I've been his primary caretaker for about a year and haven't received any kind of compensation. But many people have told me I could be receiving some sort of income. Which would be essential being as though taking care of him is a full time job. And our financial situation isn't very good. Just reaching out to see if someone could be of assistance. Thank you and hope to hear back from someone
Do they encourage you to study or work for a wage?
I don't know your age, but what are your longer term plans for a job/career? What about social stuff? Going out with friends, marriage/partnership, children?
If grandpa is a Veteran the VA may pay you to be his caregiver. If he is a Veteran check with your local Veterans Assistance Commission and they can help determine what benefits he may be entitled to.
You can also check with your local Senior Service Center and see if there are any programs that he may qualify for.
If he has been diagnosed with any type of dementia he may qualify for services through a Medicare Program called GUIDE.
If you think the govt is going to pay you to care for him, think again. It won't be for anything more than minimum wage and it won't be FT hours and def no benefits.
How old is he? How old are you?
What are his impairments that he needs a FT person?
If he can't pay you what comparable work would fetch on the open market, you are too young to be assumed into this "job" that has no future. You need a career builder, something with benefits and perks, and pays into withholding so that when you're his age you will have enough SSI as a cushion, and 10 quarters of recorded work history so that you can receive Medicare at 65.
Do not live with him, as this would mean you would be working 24/7 on-call. You won't have a social life and nothing on your resume to show off once he passes on.
There is a huge cost to you not having a mainstream job -- more than he can compensate you for.