to request a state fair hearing if needed.
FAQ
Does Texas pay me to take leave from work to care for my parent?
Texas does not have a broad state paid family leave program for that. You may have unpaid FMLA, employer paid leave, or care-related help through Medicaid, VA, or local caregiver programs.
Can I use FMLA to care for my parent in Texas?
Maybe. FMLA can cover care for a parent with a serious health condition if you, your employer, and the reason for leave meet the rules.
Does FMLA cover grandparents or siblings?
Usually no. FMLA family care is mainly for a spouse, child, or parent. Some family situations may fit special rules, but you should ask HR or the U.S. Department of Labor before you assume.
Can Texas Medicaid pay a family caregiver?
Sometimes, but only through an approved care route and only if the person who needs care qualifies. Ask about STAR+PLUS, Community First Choice, and Consumer Directed Services. The answer can depend on the service plan and family relationship.
Who should I call first?
For job leave, call HR or your leave office first. For home care help, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 and choose Option 2 for state benefits. For someone age 60 or older, also ask for the local Area Agency on Aging or ADRC.
Can VA pay a caregiver in Texas?
VA programs are federal, not Texas-only. Some caregivers of eligible Veterans may qualify for VA caregiver support, and some Veterans or survivors may qualify for Aid and Attendance added to VA pension. Call VA caregiver support or a VA-accredited representative for help.
Resumen en espanol
Texas no tiene un programa estatal amplio que pague licencia familiar para la mayoria de cuidadores. Si necesita faltar al trabajo para cuidar a un familiar, pregunte a su empleador por FMLA y por cualquier permiso pagado.
Si necesita ayuda para pagar cuidado en casa, llame al 2-1-1 o al 877-541-7905 y pida informacion sobre Medicaid, STAR+PLUS, Community First Choice, Consumer Directed Services, y la agencia local para adultos mayores.
About this guide
This guide is for Texas family caregivers who are trying to find pay, time off, job protection, or home care help. It focuses on official routes and first calls. It does not promise approval.
Disclaimer
This is general information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Rules can change. For legal or tax questions, talk with a qualified professional in your state.
Official sources used
- Texas Health and Human Services, STAR+PLUS: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-members/starplus
- Texas Health and Human Services, Community First Choice: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/long-term-care-provider-resources/community-first-choice-cfc
- Texas Health and Human Services, Consumer Directed Services: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/consumer-directed-services-cds
- Texas Health and Human Services, Caregiver Support and Resources: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/support-caregivers/caregiver-support-resources
- Texas Health and Human Services, Area Agencies on Aging: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/area-agencies-aging-aaa
- Texas Health and Human Services, Contact and benefits help: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/contact
- 2-1-1 Texas, Contact 2-1-1: https://www.211texas.org/contact-2-1-1/
- Your Texas Benefits: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/
- Texas Workforce Commission, Family and Medical Leave Act: https://efte.twc.texas.gov/fmla.html
- Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Work and Family Policies: https://www.twc.texas.gov/employer-resources/texas-work-family-policies
- Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Payday Law: https://www.twc.texas.gov/programs/wage-and-hour/texas-payday-law
- U.S. Department of Labor, FMLA Fact Sheet #28: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/28-fmla
- U.S. Department of Labor, FMLA employee notice requirements: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/28e-fmla-employee-notice
- U.S. Department of Labor, FMLA medical certification: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/28g-fmla-serious-health-condition
- U.S. Department of Labor, FMLA forms: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/forms
- VA Caregiver Support Program: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
- VA PCAFC caregiver support benefits: https://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_benefits.asp
- VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
