[blue eyes]

my boyfriend and i were talking today and after reading a couple of posts we realized that we might be able to get state aid for me being his caregiver. i'm not sure where to look other than social services websites and they aren't saying much. who should i call and what should i ask for? caregiver assistance?

[buff]

send a message to kdenon1 she was telling me that she gets payed to care for her husband. i know here in utah it would be the workforce services building but google it. because its paid out through the government

[StillFingers]

Here in southern california, carer pay is available thru state social services, IHSS...in home supportive services...they are a separate agency, good luck, if you qualify they do indeed help with the cost.

[T0P]

Social Services, Social Security folks may point you in the right direction. Remember, each State is different. Here in Illinois I had to go through LINC (separate agency) and then Social Services just to find out that Spouses do not qualify for care pay. Some states will pay the spouse and some won't.

This post has been edited by T0P: 24 July 2009 - 12:52 AM

[kdenon01]

I do get paid to take care of my husband...but here in MI we have different laws. Which is great for us..but crappy for everyone who doesn't live in MI.

[tjams3]

In Pa, They will pay anyone BUT a spouse. They even pay the care giver mileage to take my husband to dinner and a movie as long as I don't go:(

[Joes_Nat]

Hey BlueEyes,

First of all you have to get into "the system". Do you have an attendant or a nurse through the state? Each individual is evaluated and the state determines how many hours the individal gets for an attendant per week.

My guy got set up first...that can take a while - have patience and be DILIGENT! Then I communicated directly with his state appointed home health facility and applied directly. I then became his main home health nurse and I am on that company's payroll.

Each state is different - but I hope this helps!

[fatdave]

Here in Missouri a spouse cannot be paid to be a carer. In Missouri its called CDS, Consumer Directed Service it is run but the health and senior services, paid through medicaid (Mo healthnet).

Call social services in your area.

[Hapahowlee]

When I lived in Illinois and took care of my friend, it was through the D.O.R.S - Dept. of Rehabilitation Services.

In Missouri it was Voc Rehab that referred me to a healthcare agency that screened my background and gave me a TB tests once a year, which I passed!

Now that I live in Arizona, I was told by the Social Security Administration that they just expect wives/husbands to take care of their spouses. However, since my husband works and still collects SSDI, he can write off a certain amount of his gross income from his part time job if he has a family member taking care of him.

I also heard through Voc Rehab in AZ that I could get paid a small amount, but it's nothing compared to what I made in Illinois or Missouri. I'm not even checking into it because I plan to get back to work full-time anyway and fortunately, my income will have no impact on what my husband receives from SSDI.

Every State receives federal funding to help people with disabilities, but each State has their own system and different agencies to handle the funds and how it's distributed. They also have their own regulations. When I worked in Illinois and Missouri, they didn't care if I had a medical background or not, but I know in Arizona you have to be a CNA if you do things like changing catheters.

You must have an agency such as Rehabilitation Services, Voc Rehab, Dept. of Economic Security, which really all tie in together that can help lead you to the avenue you are seeking. Good luck.