This gig is perhaps one of the most emotionally fulfilling that exists. Papa Pals pays you to act as a companion to elderly Americans who need assistance with everyday tasks. As someone who was a unpaid caregiver for many years, I genuinely believe connecting with and helping with the elderly is one of the most rewarding opportunities a person can do. We break it down below with our Papa Pals Review.
Quick Facts
| Platform Name | Papa Pals |
| Earning Potential | up to $22.00 per hour |
| Typical Duration | 2-4 hour visits |
| Payment Frequency | Next Day |
| Required Equipment | Vehicle and Smartphone |
What’s Inside
- Is Papa Pals real and safe?
- How hard is it to sign up?
- Can I do this whenever I want?
- How much money can you really make?
- When and how do you get paid?
- What stuff do you need to start?
- Is the work easy or hard?
- The Pros and Cons of Papa Pals
- Final Verdict: Is Papa Pals worth your time?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Papa Pals real and safe?
This paid gig is as real as it gets. Founded in 2017, this gig has a bunch of things going for it. Not only did Papa Inc. raise hundreds of millions in funding, but a lot of the visits are actually covered by insurance. With significant funding and insurance-backed visits, the company appears to have a stable foundation for long-term growth in the companionship space.
It’s also important to mention that the founder/CEO (Andrew Parker) of the company struggled to find help for his own family member and made it his mission to create Papa. Companies with an emotionally invested and mission-driven founder always tend to have a greater chance of long-term success!
How hard is it to sign up?
Frankly, it is not easy. Nor should it be. This is because they require a background check for all potential Papa Pals. This requirement is totally understandable, as you would not want someone taking care of your loved one unless they were thoroughly checked out to ensure safety ahead of time. This part takes about two days.
The other factor is that this is a car-required gig, with a 2010 or newer model vehicle being necessary. Applicants must be 21+ years old and pass a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check. With this you need proof of auto insurance that is in your name. In our experience and based on current user feedback, Papa requires you to be the primary policy holder. Simply being a listed driver on another person’s policy may lead to a rejection.
💡 Insider Tip:
Some users have reported in the past that the sign-up process may freeze during the auto insurance section. If this happens to you, simply restart the process. Annoying, yes, but we do not know any other workaround at this point.
Can I do this whenever I want?
You certainly can set your own availability, but ultimately you are helping people based on when they schedule their need for assistance. This makes sense as some tasks include taking clients to appointments, which of course happen at specific times during a day.
Some pals note that a frustrating part is last minute cancellations so prepare yourself accordingly because this does happen.
How much money can you really make?
Papa states that you can earn $22 an hour, but note this is only after bonuses. Visits in reality have a payout range between $13 and $18 per hour, depending on where you are in the US.
Another factor is mileage reimbursement for your vehicle. This is paid by the state government, depending on your location, not Papa. Ensure you research what you are entitled to by running a Google search or using a GPT.
When and how do you get paid?
Paying Pals is something Papa gets right. You are paid directly into your bank account as soon as the following day. To facilitate this, you will need a Stripe account, but that is free to sign up for and no big deal at all. The extra time it takes to set up the account is worth it, especially considering how fast they pay you.
What stuff do you need to start?
The most critical item you need is a car that is newer than 2010. This is a non-negotiable requirement. The gig is available in major cities across the United States, so your location matters as well.
You will also need a smartphone for scheduling and communication with Papa. Beyond this, you really don’t require anything else to get started.
Is the work easy or hard?
The work falls in between easy and hard. While the actual labor may be considered easy, there for sure is an emotional weight attached to this gig as you are dealing with people.
What makes it one of the most rewarding gigs also makes it challenging because the people you help are sometimes very elderly and will pass away. This emotional toll is worth the price, however. The assistance you provide will make you feel fulfilled, knowing how much it means to both the people you are helping and their families.
It is important to note that Papa Pals are companions, not medical professionals. Based on our research, tasks are strictly non-medical, and you should never perform medical procedures or handle medication.
The Pros and Cons of Papa Pals
| The Pros | The Cons |
|---|---|
| High Hourly Pay: $22/hr is a realistic rate. | Cancellations Happen: Can be last minute. |
| Social Impact: Helping seniors who need it. | Very Competitive: Must pass a background check. |
| Trustworthy: Well-funded, covered by insurance. | Emotionally Draining: Clients may pass away. |
Final Verdict: Is Papa Pals worth your time?
In a single word, absolutely. Take it from someone with 10 years of experience caregiving for others. The fulfilment you get from this type of gig provides an emotional high, unlike much else. The pay rate won’t make you rich, but at the same time the compensation is more than fair for the work you are actually providing.
The Bottom Line: If you consider yourself a ‘people person’ who can handle the emotional nuances of senior companionship, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Papa has a dedicated safety process in place. You can end any visit early if you feel uncomfortable and report the situation through the app.
Serious traffic offenses such as DUIs or reckless driving charges are grounds for disqualification. Minor infractions like an old speeding ticket may not prevent approval.
No. You have complete freedom to browse available visits and only accept the ones that work for you.
Yes, and many Pals do. Building an ongoing relationship with a member is actually encouraged.
You are never required to perform tasks outside of Papa’s defined scope. Medication administration and hands-on personal care are strictly off limits regardless of what a member requests. You are trained on these boundaries.
