Are there any social security benefits available to caregivers of elderly parents to help with their out of pocket expenses?

IF they are a Veteran or the spouse of a Veteran check into VA Aid and Attendance benefit which will assist with paying Home Care to Skilled Nursing.
VA BENEFITS: (Available for veteran and spouse if qualified)
http://www.veteranaid.org/apply.php VA information and Download forms!
www.aidforvets.com
www.veteranaid.org
www.va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs – YOU MUST ASK FOR VA AID & ATTENDANCE
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/get-service-records.html - for family who need to replace missing documents
http://www.veteranaid.org/apply.php - Application website
Veterans Legal Assistance at www.veteranslegal.org
National Website:
http://www.va.gov/vaforms/

Veterans' Legal Assistance (VLA), a law firm whose attorneys are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VLA helps families navigate through the full eligibility and application processes.


The forms you need are:
VSO 3 (physician’s form)*
21-526 (for the veteran)
21-534 (for surviving spouse)
21-22 (power of attorney)
21-8416 (medical expenses)

It is state dependent, Massachusetts has a program for anyone who qualifies for Medicaid.
Be careful about "getting paid" for your services, social security may require you to pay taxes.

Not social security benefits but income tax credit, known as :"Credit for the Elderly". This would go on YOUR income tax return to be filed April 15, 2010. Read IRS PUb 17 for details, page 225, worksheet p. 226. If you qualify, you must file Schedule R, and you will get some funds returned to you for your financial effort in caring for someone disabled and or elderly.