Caring for a loved one is an important role that often goes unrecognized. In Delaware, the cost of caregiving services provided by relatives is estimated to be $1.58 billion — however, most family caregivers work for free.

Aidaly advocates for family caregivers to receive support for their financial costs by helping identify the state programs and tax benefits they’re entitled to. Read on to discover which programs you may be eligible for in Delaware.

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Tax Benefits

Tax credits and deductions are available to family caregivers in Delaware to reduce the financial strain often associated with higher medical expenses. Keep reading to determine what credits and deductions are available to you.

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 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. Even better, the State of Delaware offers an automatic additional 50% of the federal credit to Delaware state taxpayers, raising the possible total to $12,000 To assess your eligibility, click here.

Medical and Dental Expenses Tax Deduction

The IRS offers tax deductions for medical and dental expenses, which lowers the amount of tax you owe. You qualify for the deduction if you spend more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) on medical services for you, your spouse, or your dependent. Learn more about eligible expenses here.

Medicaid and Other State Programs

Almost 25% of Delaware residents are enrolled in Medicaid, which offers financial support and health services to alleviate the costs of family caregiving. Delaware Medicaid offers special health coverage for people with low income and qualifying health conditions through managed care and long term care programs. Click here to see if your loved one qualifies for Medicaid.

Diamond State Health Plan

Delaware’s Diamond State Health Plan offers health insurance to Medicaid enrollees by enrolling them in health plans. Enrollees choose a family doctor and a health plan, which provides for all of their preventative care and medical needs. To see who qualifies, click here.

Long Term Care Medicaid (LTC)

LTC Medicaid programs are designed for those who need help from caregivers to stay safe and independent. Delaware offers several programs for people who are elderly or disabled, people who have developmental disabilities, or people with chronic health conditions. The Long-Term Care Community Services (LTCCS) program and the Lifespan Waiver can both offer pay for caregivers, and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly offers specialty care and support for caregivers. More information is available here. 

Veterans Benefits

In exchange for the service and sacrifices they’ve given their country, Veterans are entitled to a number of programs which can offer support to their caregivers. Most programs are offered at the federal level through the Department of Veterans Affairs, though the State of Delaware offers several additional benefits and programs to help Veterans. 

Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) Program

Through the Veteran-Directed Care program, Veterans are able to redirect their monthly care budget towards a family member who is “hired” as a caregiver. This means the family caregiver is paid an hourly rate, generally between $8 and $21 per hour. Veterans of all ages who require assistance with daily living are entitled to the VDC. Learn more about applying for the VDC here.

Veteran Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance

The Veteran Aid and Attendance benefits and the Housebound Allowance are two special pension enhancements available for Veterans who need help with daily living tasks. Veterans can spend their pensions however they’d like, including paying caregivers or purchasing supplies and equipment. Read more about qualifying 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. In addition, you can access training and counseling programs to support your caregiving services. Check to see if you’re eligible here. 

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Being a family caregiver doesn’t mean you’re alone. Aidaly offers the right support so you can focus on your family.learn more about financial assistance and benefits you may be entitled to.