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How To Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Illinois

Reviewed by Margaret Norris
April 18, 2024

Summary of Statistics

12.7 million

Population

1.3 million

Caregivers

1,210 million

Care Hours

$17.70

Value of Care/hour

$21 billion

Value of Care

For those living in Illinois, the prospect of getting paid for being a caregiver might seem daunting. Fortunately, Aidaly is here to help make it easier to get paid for your valuable time and effort.

At Aidaly, we are committed to providing a platform that helps caregivers in Illinois get the recognition and financial compensation they deserve. 

With Aidaly, you have access to Illinois resources that can help ensure that you get paid for being a caregiver. We provide you with information on the types of programs available, how to apply for them, and what steps you need to take in order to get paid.

We also make it easy to track payments, stay organized, and access important resources like tax forms. With Aidaly, caregivers in Illinois can easily find the financial resources they need to make their caregiving experience both rewarding and profitable. 

Let’s explore some of Illinois’ most popular financial assistance programs for caregivers and how Aidaly can help you apply for them. 

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Medicaid Waivers

Over 3.4 million Illinois residents are enrolled in Medicaid, a state program that offers health insurance and medical assistance to people who meet certain income and health requirements. Illinois Medicaid also offers Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Programs (HCBS Waivers). 

These are special programs that provide services that enable people to live safely in their own homes or in community settings, instead of living in a nursing home or an institutional setting. Some programs allow family members to become paid caregivers for their loved ones by working with a home care agency.

In order to qualify, individuals must meet income restrictions and be at risk of being placed in a nursing facility or other institution. Different waivers have different requirements, so it’s important to work with a case manager. 

Waivers can pay for in-home care and services and may be able to pay family caregivers. They include:

  • Persons who are Elderly
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Persons with HIV or AIDS
  • Persons with Brain Injury

Tax Benefits

The U.S. government offers a number of options for financial relief to tax-paying citizens.

Illinois caregivers may be eligible for four tax credits and deductions that can save you money. Find out more about each one below. 

1. The Child Tax Credit and 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. This credit is fully refundable, which means that you can get the money even if you owe no taxes. To receive the credit, you must meet certain income requirements. Learn more here

2. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

If you paid someone to care for your loved one while you were at work, or while you were looking for work, you can get money back even if you owe 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. Learn more here

3. 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 spent on eligible expenses for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents, so it can add up quickly. Learn more here

4. Illinois Education Expenses Credit

If you spent more than $250 on tuition, fees, or certain supplies for your dependent child’s schooling, you may receive up to $750 back in your Illinois state tax return. While there are some income requirements, 98% of Illinois tax paying families with children in K-12 education qualify for some benefit. Learn more here

Veterans Benefits

Veterans and certain surviving spouses of Veterans may be eligible for monetary and medical assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If a Veteran needs home care services and is unable to cover the cost, Medicaid can help — but only if the Veteran has limited or no income. The VA can provide financial aid for those who qualify. 

Financial assistance may also be available through Aid and Attendance, a pension benefit that helps pay for in-home care. To apply, Veterans must submit an application to the VA Regional Office. Veterans of any age who have served during wartime may qualify for benefits from the VA. These benefits can include medical care, monthly payments, and survivor benefits. 

Aid and Attendance can provide financial assistance to veterans who require care due to age, disability, or a service-related injury. It pays for services such as assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Learn more here

Veterans must meet certain requirements to receive the benefit. If you wish to apply, you should contact your local VA Regional Office or a veterans service organization to find out more information. 

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

The PCAFC provides support to family caregivers caring for eligible Veterans who sustained serious injury or illness in the line of duty. Benefits include a monthly payment, health care insurance, counseling, and reimbursement for traveling to the Veteran’s appointments. Find out more about the program here

These funds can help make it easier for caregivers in Illinois to provide high-quality care and support Veterans and their families during a difficult time. With proper planning, you can ensure that your loved one is well taken care of while also getting the support you need.

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

Check your eligibility now
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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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