At Aidaly, we understand that family members often work as caregivers without the expectation of wages or recognition; however, state and federal programs can offer caregivers some financial relief. 

Keep reading to discover which benefits and programs you may qualify for in Kansas. 

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Tax Benefits

Because most people are taxpayers, the government often gives 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.

As caregivers in Kansas, you may be eligible for tax benefits that can save you money. Find out more about each one below.

The Child Tax Credit and the 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. These credits are fully refundable, which means you can get the money even if you owe no taxes. To receive these credits, you must meet certain income requirements. To learn more and discover if you’re eligible for the tax credits, more information is available here.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Federal and Kansas

If you paid someone to care for your dependent while at work or looking for work, you could get money back even if you owed 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 on your federal tax return. To assess your eligibility, click here.

Kansas also helps families by offering a portion of the federal amount back to state taxpayers. Learn more about Kansas’s Child and Dependent Tax Credit here.

Tax Deductions for Medical and Dental Expenses

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 spend on eligible expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents so your total can add up quickly. You can read more here to see if your expenses meet the requirements. 

Medicaid and Other State Programs in Kansas

Around 418,000 Kansas residents are enrolled in KanCare, the Kansas Medicaid program. KanCare is an excellent option for accessing financial assistance programs. If your loved one is already eligible for Medicaid, they may meet the criteria for Medicaid Waivers or other programs; learn more about KanCare eligibility here.

Medicaid Waivers and Long-Term Services & Supports in Kansas

Medicaid Waivers allow Medicaid recipients to direct funds to family members who are providing their care rather than to Medicaid-approved agencies. However, spouses are often not eligible for the funding. In Kansas, the Frail Elderly Waiver Program and other Home and Community Based Services programs enable elderly and/or disabled adults whose care would otherwise require them to be in a nursing facility to receive assistance while at home. To learn more about all Long Term Services in Kansas, click here.

The Senior Care Act (SCA) in Kansas

The Kansas Legislature established this non-Medicaid program to assist older Kansans who can no longer live independently but who can reside in a community-based residence if some services are provided. The program is for Kansas residents age 60 or older and varies from county to county. Personal care and homemaker services provided under this program can be self-directed, meaning family members can be compensated for this work. You can read more and start applying here.

Veterans Benefits in Kansas

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides funding and assistance for Veterans who meet eligibility requirements. The VA is federal, and individual states offer their own benefits for Veterans. Check out all of Kansas’s state benefits for Veterans and service members here.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

With the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, you can earn a monthly stipend of up to $2,750 per month as a family caregiver to a Veteran who has a service-related disability or illness. In addition, you can access training and counseling programs to support your caregiving services. Check to see if you’re eligible here. 

Veteran-Directed Care Program (VDC)

The Veteran-Directed Care Program is a self-directed program aimed to keep Veterans out of nursing institutions and in their own homes. The funding obtained through this program is based on the individual Veteran's need, but its aim is to enable Veterans to choose their own caregivers — which allows them to hire family members rather than professionals. More information about this program in Kansas may be found here.

The Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance

The Aid and Attendance program provides funds in the form of a pension enhancement to qualifying Veterans in order to assist with improving their day to day lives. This pension can be used flexibly, and it’s frequently used for caregiving services, which can be provided by family members. The VA also offers the related Housebound allowance for qualified Veterans and their survivors. Read more about VA pensions here.

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Aidaly understands that providing care for a loved one can be challenging, emotionally and financially. We can connect you with a community of other caregivers and help you access the state and federal benefits to which you are entitled.