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How To Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Arkansas

Written by Aidaly
June 6, 2023

Summary of Statistics

3 million

Population

0.4 million

Caregivers

390 million

Care Hours

$14.77

Value of Care/hour

$5.8 billion

Value of Care

In the U.S., millions of people work as unpaid caregivers for a family member or loved one — 53 million, to be precise. Though these duties are often performed without any expectation of compensation, it’s no secret that caregiving work comes with financial and emotional costs. Money for medical supplies, appointments, and transportation has to come from somewhere. Generally, this “somewhere” ends up being the caregiver’s own pocket, despite federal and state assistance programs available that can help. 

Recent studies show that the average family caregiver spends more than a quarter of their income on caregiving-related expenses. At Aidaly, we believe that caregivers deserve compensation and recognition for their vital work, and we’re passionate about helping people access services that can have lengthy or convoluted application processes. Keep reading to learn about the benefits and programs you may qualify for in Arkansas.

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Tax Benefits

Most people are taxpayers, so 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.

Arkansas caregivers 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 a credit, you must meet certain income requirements. To learn more and discover if you are eligible for these tax credits, more information is available here.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

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.

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 spend on eligible expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents so your total can add up quickly. You can read more here to learn about eligible expenses. 

Medicaid and Other State Programs

Around 970,000 people are enrolled with Medicaid Arkansas which provides health insurance and medical assistance to people who meet specified income and health criteria. To qualify for some state-based support services, your loved one needs to be enrolled with Arkansas Medicaid. However, other programs exist independently of Medicaid and can be applied for separately. Below, we list which state-based services may be available to you and your loved ones.

Arkansas Independent Choices

Arkansas Independent Choices is a program offered through Medicaid that allows elderly and disabled adults who cannot live independently to remain at home. Family members (excluding spouses) are able to be compensated for the services they provide. In addition, the costs of certain medical and accessibility equipment can be covered. Further information on eligibility and services is available here

Arkansas Lifespan Respite Voucher Program

The purpose of this support program is to distribute services to family caregivers via small grants. This program doesn’t offer regular wages for carers. Rather it provides respite so that caregivers may be relieved from their duties and allowed a break. More information can be accessed by clicking here. 

Family and Medical Leave

Arkansas Family and Medical Leave guarantees that eligible workers whose caregiving duties require them to take leave from their primary source of income can have 12 weeks of leave from their job. However, in Arkansas, this leave is entirely unpaid. Employers should be contacted directly if you’re considering taking this leave.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Some long-term care insurance policies allow the patient to pay chosen family members to provide their care. Eligibility depends on the specific policy and differs from provider to provider. In order to assess if this applies to your situation, the patient's insurance company must be contacted directly.

Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of care-based programs to assist elderly or disabled Veterans. The VA is federal, but Arkansas also offers services for Veterans here

Veterans Aid and Attendance Program

Under the Veterans Aid and Attendance program, a pension enhancement is provided to eligible Veterans to make their day-to-day lives more manageable. How this pension is spent is flexible and many Veterans use it to fund their care, which family members can provide.

Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program

The VDC program is also a self-directed program designed to keep Veterans in their homes rather than having them live in nursing facilities. Veterans can design and direct how their care should look and distribute their funds accordingly, meaning they can choose to employ family members as carers rather than professionals. More information on this program can be accessed here.

Caregiving can be costly, but there is some assistance available to family caregivers. In addition to helping caregivers access the financial aid outlined above, Aidaly provides resources, coaching, and a community of caregivers who understand what you’re going through. Click here to sign up.

See if you’re eligible to start getting paid with Aidaly

Check your eligibility now

See if you’re eligible to start getting paid with Aidaly

Check your eligibility now

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Aidaly cost?

If your loved one has Medicaid, training and support is covered by Aidaly and is at no cost to you or your loved one. Select MA plans cover the cost of Aidaly training and support for their members. Our program allows families to live a healthy and happy life in their own homes.

How much do family caregivers get paid?

Family caregivers are paid an hourly wage of $15 or more for every hour you provide care. We understand your income provides safety and security to your family and we actively advocate on behalf of family caregivers and offer more competitive pay compared to the industry standard.

What do you provide to family caregivers?

Aidaly provides training, support, and compensation to alleviate the financial burden of being a family caregiver. We know from personal experience how difficult caregiving can be. Aidaly also provides professional coaching, financial tools, and a peer-led community.

What happens if I don't have Medicaid or an HCBS waiver?

Navigating insurance coverage can be frustrating and time-consuming. Our care team will help your family apply for Medicaid, switch to a partner Medicare Advantage plan, and check-in on your status so you don't miss out on the benefits you deserve.

Who does Aidaly help?

Aidaly helps family caregivers get paid to provide care in the home through state and federal programs. We primarily work with Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plan members. If your loved one does not have Medicaid or a Medicare Advantage plan, our team can help you apply for Medicaid or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan.

What areas do you currently serve?

Aidaly is rapidly expanding across the U.S.! Enter your zip code to see if we offer services in your area.

What will training look like?

With a blend of virtual and in-person training, our comprehensive, hands-on program will earn you HHA or CNA credentials in 2-3 weeks. After the program, you will be certified to provide in-home care to an adult or child family member.

How will I get paid?

Link your bank account for direct deposit or get paid via the Aidaly Wallet™ which comes with personalized discounts and perks.

We jump every hurdle with  you. Let’s start today.