Getting paid to care for a family member in Quebec

En français : this program is known in Quebec as the Allocation autonomie à domicile (AAD), previously the chèque emploi-service. Family caregivers are called proches aidants, and hiring your own worker directly is l'embauche de gré à gré. If you're dealing with a CLSC, you'll hear the French terms — they're worth recognising.

Quebec funds home support by paying a worker chosen by the person receiving care. As of January 29, 2026, the program formerly called chèque emploi-service was renamed Allocation autonomie à domicile (AAD) as part of a new national home-support policy, Mieux chez soi.

Which relatives can be hired

Since November 2019, users can hire relatives who do not live in the same home (gré à gré hiring). A relative who lives in the same home can only be hired in exceptional circumstances, and cannot be paid for their own respite.

Under the January 2026 policy, family caregivers (proches aidants) can in certain situations, after evaluation, be recognised and paid as service providers under the AAD program — a meaningful widening of who can be paid.

Who qualifies

  • • People living at home with a stable loss of autonomy or a disability who need long-term home support.
  • • The person must be able to take on the program's administrative responsibilities — or have someone do so on their behalf.
  • • Available to all ages, not only seniors.

How payment works

The government pays the worker directly at an hourly rate. That rate was raised from $20 to $21 per hour effective January 29, 2026.

This rate was reported at the launch of the policy and may since have been updated. Confirm the current hourly rate on quebec.ca or with your CLSC before planning around it.

How to apply

Contact your local CLSC. A caseworker (intervenant) assesses eligibility and determines how many service hours are allocated.

Official source

quebec.ca — see the Allocation autonomie à domicile page.

Caring in a different province? See the Canada hub.

See what else you may qualify for
This is general information to help you get started — not legal or tax advice. For your specific situation, your provincial health authority or a qualified professional can confirm the current rules and exactly what applies to you.