Is There Government Assistance for Family Caregivers?

Family caregivers play an invaluable role in assisting ailing loved ones who are no longer capable of living independently. In addition to the time commitment of this responsibility, you often incur out-of-pocket expenses that make it difficult to make ends meet. That, coupled with the limited working hours available to make a living, can place heavy financial strain on you when caring for a family member or loved one.
Thankfully, government assistance is available to help ease some of the financial hardships associated with being a family caregiver. With strong values, CaringPays works to connect you with resources, including training, family caregiver pay, and in-home care. Here, we discuss the options that are available to get paid to become a caregiver for your loved one or friend.

The Role of a Family Caregiver

Studies indicate more than 77% of adults aged 50 or older prefer to remain at home as they age. This can require the need for safety modifications to the home, downsizing, careful planning, and often the aid of a caregiver.
Caregiving is a vital service that many aging adults and those with disabilities rely on. It’s also extremely sensitive. That’s why many seniors prefer a loved one to care for them. This requires family caregivers to dedicate much of their time and effort assisting their loved one in the following ways:

• Home management and general upkeep
• Medical advocacy and speaking with healthcare professionals on behalf of the ailing family member
• Assistance with personal hygiene
• Medication reminders
• Prepare meals and aid with eating
• Provide transportation to medical appointments and other social gathering opportunities
• Companionship
• Help with mobility
• Monitor changes in health

Become a Paid Caregiver for Your Loved One or Friend

In addition to devoting their time, many family caregivers dedicate their funds to taking care of a parent, relative, child, or spouse. According to an AARP study, family caregivers reported spending an average of $7,242 annually on out-of-pocket costs related to caregiving, Government programs exist to address this and compensate individuals who help loved ones with daily activities, including personal care, giving medicine, cooking, cleaning, and more. Government assistance available to family caregivers includes:

A State Medicaid Program

Individuals with Medicaid who need care may be able to have their family caregiver receive compensation depending on the state they live in. Consumer-directed personal assistance programs grant a qualified person the ability to manage their long-term home-care services, as opposed to where services are managed by an agency. That can include hiring a family caregiver to provide aid.
Individual state requirements and rules vary. Some states approve family caregiver pay but exclude spouses and legal guardians. Other states require family caregivers to live in a different household than the care recipient to get paid. Additionally, the amount the program pays you to care for a family member varies by state. CaringPays can help family members navigate all the requirements.

Non-Medicaid Alternatives

Even if you provide support for a family member without Medicaid, you can still receive compensation in the following ways:

• Long-term care insurance:Certain long-term care insurance policies include benefits that grant family caregivers the opportunity to be paid.
• Paid family leave:Depending on the state where you reside, you may be eligible to become a paid family caregiver through family leave programs. States determine eligibility requirements, the amount you will receive, and how long you can be absent from work.

Veterans Programs

Ailing individuals needing care who served in the United States military may qualify for the following programs that allow for family care pay:

• Veteran Directed Care:This Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program offers qualified veterans a flexible budget based on an assessment of the veteran’s needs. Through this program, veterans can select the services they require, including a caregiver, which can include a family member.
• Aid and Attendance Benefits program:This program provides qualified veterans with monthly payments in addition to a monthly VA pension to cover the costs of a caregiver, who may be a family member.

Am I Eligible? Find Out Now!

If you are providing care to a family member, you know the devotion required. You may be aware of the financial burden that can come with it as well. Those who qualify may be able to receive financial support from government caregiver programs.
CaringPays assists family caregivers nationwide with comprehensive support. Our caregivers receive more than just pay but competitive benefits packages as well. We can help you determine your eligibility, apply and enroll, and start getting paid. We serve family caregivers in Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. For news and more information about family caregiver pay, contact us today to find out if you qualify.