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

Jul 1, 2009

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)

Helpful Answer (2)

barthas

Jul 2, 2009

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.

Jul 3, 2009

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.

natalie05

Feb 18, 2011

CAN I GET PAID FOR WATCHING MY MOTHER

Feb 18, 2011

Keep in mind, that all these Veterans benefits that Heidi mentions in her note, take a long long time to acquire.

When you file your 2010 Federal Income Tax Return on 4/15/11, again pls refer to Pub 17 - Credit for The Elderly is limited this year. That is, If you qualify.

There is no Social Security money for a caregiver. You have to be disabled yourself to receive any funding.

deb1debb

Feb 21, 2011

i take care of my dad everyday can i get benifits?

Feb 21, 2011

No. Check out : "Credit For the Elderly" on Form 1040.
Check out: Exemptions, then Dependents, Lines 6C, Form 1040.

lildeb

Feb 27, 2012

My mnl draws ssi which goes directly to her bank acount and we only withdraw with her approval to pay for her meds and etc for her. On the otherhand, I draw ssdi and can't see social security paying me for taking care of my mnl for then I would probable lose my ssdi because they will think I am able to work. Is their somewhere to check that out without messing what little benefits that I draw?

Prophet

Feb 27, 2012

In most areas, you can go to Social Services and apply for benefits for taking care of a family member. Just call them and they will point you in the right direction within their agency. Also, you may try the Department of Health and Human Hygiene. Under the Health Department you may find additional benefits for elderly. But start at the Department of Social Services and their is a stipend for caring for elderly.

Feb 27, 2012

No, Natalie05, you can't get an I Pad for watching your mother.