Your Guide to Family Caregiver Benefits and Support

BenefitsCheckUp

BenefitsCheckUp, sponsored by the National Council on Aging, aims to connect seniors with programs that can help them pay for essentials such as medicine, health care, housing and food.

To apply, seniors or their caregivers need to fill out a questionnaire with qualifying information such as location and income. The program then matches seniors with eligible programs, and they can begin enrolling.

The assistance provided by the BenefitsCheckUp program can help pay for food and housing, taking that financial strain off the caregiver’s shoulders.

Caregiver Homes

The Caregiver Homes program aims to help caregivers by providing care oversight and a modest daily stipend for caregiving expenses. There are several eligibility requirements for the program, including needing assistance with essential tasks such as bathing or eating.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Using the Child and Dependent Care Credit, caregivers can claim a stipend up to $3,000 for one person and $6,000 for two or more people under their care. Though the IRS doesn’t require the person you’re caring for to be a dependent, there are rules for eligibility for this credit.

Credit for Other Dependents

A tax credit directly lowers your tax bill. People have long been able to claim biological children under 16 for a tax credit, but a 2017 law expanded this ability to include individuals related by blood, adoption or marriage. You can use this credit to claim up to $500.

The Family Caregiver Alliance

Founded in 1977, The Family Caregiver Alliance aims to provide emotional and educational support to long-term family caregivers. On the FCA website, caregivers can access educational tools and webinars to help them learn more about caregiving and how to tackle tough situations. The alliance can also help connect caregivers to online support groups and financial support resources.

Long-Term Care Insurance

If the person you’re caring for has a long-term care benefit life insurance policy, they can help pay for their care. By combining their life insurance policy with a long-term care policy or adding on

Founded in the 1950s, Meals on Wheels delivers more than 221 million hot meals to seniors per year. Using the “find meals” tool on the website’s home page, you can sign up to have meals delivered to the person under your care, so you don’t have to worry about putting dinner on the table.

Medicaid Self-Directed

The Medicaid Self-Directed program allows seniors to take charge of their care, including who cares for them. Some states using this program allow seniors to hire their own family members to provide their care. Eligibility for these services varies from state to state, as do coverage amounts and reimbursement rates.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support

Those caring for injured veterans may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The caregiver and veteran receiving care must apply together, so the department can determine eligibility.

Those who are eligible will receive a monthly stipend from the department. In addition, the VA offers legal and financial services for caregivers and veterans.

VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance

Qualified veterans may be eligible for additional funds per month, in addition to their pension. You can use these funds to help cover medical costs or costs of caregiving.

To be eligible for Aid and Attendance, the person receiving care must:

Veteran-Directed Care

Veteran-Directed Care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aims to help veterans receive aid and community-based services that can help them live independently in their communities. This includes a monthly stipend that can help the veteran hire a family member to provide care.

Requirements vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local VA.

Family Support

Communicating your care needs with your loved ones can help ease your emotional burden. Ask your loved ones for assistance when you need it. If necessary, you can also ask your family members to support the caregiving efforts financially.

For mesothelioma caregivers, patients and families, there are also support groups that can help provide emotional support.

Paid Family Leave

Paid Family Leave programs vary from state to state and by employer, but your job may provide paid time off for caregiving purposes. If you are having difficulty navigating caregiving and work, asking your job for time off can help you make a plan and get on track.

Remote Work

Your company may also allow you to work from home while you are caregiving, allowing you to keep performing your job, tending to caregiving tasks and supporting your loved one.

Respite Care

Although respite care doesn’t directly provide financial benefits to a family caregiver, it can allow them some much-needed time off. In-home care agencies can come to your home and provide care, while adult day care programs are places seniors can go while their caregivers work, run errands or relax.