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How To Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in California

Reviewed by Dr. Jasmine Bonder
April 10, 2024

Summary of Statistics

39.4 million

Population

4.4 million

Caregivers

4,100 million

Care Hours

$19.76

Value of Care/hour

$81 billion

Value of Care

Did you know that over 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or loved one? While many people don't question their role as a caregiver or expect payment for their loving sacrifice, caregiving can take a financial, emotional, and physical toll on the family members who assume this role. Many caregivers will end up spending their own money on supplies, transport, and other necessities for their loved ones — not to mention time and emotional energy. 

Studies show that the average family caregiver in the U.S. spends over a quarter of their income on caregiving expenses. At Aidaly, we believe that caregivers deserve compensation and recognition for the critical care they provide. Read on to discover the benefits and programs California caregivers may be eligible for.

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Tax Benefits

Most people are taxpayers, so the government will often give 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.

California 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 one of these credits, you must meet certain income requirements. To learn more and discover if you are eligible, there is more information available here.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

If you paid someone to care for your dependent while you were at work or looking for work, you could get money back even if you owe no taxes. You can claim 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. You can read more about the credit here and determine if your family is eligible.

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 reimbursed 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. The total can add up quickly. Find out if you meet the requirements here.

Medicaid and Other State Programs

Almost one-third of Californians are enrolled in Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid — that's a whopping 14 million people. Medi-Cal is a state-based program that provides health insurance and medical assistance to people who meet the specified income and health requirements. For your loved one to be eligible for some state-based support services, like in-home support services, they must first be enrolled with Medi-Cal. In contrast, other state programs exist independently of Medicaid.

In-Home Support Services (IHSS)

IHSS is a state government program that allows physically compromised people to pay for services that allow them to remain in their own homes. To be eligible, you must be either 65 years of age or older, disabled, or blind. This program allows the patient to choose who they hire and pay to provide caregiving services, which can include family members.

To be eligible, the patient must be on Medi-Cal. Click here to learn how to apply for the program.

California Sick Leave

In California, sick leave offers a minimum of three paid sick days per year. These do not have to be used for your own illness but can be taken if you need to care for your spouse. This short-term solution is best explored by contacting your employer's human resources department directly.

California Paid Family Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act 

The California Paid Family Leave Act is designed to subsidize 60% to 70% of income lost due to an inability to work while providing care for a loved one. Sometimes, working as a caregiver requires leave from work to provide round-the-clock care. To be eligible, you must have a job that contributes to the California State Disability Insurance fund and be providing care to a family member. To learn more about eligibility and apply, click here

The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) is an act that protects your job while on leave due to specific care-related circumstances. However, CFRA alone doesn't provide any wages, so it is usually paired with the paid family leave described above. More information about the CFRA can be found here.

Long-Term Care Insurance

If the person you are caring for has long-term care insurance and meets the criteria and requirements for their policy, their insurance may allow them to pay family members to provide their care. Eligibility depends on the specific policy, so the patient's insurance provider must be contacted directly to assess eligibility. More information about long-term care insurance can be found here.

Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several programs which help Veterans, their surviving spouses, and their caregivers. There are also some state-specific Veterans benefits and resources available from CalVet. Learn more here.

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance

The Veterans Aid and Attendance Program allows Veterans to pay family members to provide care by increasing their pension amount. The amount available each month depends on the Veteran's income, although it can be substantial. The eligibility criteria involve demonstrating that the Veteran requires help with daily living, is housebound, has limited eyesight, or has other needs that require assistance. To assess eligibility and apply, click here.

Veterans-Directed Home and Community Based Services or Veteran Directed Care (VD-HCBS) Program

The VD-HCBS program is for Veterans who need help with personal care. Care can involve bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and other basic needs. The program allows the Veteran to select who they wish to provide their care and allows them to spend the budget at their discretion. Not all counties within California are part of this program, but you can find out more about the program and assess eligibility here.

Caregiving is difficult, but knowing you are not alone on this journey is important. At Aidaly you can connect with other caregivers, share your story, and get answers to your financial and legal questions.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up?
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To sign up, download the app from the App Store or Google Play, open it, and follow the on-screen instructions to create your account.

How do I update my account information?
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To update your account information, go to the profile section in the app, where you can change your name, email, phone number, and other details.

How do I setup direct-deposit?
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Follow the screens in the app to create a Stripe account and connect your back account. If you have an issue, please contact support through the app or website, and we'll assist you in resolving the issue.

How do I update my profile or contact information?
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To update your profile or contact information, go to the settings or profile section in the app, where you can make necessary changes.

Is my data secure in the app?
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We take your privacy and data security very seriously. Our app is fully HIPAA compliant, meaning we adhere to strict standards for protecting sensitive health information. Additionally, we have obtained a SOC 2 Type 1 Certification, which ensures that our systems are designed to keep your data secure and confidential. You can trust that your information is handled with the highest level of security.

How do I document the care I am providing?
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The app will prompt you to document the services provided. Select the relevant tasks or services from the checklist and add any notes as needed.

What if I forget to answer the app prompts?
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If you forget to clock in or out, contact your RN or Care Coach immediately. You may be required to manually record details to satisfy billing requirements.

How do I edit a record of care?
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Edits are typically restricted to ensure compliance. If a correction is needed, contact your RN or Care Coach for assistance.

How is the cost of DME covered?
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DME may be covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Please contact support to verify your coverage and additional products that may be available to you.

Do I need a background check?
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Yes, we require all family caregivers complete a background check to ensure patient safety standards. Follow the onboarding screens to complete your background check.

How do I contact customer support?
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You can contact customer support through the app by going to the Help section, or by visiting our website and using the contact form or support chat.

How do I get help or training on using the app?
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You can access help or training through the app’s help section, by contacting your Care Coach, or by attending any scheduled training sessions provided by your community lead.

What should I do if the app isn’t working?
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If the app isn’t working, try restarting your device, checking your internet connection, or reinstalling the app. If the issue persists, contact technical support through the app or at support@aidaly.com.

How does the app record offline activity?
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The app can record activity even when you are offline. Your data will be saved locally on your device and synced with the system once you are back online.

Who pays for Aidaly?
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Leading Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans contract with Aidaly to train and employ family caregivers. Most leading plans cover medically-necessary home care services and support services in the home. Reach out to your Care Coach for a review of your benefits.

When will I receive my earnings?
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As a caregiver, you will be paid through direct deposit to your bank account. Payments are typically processed weekly.

How do I track my earnings?
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You can track your earnings through the app by visiting the "Earnings" section, where you'll see a breakdown of your income, bonuses, and remaining hours.

What should I do if there's an issue with my payment?
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If you experience any issues with your payment, please contact support through the app or website, and we'll assist you in resolving the issue.

What types of medical services can be provided at home?
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Your care plan is set my your primary care provider or case manager. Aidaly is able to train and employ caregivers to provide a full range of services in the home. Reach out to your Care Coach to learn what services you might be eligible for.

How do I schedule my RN visit?
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You can schedule and reschedule your home visits through the app. Please contact your Care Coach in the app for support.

Who can I contact if I have issues with my medical care?
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If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact 911. If your concerns are not urgent, you can contact Dr. Bonder via the app.

How do I order Medical Supplies?
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You can request basic supplies through our [Request Form]. Durable Medical Equipment will require an RX, reach out to your Care Coach for support. [Contact Care Coach]

How do I set up Stripe for payments?
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To set up Stripe for payments, go to the payment settings in the app, select Stripe as your payment processor, and follow the on-screen instructions to link your Stripe account.

What information do I need to set up Stripe?
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You will need your business information, bank account details, and tax ID to set up Stripe. The app will guide you through the process step by step.

How do I verify my Stripe account?
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After setting up your Stripe account, you will need to verify your identity by providing a government-issued ID and other required documents. Stripe will notify you when verification is complete.

How do I resolve issues with my Stripe payments?
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If you encounter any issues with Stripe payments, you can contact Stripe support directly or reach out to our support team through the app for assistance.

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