Yes, Social Security benefits can be used to pay for in-home care, including home health and personal care services. However, Social Security doesn’t pay caregivers directly. Instead, retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are made directly to the recipient, who can use them as they see fit. The current average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $2,071 per month. Many people combine their Social Security benefits with other resources to pay for home care. This may include long-term care insurance, personal savings, pension income, or veterans benefits.
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Social Security retirement benefits are provided to individuals and their spouses who are at least 62 years of age and who have worked and paid into the Social Security system long enough to qualify. The total monthly Social Security retirement benefit depends on how much the person paid into Social Security during their career.
Because the Social Security Administration makes benefit payments directly to the recipient, they won’t pay a caregiver directly, but seniors can use their benefits to pay for home care and home health services.
Monthly Social Security retirement benefits aren’t usually enough to cover the full cost of in-home care services. The median cost of a home care professional is $34 per hour, and full-time home care (44 hours per week) costs about $6,478 per month.[01] In 2026, the average monthly Social Security retirement payment is about $2,071.[02]
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As with Social Security retirement benefits, SSDI benefits can also be used for anything the recipient needs. SSDI is for people who are no longer able to work because of a disability that’s expected to last longer than one year or result in death.
Adults who have a qualifying work disability may be eligible for SSDI benefits. They don’t need to qualify for retirement benefits first. To qualify, an individual must have a permanent or long-term disability that prohibits them from returning to work or adjusting to a new job. Once someone who is receiving SSDI benefits reaches full retirement age, their monthly payment is converted to the Social Security retirement benefit.[03]
Monthly SSDI payment amounts depend on how much a person earned when they were working. In 2026, the average monthly benefit is about $1,630.[02]
The SSI program was created for people with low incomes who are disabled or who are 65 or older. There is no work history requirement to receive SSI benefits. In 2026, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $994.[02]
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In addition to Social Security benefits, families commonly use different types of insurance and personal assets to help pay for in-home care. For example:
If you’re ready to explore hiring an in-home caregiver for an aging parent, A Place for Mom can help. Our Senior Living Advisors will work to understand your loved one’s needs and help you compare home care providers in your area.
Reviewing the benefits of home care may be helpful if you’re still unsure if home care is the right fit for your loved one. Our advisors can also help you explore other options, like assisted living, memory care, and independent living.
Yes, because Social Security benefits are paid directly to the recipient, they can use them as they see fit. It’s a good idea to document this arrangement using a formal care contract.
Yes, many people qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Because Social Security benefits are paid directly to the recipient, they can choose to spend the money on home care or anything else they need. However, Medicare typically only pays for medically necessary home health services.
A Place for Mom. (2026). Costs of long-term care and senior living.
Social Security Administration. (2026). 2026 Social Security Changes.
Social Security Administration. (2024). Frequently asked questions.
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