Caution: Caregiving Tax Liability?

where can i write to in order to have medicare pay for caregivers services so that i can continue to work. I know that they will pay a portion, i may have to pay a portion, but I am not sure where to write to, and where to submit the certified statement of the doctor. pls respond to p.o. box 12, mauldin, sc 29662

On Dec 21 2002, I was laid off from Sprint. On Dec 24th my dad had a stroke, and became paralyzed on his right side in addition to other medical problems. I have been his caregiver for 5 years. I moved home to care for my parents. I drive them, pay bills and attend Dr appts. I had to buy a van to get him around in also. I have also had to use my savings and now live off my IRA. I have very little left now. I live off 8k to 10k a year and have had to pay taxes and early withdrawel pentalities. I have not had any medical treatments for my own health problems either.

Am I entitled to any help from anywhere? Social Security, local govt, federal govt? When I applied for food stamps, It wanted the household income which including their pension and social security which is less than 10k a year put me over the limit...if I did it right. I need help. I cant take care of my parents anymore. I am going broke. I have never asked for help before

In answer to both questions above, I would direct you to a great service from the AOA. They have a number you can call that can get you the resources and information you need. Call -800-677-1116 for the Eldercare Locator.

This came from a study by the Family Caregiver Alliance:

Most states (all but six) pay families to provide care in at least one of their state-administered programs. We asked state program administrators: "Can family members be paid to provide care in your program?"

Over half (57%), or 86 out of 150, in 44 states and the District of Columbia) say they do. Only Alaska, Delaware, Mississippi, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Tennessee do not allow payments to family members.

A higher proportion of Medicaid waiver programs (36, 74%) than NFCSPs (59%) or state-funded programs (40%) report they allow payment to family members (other than spouses or parents/guardians of minors).

The practice of paying families to provide care may be perceived by some state administrators as a consumer-directed option for the individual beneficiary or consumer (i.e., the care receiver) without directly aiding the family caregiver. Nine of the Medicaid waivers and five of the state-funded programs reporting no consumer-directed option for family caregivers say they do permit beneficiaries to pay family members to provide care.

© 2004

has anyony heard of a program that provides compensation to a person that cares for a brother ( in this) case who receives disability and has all of his life. Until her death my mother had always taken care of my brother and I do it now. Sometimes he lives with me and sometimes I rent him a nearby close apartment. He cannot make any financial decisions by himself, does not recieve enough disability to pay rent, ytilities and buy food so I pay the balance. Several people have told me that tere is a service like this, but I can't seem to find any information. Thanks

I believe that you would have to become his guradian in order to apply. But each state has different rules and departments that handle this. In general, it's something like the Dept. of Children and Family Services, Dept. of Human Serives or Social Services for your state. There is compensation available, but he may need to be in your home all the time.