Family members and spouses often work as caregivers without payment — and take on this role without expecting any recognition. However, at Aidaly, we’re dedicated to ensuring that family caregivers receive the state and federal assistance for which they are eligible.

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

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Tax Benefits

Family caregivers in Georgia are entitled to tax benefits that can save you money and alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with caregiving costs.

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 one of these credits, you must meet certain income requirements. To learn more and discover if you are eligible, there is more information available here.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: Federal and Kentucky

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. To assess your eligibility, click here. Kentucky also offers state taxpayers 20% of the federal credit amount, up to $420, to people who qualify for the federal credit.

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 Kentucky

Around 1.5 million Kentuckians are enrolled in Medicaid. Medicaid enrollment is a great first step for accessing financial assistance because,if your loved one already meets the criteria, they may be eligible for Medicaid waivers and other Medicaid-associated programs. State-based programs also exist independently of Medicaid, which we will unpack below. 

Medicaid Waivers in Kentucky

Medicaid Waivers allow Medicaid recipients to direct funding directly to caregivers rather than paying Medicaid-approved agencies. In Kentucky, two waivers can help pay family caregivers:

• The Home and Community-Based Waiver allows elderly and/or disabled adults who need nursing facility-level care to receive care at home. Through this waiver, friends and family members can be paid for personal care services. 
• The Michelle P. Waiver enables adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to receive care at home, which family members can provide. 

You can find out more about both these waivers here.

The Hart-Supported Living Program

This non-Medicaid program allows elderly and disabled adults who cannot live independently to continue living at home with the help of paid caregivers. Under this program, family members may be hired and paid for providing care services. Visit the Department for Aging and Independent Living here to learn more.

The Personal Care Attendant Program (PCA)

Another non-Medicaid option, the PCA program is intended to specifically assist adults who have lost the function of two or more limbs to receive care in their own homes. For anyone eligible, this program can pay family members to provide the required care. Learn more about the PCA program here.

Veterans Benefits in Kentucky

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of programs to assist elderly Veterans or those disabled in the line of duty. Often these programs allow Veterans to select their own caregivers. Kentucky also honors Veterans with its own benefits: learn more about those 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 VDC program allows Veterans who need long-term daily care to employ family members. Veterans in Kentucky who are already eligible for community care are generally also eligible for this program. Find out more here.

Veteran Aid and Attendance Benefit (VAA)

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 is used at the discretion of the Veteran; however, it’s frequently used for caring 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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Caregiving can take its toll on family members, and many people go into this role unaware that numerous state and federal programs are available to help lighten the load. At Aidaly, we find these benefits on your behalf along with providing access to training and a private community of caregivers just like you.