Many people will assume a caregiver role for a loved one at some point in their life. According to Utah Policy, approximately 426,000 Utah residents provide unpaid caregiving services to family members and friends, 40% of whom provide caregiving services equivalent to a part-time or full-time job.   

Caregiving can give a person a sense of giving back, fulfillment, and joy. However, it can also place a considerable burden on a caregiver time-wise, emotionally, and financially. At Aidaly, we aim to get family caregivers the support and financial assistance they deserve. Below we outline various ways a family caregiver may receive financial benefits for their role in Utah. 

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Tax Benefits in Utah  

Two tax credits, the Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit may help family caregivers with the financial aspects of family caregiving.  

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) 

The Child Tax Credit is a federal level tax credit for families with children under the age of 18. Most families in Utah are eligible for the full credit of $300 per month for each child under the age of 6, and $250 per month for each child between the ages of 6 and 17. This credit can be used for any purpose, even those unrelated to child care. Learn more about this credit here. 

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) 

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit is more specific than the CTC. This credit is to reimburse families for the cost of childcare incurred while the caregiver was working, looking for work, or studying. Families with an income under $125,000 can receive up to half their annual costs of childcare, up to the limit of $4000 for one child and $8000 for two or more children. Families over this income threshold may still receive a credit, but at a reduced figure. Find out more about the CDCTC here. 

Medicaid and Other State Programs

Medicaid and other state programs in Utah can also provide support to family caregivers either directly, or indirectly if the person requiring care uses the funds they receive to pay their family caregiver. 

Medicaid

Medicaid waivers are exemptions to the general Medicaid rules that allow states to employ more flexible approaches to medical care. In Utah, the New Choices Waiver allows individuals who have spent a minimum amount of time in an assisted living facility to transition to receive home and community based care, including by paying their family caregivers. Learn more about Medicaid here. 

State Programs

Utah also offers a Home and Community Based Alternatives Program, which may be referred to in some counties as the Alternatives Program, TAP or HCBA program. This is a state-funded program aiming at reducing the placement of individuals in nursing homes. Eligible beneficiaries may receive payments based on their income that can be used to pay a family caregiver rather than paying for professional care. Find out more about this program here. 

The Utah Caregiver Support Program (UCSP) also provides direct support to unpaid family caregivers, including respite support to give caregivers a break from their usual duties. Find out more here. 

Veteran Benefits in Utah

Recognizing their service and sacrifice, veterans in Utah are eligible for specific benefits to assist their care needs and to pay family caregivers if they wish.  Find out more about the various benefits here. 

Veterans Benefits

Veterans in Utah may qualify for either the Aid and Attendance Benefit or the Housebound Benefit, both of which provide additional income on top of the usual VA allowances. 

The Aid and Attendance Benefit provides additional financial support to Veterans who either require the assistance of another for their daily activities, are mostly bed-bound, are in nursing homes, or have limited eyesight. The Housebound Benefit is for veterans who are primarily house-bound due to a permanent disability. The payments received under these benefits can be used to pay family caregivers.  

Veteran-Directed Care Program 

The Veteran-Directed Care Program, previously referred to as the Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS), aims to reduce the institutionalization of Veterans by allowing them to receive home and community based care. Under this program, eligible Veterans can receive allowances that they can use to hire and pay their own family caregivers.  

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) in Utah 

The PCAFC allows qualifying Veterans to appoint a primary and secondary caregiver to receive benefits, including financial assistance for primary caregivers. To qualify, veterans must have a disability rating over 70% and have required at least 6 months of continuous personal care. Learn more about this program here. 

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When you join Aidaly, receiving compensation for your family caregiving role is simple. We’ll determine your entitlements and guide you through the process to get you the financial assistance you deserve.