Parents of children with disabilities sometimes hear another parent say:
“We have respite hours.”
And immediately wonder:
“What are respite hours? Can my child get them too?”
It is a good question.
Respite can give a family caregiver temporary relief from caregiving, but not every child with a disability automatically qualifies for paid respite.
Here is what Texas families should know.
What Is Respite?
Respite is temporary care provided by another person so the child’s regular caregiver can have relief from caregiving responsibilities.
For example, a child may need significant supervision or assistance at home.
An approved respite provider can temporarily provide the child’s care during authorized respite time.
This gives the regular caregiver a break while making sure the child continues to receive needed support.
Are Respite and Provider Hours the Same Thing?
No.
This is an important difference.
Personal care or provider hours are based on assistance the child needs with approved everyday activities.
Respite is temporary care intended to give the primary caregiver relief from caregiving.
A family may hear about both because they serve different purposes.
Can a Child Under 18 Receive Paid Respite?
Some children can.
But simply having an IDD diagnosis does not automatically provide respite hours.
One Texas program that provides respite is the Medically Dependent Children Program, commonly called MDCP.
MDCP serves eligible children and young adults who are medically dependent and meet the program’s requirements.
Respite is one of the services available through MDCP.
An approved respite provider can be paid for authorized respite services.
What If My Child Doesn’t Have MDCP?
Ask what services are available through your child’s current Medicaid coverage.
Your child may qualify for personal care or other supports even if respite is not currently available through their program.
If your child has Medicaid, contact the Medicaid health plan and ask for your child’s service coordinator.
You can say:
“My child has a disability and needs a lot of care at home. Are there any respite or caregiver-support services my child may qualify for?”
Then ask another important question:
“Can my child be assessed for personal care or provider hours?”
These are different services, so ask about both.
What Is MDCP?
The Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) is a Texas Medicaid waiver program for eligible children and young adults who are medically dependent.
The program is designed to help eligible children and young adults remain safely at home rather than receive care in a nursing facility.
MDCP can provide services such as respite and Flexible Family Support Services, along with certain other supports.
MDCP has its own eligibility requirements and an interest list.
So, if you hear another parent say their child receives paid respite through MDCP, that does not necessarily mean your child will qualify for the same program.
But it is worth learning about.
What Should I Ask?
You do not have to walk into an office knowing every program name.
Start with your family’s situation.
Tell them:
“My child has a disability and requires a lot of care at home. I need to know what help may be available.”
Then ask:
“Could my child qualify for provider hours?”
“Is respite available through any program my child qualifies for?”
“Should my child be placed on an interest list for additional services?”
Write down the answers.
If you do not understand an acronym or program name, ask the person to explain it.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
You may hear another parent talking about respite, provider hours, STAR Kids, CFC, PCS or MDCP and have no idea what any of it means.
That’s okay.
You do not need to become a Medicaid expert before asking for help.
Start with your child’s needs.
“My child needs help. What programs should I ask about?”
That simple question can be a good place to begin.
Last reviewed: September 2026
This article provides general educational information. Having a disability or Medicaid does not automatically qualify a child for respite, MDCP, personal care or other services. Eligibility and authorized services depend on the child’s circumstances, assessed needs and applicable program requirements.
