There are over 500,000 people working as unpaid caregivers for a loved one in Oklahoma today. When a family member needs help, many of us accept this role without hesitation, not expecting recognition or compensation. However, it is a demanding job that can be costly and time consuming. 

In Oklahoma, approximately $5.8 billion dollars of unpaid care is provided annually. There are state and federal programs in place to provide some relief for this undertaking. At Aidaly, we are committed to helping carers receive the benefits they deserve, while carrying out caring roles that often have a great financial and emotional impact. 

On average, caregivers spend 26% of their own income on providing care. Many people aren’t aware of the assistance they may be entitled to. Aidaly is passionate about ensuring caregivers are enabled to access the state and federal programs that will provide help in various ways. Read on to learn about the benefits you may qualify for in Oklahoma. 

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Tax Credits

If you’re a taxpayer, there are government benefits that may be available to you to offer you some financial assistance. The total tax credit you can claim for caregiving in Oklahoma is $1,120. Additionally, Oklahoma matches the federal tax credit up to 20%. There are also extra federal tax credit programs that may help you.

The Child Tax Credit

If you have children aged 17 or under, you may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit. This is a federal government initiative that requires you to list your dependent children on your tax filing in order to be paid up to $3000 per dependent child in the financial year following your tax filing. Visit this website to find out if you qualify. 

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit 

Care-related expenses for a child or dependent may be covered by the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. The CDCTC is a federal program that can offer a return of up to $8000 of costs encountered accessing care for your dependents while you worked or looked for work. You may qualify for this, visit this website to learn more.

Medicaid Waivers in Oklahoma

A Medicaid waiver is a legal exception to normal Medicaid rules. Generally, a person requiring care must go through a registered Medicaid provider, however there are some legal exceptions to this in Oklahoma. Find out more about medicaid waivers here. 

These exceptions allow your loved one to choose how their funds are spent, and could be used to pay a family member for care. If your loved one is on Medicaid, reach out to their provider to determine if this is available to you. 

Veterans Benefits

Veterans who require caregivers are entitled to extra benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). If the loved one you are caring for is a Veteran, you may be eligible for extra assistance. 

Veteran-Directed Care

Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) allows U.S. veterans to continue to live in their own home while receiving the help they need. This program provides payment for the caregiver, and can be used to pay a family member if they are looking after a Veteran who requires ongoing care. Visit this website to find out if VDC is right for you.

The Veterans Aid and Attendance Program

The Veterans Aid and Attendance Program (VAA) provides funds of up to $3,261 per month for qualifying Veterans, in addition to their normal VA pension, to be used to improve their quality of life. This enables Veterans that require ongoing care to pay caregiving costs, including paying a family member that provides care. Visit this website for more information. 

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers

The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) covers up to one full time (live in) family caregiver of a Veteran, with the additional option of covering up to two part-time family caregivers. The program was recently amended and now covers Veterans injured in the line of duty from any period of service. It offers financial assistance and training opportunities for caregivers. To find out if you qualify, visit this website. 

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Finding the right support while caring for a loved one can be overwhelming. Aidaly will enable you to dedicate your energy and time into what matters, providing the best care possible.Contact us today to access the benefits and help you deserve.