Question from Caring.com Community Member, misty romanyk
My mother-in-law moved in with us a few weeks ago. She was in a nursing home but it wasn't doing her any good since she is deaf. I cannot go back to work because I have to take care of her while my husband works. We have five children and my question is, is there any financial assistance out there for us?
Expert Answer by Joseph L. Matthews
Joseph L. Matthews is a Caring.com senior editor, an attorney, and the author of Long-Term Care: How to Plan & Pay for It and Social Security, Medicare, & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits.
Your mother-in-law may be entitled to assistance from several different government benefit programs, each of which could ease your financial and personal burden. If your mother-in-law is entitled to Social Security retirement, disability, or survivors benefits, that money was probably going directly to the nursing home she was in. It should now be redirected into your mother-in-law's own bank account. The Social Security Administration can set up a direct deposit into her account. Your mother-in-law can then use that money for her living expenses at your house.
If your mother-in-law has no income other than her Social Security benefits, and has little or no savings or other assets, she might also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a program for low-income people, including elders, run jointly by the federal government and the states. Contact your local county social services office to find out about eligibility and applying.
Your mother-in-law might also be eligible for Medicaid coverage of medical expenses not paid for by Medicare. This reduces the amount of money she'll have to spend on medical care, leaving it available for other living expenses. Also, through Medicaid she might be eligible for adult day care services. Adult day care provides a safe, structured environment with activities for people who would otherwise be housebound or would need to live in a nursing facility. Your mother-in-law could regularly spend time there, giving you much-needed relief from your caregiving duties. Like SSI, Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. Contact your local county social services office for information about eligibility and applying.
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answered:
Good answer on the part of the mother-in-law...but no answer for any financial assistance resources for the daughter-in-law, who needs money! It would be helpful to address this part as well.
