Written by Debbie Hall - Director of Operations at Understood Care | 20+ years of experience in CDPAP program management and home care coordination | Updated February 2026
CDPAP pays caregivers between $18.10 and $23.81 per hour in New York in 2026, depending on your county, shift type, and whether you work overtime. In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, CDPAP caregivers earn $23.81 per hour for regular shifts and $35.72 per hour for overtime. On Long Island and in Westchester, rates run higher - typically $20.22 to $23.81 per hour before overtime kicks in.
Key Takeaways
- CDPAP hourly rates in 2026 range from $18.10 to $23.81 depending on your region - NYC and Long Island pay the highest.
- Overtime pays 1.5x your base rate for hours worked over 40 per week, reaching up to $35.72/hour in NYC.
- CDPAP typically pays 15-25% more than traditional home health aide agencies when you account for the flexibility and overtime potential.
- Annual earnings range from $37,600 to $49,500 for full-time caregivers, before overtime.
- CDPAP income is taxable - you receive a W-2 and owe federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes.
This article is part of our Complete Guide to Medicare and CDPAP in New York - a comprehensive resource covering Medicare benefits, CDPAP eligibility, caregiver pay rates, appeals, and patient advocacy.
Quick Answer
CDPAP caregivers in New York earn $18.10/hour (upstate) to $23.81/hour (NYC/Long Island/Westchester) in 2026. Overtime kicks in after 40 hours at 1.5x the base rate. A full-time NYC caregiver working 40 hours/week earns roughly $49,500/year before overtime.
If you're considering becoming a CDPAP caregiver for a family member or loved one, the pay is one of the first questions you'll have. The good news is that CDPAP rates are consistently higher than what most home health aide agencies pay, and you don't need any formal certifications to get started.
Quick Summary
- New York City: $23.81 per hour (minimum wage).
- Rest of New York State: $18.10 per hour.
- Overtime: Time-and-a-half after 40 hours per week.
- Your paycheck is taxed like a regular job. You get a W-2 each year.
- No certifications or experience required to become a CDPAP caregiver.
2026 CDPAP Pay Rates by Region
CDPAP pay rates are tied to the New York State home care aide minimum wage, which varies by region. These rates are set by the NY Department of Health and updated annually. The table below reflects confirmed 2026 rates from the NY State Department of Health and fiscal intermediary Public Partnerships LLC (PPL).
| Region | Standard Rate (2026) | Overtime Rate (1.5x) | Est. Annual (40 hrs/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City (5 boroughs) | $23.81/hr | $35.72/hr | $49,525 |
| Long Island (Nassau, Suffolk) | $23.81/hr | $35.72/hr | $49,525 |
| Westchester County | $23.81/hr | $35.72/hr | $49,525 |
| Hudson Valley (Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam) | $19.10/hr | $28.65/hr | $39,728 |
| Capital Region (Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer) | $18.10/hr | $27.15/hr | $37,648 |
| Western NY (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse) | $18.10/hr | $27.15/hr | $37,648 |
| Rest of New York State | $18.10/hr | $27.15/hr | $37,648 |
Source: NY DOH Medicaid reimbursement schedule, effective January 1, 2026. Annual estimate based on 40 hours/week, 52 weeks, no overtime.
How CDPAP Pay Has Changed: 2024 - 2026
CDPAP rates have increased every year since 2022, driven by statewide minimum wage increases and Medicaid reimbursement adjustments.
| Year | NYC / Long Island Rate | Rest of State Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $18.10/hr | $16.20/hr | - |
| 2025 | $21.09/hr | $17.55/hr | +13.7% / +8.3% |
| 2026 | $23.81/hr | $18.10/hr | +12.9% / +3.1% |
NYC-area rates have increased over 28% in just two years, making CDPAP one of the fastest-growing paid caregiving opportunities in the state.
CDPAP Pay vs. Other Caregiving Jobs in New York
How does CDPAP stack up against other home care and healthcare aide positions? The table below compares the key differences.
| Program / Role | Hourly Rate (NYC) | Certification Required? | Choose Your Client? | Overtime Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CDPAP Caregiver | $23.81/hr | No | Yes (you choose) | Yes (1.5x over 40 hrs) |
| Home Health Aide (Agency) | $18 - $22/hr | Yes (HHA cert) | No (agency assigns) | Varies by agency |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | $19 - $25/hr | Yes (CNA cert) | No | Yes |
| Personal Care Aide | $16 - $19/hr | No | No | Varies |
CDPAP consistently pays more than personal care aide positions and competes with certified roles - without requiring any certification. The main advantage is the flexibility: you work directly with a family member or person you know, set your own schedule, and earn overtime.
How Does Overtime Work for CDPAP Caregivers?
New York State labor law requires overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular rate after 40 hours in a single work week. For a caregiver earning $23.81 per hour in NYC, that means $35.72 per hour for every hour past 40.
Some important overtime details:
- The 40-hour threshold is per work week, not per day. Working a 12-hour shift doesn't automatically trigger overtime unless your weekly total exceeds 40.
- Live-in caregivers have different rules. If you work a 24-hour live-in shift, you're typically paid for 13 hours (with 11 hours designated for sleep and meals). Overtime rules still apply to your weekly total of paid hours.
- Split shifts may include spread-of-hours pay. If your work day spans more than 10 hours (even with a break in between), you may be entitled to an extra hour of pay at minimum wage.
- Overtime must be authorized. Your fiscal intermediary needs to approve overtime hours based on the patient's approved care plan. Working unapproved overtime can create payment delays.
Who Is Eligible to Be a CDPAP Caregiver?
One of the biggest advantages of CDPAP is that you don't need a home health aide certificate, nursing degree, or any formal medical training. The program was specifically designed to let patients choose their own caregivers, including family members.
To qualify as a CDPAP caregiver, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Be physically able to perform the required caregiving tasks
- Pass a background check
- Complete a brief health screening (usually a physical exam and TB test)
- Not be the patient's spouse (spouses are excluded under current CDPAP rules)
Adult children, siblings, cousins, friends, and neighbors can all serve as CDPAP caregivers. Parents can be caregivers for adult children with disabilities. The patient (called the "consumer" in CDPAP) is responsible for training, directing, and supervising their caregiver.
Who Is Eligible to Receive CDPAP Services?
The patient side of CDPAP has its own eligibility requirements. To receive CDPAP services as a consumer, you must:
- Be enrolled in Medicaid (or Medicaid plus Medicare)
- Need home care services (personal care, skilled nursing tasks, or both)
- Be able to direct your own care, or have a designated representative who can direct care on your behalf
- Be assessed and approved by your Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plan
- Live in New York State
The assessment process typically involves a nurse visiting your home to evaluate what kind of help you need. Based on that assessment, your MLTC plan authorizes a specific number of hours per week. Those hours determine how much your caregiver will work and earn.
How to Become a CDPAP Caregiver - Step by Step
- Confirm the patient's eligibility. The person you'll be caring for needs active Medicaid coverage and an approved MLTC plan. If they're not enrolled yet, help them contact their local Department of Social Services.
- Choose a fiscal intermediary. The fiscal intermediary is the organization that handles your payroll, taxes, and workers' compensation insurance. The patient picks the fiscal intermediary, not the caregiver. There are dozens across New York State.
- Complete the enrollment paperwork. You'll fill out employment forms (W-4, I-9), consent to a background check, and provide proof of work authorization.
- Get your health screening. Most fiscal intermediaries require a physical exam and tuberculosis test within 12 months of starting.
- Start providing care. Once the paperwork clears and the patient's hours are authorized, you can begin. The patient trains you on their specific needs. You log your hours on timesheets submitted to the fiscal intermediary.
The entire process from application to first paycheck usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, though it can be faster if all your documents are ready.
Do CDPAP Caregivers Get Benefits?
Under the current PPL fiscal intermediary system, CDPAP caregivers have access to limited but meaningful benefits:
| Benefit | Available? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Workers Compensation | Yes | Covered if injured while providing care |
| Unemployment Insurance | Yes | Eligible if hours are reduced or consumer passes away |
| Paid Sick Leave | Yes (NYC) | NYC caregivers earn 1 hour of sick time per 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours/year |
| Health Insurance | Limited | Not provided by PPL. Many caregivers qualify for Medicaid or NY State of Health marketplace plans |
| Retirement / 401(k) | No | Not offered. Consider an IRA for retirement savings |
| Paid Time Off | No | No PTO. If you do not work, you do not get paid |
Tax Implications for CDPAP Caregivers
CDPAP income is treated as W-2 employment. Your fiscal intermediary (PPL) withholds taxes from each paycheck and issues a W-2 at year end. Here is what you owe:
| Tax | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax | 10% - 22% (typical brackets) | Based on total household income and filing status |
| NY State Income Tax | 4% - 6.85% | Varies by income bracket |
| NYC Local Tax | 3.078% - 3.876% | Only if you live in NYC |
| Social Security (FICA) | 6.2% | On first $168,600 of earnings |
| Medicare Tax | 1.45% | On all earnings |
Estimated take-home: A full-time CDPAP caregiver in NYC earning $49,525 annually can expect to take home approximately $37,000 - $40,000 after all taxes, depending on filing status and deductions.
Important: You may be eligible for tax credits that reduce your burden, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if your household income falls below certain thresholds. Consult a tax professional or use the IRS EITC calculator to check your eligibility.
CDPAP Pay Calculator
Enter your hours and region to estimate your weekly, monthly, and annual CDPAP earnings.
Weekly
$952
Monthly
$4,127
Annual
$49,525
Includes overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40/week. Estimates are pre-tax.
Watch: NY CDPAP Pay Rate and Salary
This video from Home Care Advisory breaks down current CDPAP pay rates in New York, including how regional differences affect your paycheck, overtime calculations, and what to expect on your first pay stub.
Your Next Step
Want to become a CDPAP caregiver for a family member? Ask them to contact their MLTC plan and request CDPAP services with you as their chosen caregiver. No certifications or experience needed.
Key Takeaway
CDPAP caregivers in New York City earn $23.81 per hour in 2026. Outside the city, rates are $18.10 per hour. Overtime is time-and-a-half after 40 hours per week. Your paycheck is taxed like any regular job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be a CDPAP caregiver for my parent?
Yes. Adult children are one of the most common CDPAP caregivers. You can be paid to care for your mother, father, or any other family member except your spouse. Your parent must be enrolled in Medicaid and approved for CDPAP through their MLTC plan.
Do CDPAP caregivers pay taxes on their earnings?
Yes. CDPAP income is taxable. Your fiscal intermediary withholds federal and state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from each paycheck. You receive a W-2 at the end of the year and report the income on your tax return like any other job.
How many hours per week can a CDPAP caregiver work?
The number of hours depends on the patient's approved care plan. Some consumers are approved for as few as 8 hours per week, while others qualify for 24/7 live-in care. The MLTC plan sets the hours based on the patient's medical needs. Overtime pay applies after 40 hours per week.
What happens to CDPAP pay if the minimum wage increases again?
CDPAP rates are adjusted when New York updates its Medicaid reimbursement schedules, which typically follow minimum wage increases. When the state minimum wage goes up, CDPAP rates have historically increased within the same calendar year, though the exact timing depends on state budget decisions.
Can I work as a CDPAP caregiver and keep my Medicaid benefits?
It depends on your total household income. CDPAP earnings count as income for Medicaid eligibility purposes. If your earnings push you above Medicaid's income threshold, you could lose your own coverage. Talk to your local benefits counselor before starting to understand how caregiver income affects your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- 2026 CDPAP rates: $18.10/hr (upstate) to $23.81/hr (NYC). Overtime at 1.5x after 40 hours.
- CDPAP pays 15-25% more than most home health aide agencies, with more flexibility.
- CDPAP caregivers are W-2 employees of the fiscal intermediary - taxes are withheld automatically.
- Benefits vary by FI (fiscal intermediary - the company that processes your paycheck) but may include health insurance, paid time off, and workers' compensation.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Medicare and CDPAP in New York for 2026 - Our comprehensive guide covering everything in one place
- Medicare Part A vs Part B - What Each Covers - Side-by-side comparison of hospital insurance vs medical insurance, with 2026 costs
- What Is CDPAP and Who Qualifies in New York? - Eligibility requirements, income limits, application process, and what services CDPAP covers
- How to Appeal a Medicare Denial Step by Step - The 5-level appeal process, deadlines, and tips to strengthen your case
- What Does a Medicare Patient Advocate Actually Do? - What advocates handle day to day, when you need one, and how to find one through Medicare
Written by
Director of Operations at Understood Care. 20+ years of experience in CDPAP program management and home care coordination across New York.
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