What kind of financial help for caregivers is available?

A fellow caregiver asked...

I am the full time caregiver for my 97+ year old grandmother. I am unable to be employed because of her health situation. Is there any financial help for caregivers that are unemployed?

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, there are no government programs that pay family members directly for caring for their elderly relatives. But it is legal for your grandmother to pay you a reasonable amount from her own funds, even if some or all of those funds come entirely from government benefit programs. To make such an arrangement, you and your grandmother should write down exactly what your duties are, how often you will provide care, and how much she will pay you for it. Your grandmother's signature on this agreement should be witnessed by at least one other family member. If your grandmother does not have the capacity to understand and execute such an agreement, it would have to be agreed to and signed by someone she has designated as her agent in a durable power of attorney for finances.

If paying you a regular, reasonable amount drops her income below a certain level in your state, that may make her eligible for additional benefits from the federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To be eligible for SSI, your grandmother must have almost no savings or other assets. To find out if she is eligible for SSI benefits, contact your local county social services office.