How To Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Tennessee

You work hard to provide care for your loved ones, and you deserve to be compensated for your time and effort. Fortunately, in Tennessee, there are a few ways that you can get paid as a family caregiver.

But navigating the process can be tricky, so it’s important to know your options and what steps you need to take in order to get paid. At Aidaly, we are committed to helping caregivers get the information and support they need to care for their loved ones in Tennessee.

Tax Benefits in Tennessee

Tennessee caregivers collectively miss out on more than $10 billion every year! In order to ease the financial burden on caregivers, the state of Tennessee offers a few tax breaks.

For example, if you are paying for long-term care services out of pocket, you may be eligible to deduct those expenses from your state income taxes. 

If you’re one of the 1 million+ caregivers in Tennessee, you may also be eligible for the Caregiver Tax Credit. This credit can help offset the costs of caring for an aging or disabled loved one.

In order to claim either of these tax benefits, you will need to have documentation of your caregiving expenses. Be sure to keep receipts, invoices, and any other records of your caregiving costs throughout the year. Learn more here. 

Financial Assistance Programs in Tennessee

In addition to tax breaks, there are also a few financial assistance programs available to caregivers in Tennessee. The Tennessee Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) provides a variety of services and support to caregivers in the state, including:

• Information and referral services
• Individual counseling and support groups
• Training opportunities
• Respite care
• Caregiver education

In order to be eligible for the FCSP, caregivers must be providing care to an individual who is 60 years of age or older, or 18 years of age or older with a disability. Find out more here. 

Caregivers must also be:

• Residents of Tennessee
• Unpaid for their caregiving services

Medicaid and Other State Programs

If you are providing care for someone who is eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to receive payment for your services through the Personal Care Services (PCS) program. Find out more about this program here. 

In order to be eligible for PCS, caregivers must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a relative of the care recipient, or have a close personal relationship with them
• Be able to provide proof of Tennessee residency
• Pass a criminal background check

If you are providing care for someone who is not eligible for Medicaid, you may still be able to receive payment through the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waiver program. Learn more about this program here. 

Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of programs to assist eligible Veterans. Different resources will depend on what state you’re in. You can find out more about Tennessee’s state-specific benefits 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. You can also access training and counseling programs to support your caregiving services. Learn more here. 

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At Aidaly, we are here to help you navigate the process and get the financial assistance you need. Get started today.