Did you know you can be a paid caregiver for a family member in Florida?

With the average caregiver spending $7,242 out-of-pocket annually on care-related costs, getting paid to take care of a loved one can provide some much-needed financial relief.

Keep reading to find out which benefits and programs you might qualify for in Florida and how you can get paid for the care you provide.

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Medicaid

Almost four million Floridians are enrolled in Medicaid, a state program that offers health insurance and medical assistance to people who meet certain income and health requirements. 

Florida offers two major Medicaid programs that can help pay for in-home care and services and may be able to pay family caregivers: Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) and the Long-Term Care Waiver (LTC). Learn more here. 

Managed Medical Assistance (MMA)

Most Floridians who are enrolled in Medicaid receive MMA. In this program, the state of Florida pays for health insurance that covers medical and dental needs, like doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. 

While the state pays for the insurance, the insurance plan itself is offered by private insurance companies like Humana, Aetna, or Molina. MMA plans may pay for home care or other services at home, like housekeeping. 

In order to qualify, the patient’s doctor must write a prescription for the care, and a home health nurse must write a care plan with the patient and their family. For patients and caregivers who meet the requirements, this program can pay caregivers for the work they’re already doing. Read more about it here. 

Long-Term Care Waiver (LTC)

The Florida LTC waiver provides services to persons who are at risk of nursing home placement so they can remain at home. To qualify: the person must be enrolled in Medicaid; be over 65 or over 18 with a disability; or be living with cystic fibrosis, AIDS, or a traumatic brain injury. 

The person must need substantial care. LTC can pay for home care, adult day services, and several other services, and family caregivers may qualify to get paid for the care they provide. Read more about it here. 

Tax Benefits

Most people are taxpayers, so the government will often give financial assistance by helping out with taxes. Unless you know what you’re entitled to, or work with someone who does, you may miss out. Aidaly can help you keep track of spending that can save you thousands or put extra money in your pocket.

Florida caregivers may be eligible for three tax benefits that can save you money. Find out more about each one below.

The Child Tax Credit and Tax Credit for Other Dependents

People who claim their children or other dependents on their federal tax return can receive up to $2,000 for each qualified dependent. This credit is fully refundable, which means that you can get the money even if you owe no taxes. To receive the credit, you must meet certain income requirements. Find out more here. 

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

If you paid someone to care for your dependent while you were at work, or while you were looking for work, you can get money back even if you owe no taxes. Up to $8,000 of what you paid for daycare, day camps, babysitting, adult day programs, or caregiving while you were working or looking for work can be claimed. Find out more here. 

Medical and Dental Expenses Tax Deductions

If you spent more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) on medical or dental expenses that weren’t paid back by your insurance, you can deduct that money from your taxable income and owe less on your taxes. You can count any money you spent on eligible expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents, so it can add up quickly. Learn more about it here. 

Veterans Benefits

If you are a Veteran, or the spouse of one, you may be eligible to receive benefits through Veterans Affairs programs that can support your role as a caregiver. You can apply for Aid and Attendance Pension if you served in active duty military service that was not dishonorable and met certain other requirements.

Aid and Attendance is a tax-free monthly benefit that supplements your income to help you financially while caring for a Veteran. Benefits are not just limited to Veterans; they can be passed on to their spouses as well. Learn more about this benefit here. 

Eligible caregivers may receive $1,244 and up to $2,295 per month. Another program available is the Veterans Pension which provides financial support for those who have limited income and are unable to work due to caring for a disabled veteran or surviving spouse. The amount of aid depends on the number of dependents and other factors, but it is usually $1,597 per month. 

Additionally, caregivers who qualify may also be able to receive a stipend for providing care to Veterans through the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. 

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

The PCAFC provides support to family caregivers caring for eligible Veterans. Veterans can designate a primary family caregiver who can then receive a range of benefits including a monthly payment, counseling, and even reimbursement for traveling to the Veteran’s appointments. Learn more here.