Michigan Home Help Individual Caregiver Pay Rate Increasing January 1, 2026

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced an upcoming increase to the Home Help Individual Caregiver pay rate, effective January 1, 2026. This change reflects the scheduled increase in Michigan’s state minimum wage and will result in higher reimbursement for Home Help services.

​What’s Changing
Beginning January 1, 2026:

• Michigan’s state minimum wage will increase to $13.73 per hour
• The Home Help Individual Caregiver rate will increase to $17.13 per hour

The updated Home Help rate is calculated as follows:

• $13.73 hourly state minimum wage
• + $3.40 hourly direct care worker wage increase
• = $17.13 per hour total Home Help caregiver rate

This updated rate applies to Home Help services provided on or after January 1, 2026.
Additional Information and Support
Caregivers and providers with questions about the rate increase can contact:

• MDHHS Provider Support: 1-800-979-4662
• Email: [email protected]

An electronic copy of the official MDHHS notice, Numbered Letter L-25-75: Home Help Individual Caregiver Pay Rate Increase, is available HERE.
Looking Ahead
HCAOA will continue to monitor implementation of this rate change and share updates with Michigan members as additional guidance becomes available. We remain committed to advocating for policies that strengthen the direct care workforce and support access to high-quality home-based care.