For Families: Legal Pay & Household Employment
If this is your first time hiring a nanny through an agency, the structure of household employment may feel unfamiliar. Our role is to make the process feel supported.
We work with experienced, professional caregivers, and we align with employment practices that reflect that level of care and responsibility. Our goal is to help families feel confident in setting up an arrangement that is properly structured for in-home support.
When hiring a nanny or other in-home caregiver, you are typically considered a household employer under federal guidelines, which simply means you are entering into a formal working relationship within your home.
We encourage families to compensate caregivers through legal, structured payroll because it:
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Supports a professional and respectful employment relationship
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Helps attract and retain high-quality, experienced caregivers
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Provides clarity and consistency for both families and employees
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Supports long-term financial stability for your caregiver
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Reflects the value of professional in-home support
Household Employment Overview
Depending on your arrangement, household employment may include standard payroll contributions such as:
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Social Security & Medicare contributions
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Federal and state employment taxes are applicable
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Payroll processing through a third-party service
Many families choose to use a payroll service to simplify this process. We are happy to recommend a reputable household payroll company based on your needs.
Compensation Process Through Our Agency
Salary is determined collaboratively between the family and the nanny. The agency may serve as the intermediary to facilitate the discussion and ensure alignment on both sides.
All compensation is coordinated through our agency process. We discuss the role, expectations, and proposed rate with the family and then present the full opportunity to the caregiver.
From there, the caregiver may choose to accept the offer as presented or request adjustments. We guide these conversations to ensure clarity, alignment, and a smooth path to final placement.
Optional Benefits & Household Perks
Some families also choose to offer a benefits package in addition to base compensation. These may be extended at the time of hire or after a pre-determined length of employment. All benefits are at the sole discretion of the employer.
Below is a sampling of benefits some families choose to provide:
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Paid vacation
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Paid holidays
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Paid time off
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Health benefits
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Travel accommodations related to the position
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Use of employer-provided household or personal property
These offerings vary by household and are often tailored to create a long-term, mutually rewarding working relationship.