Do GoFundMe donations count against eligibility?

Do GoFundMe donations count against eligibility?

Short answer: Yes, usually. Money raised through crowdfunding and paid to the Medicaid applicant is generally counted as income in the month received and as an asset after that.

Figures change periodically. Double-check current amounts before relying on them.

Under the SSI-based rules most states use for older and disabled applicants, gifts of cash to the applicant, including donations received through crowdfunding sites, are generally unearned income in the month received. Any money left at the start of the next month generally becomes a countable asset.

That can cause problems: a single large deposit can make the person ineligible for the month, and leftover funds can push them over the asset limit.

Ways families handle crowdfunding:

  • Have donors pay providers directly. Payments made by others directly to a provider for medical care are generally not the applicant’s income. Payments for food or shelter may be treated differently.
  • Use a special needs or pooled trust. For people under 65 with disabilities, funds can sometimes be placed in a trust. Pooled trusts may be available to older adults in some states, with penalty rules that vary.
  • Spend on exempt items for the person, such as medical equipment or home modifications.
  • Report the funds. Leaving them off an application can cause a denial or recovery later.

Organizers should set up a campaign with Medicaid rules in mind from the start.

Getting help

Every situation is different, and small facts can change the answer. If this question affects a real decision, especially with a spouse at home, a home, gifts or a trust, a Certified Medicaid Planner can apply your state’s rules to your situation. As a rough guide, published fees for help with an application range from about $500 to $6,000, and hourly help from about $150 to $600.

Last updated for 2026. General information only, not legal or financial advice. Medicaid Answers is a free educational resource published by Medicaid Answers Foundation.

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