WOW - that is a LOT of money. I think given the amount you should gird your loins and fight for at least some of it. I know no one likes a scrap, and I'm sure that it will take a lot of energy/effort that you could surely be expending elsewhere but I really don't think that you should walk away from this kind of stuff. You mentioned that this client was subsidized - am I correct in assuming that there is an agency involved ? If so, would they be able to help you collect your owed pay ? Seems like they should be able to step in an help. My only other thoughts are that if you have a signed contract you could 1) Send it to collections (I've heard from other caregivers that this is usually very successful, and it has the added benefit of putting a black mark on the individuals credit rating) 2) Small claims court. I don't know anything about what's involved with this one, but it seems really wrong for her to skip out on that kind of money. Hope your next family is a thousand times better !