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How To Get Paid as a Family Caregiver in Maryland

Reviewed by Dr. Jasmine Bonder
April 10, 2024

Summary of Statistics

6.1 million

Population

0.8 million

Caregivers

710 million

Care Hours

$17.61

Value of Care/hour

$12.5 billion

Value of Care

Despite making up almost 13% of Maryland’s population, it's no secret that family caregivers do not receive adequate support and compensation. On top of the emotional and mental labor, as well as expensive care costs, an estimated $9.6 billion of unpaid care is provided by family caregivers per year in Maryland. Aidaly strives to improve access to funding for family caregivers, which is why we’ve outlined financial programs and tax benefits that you may be eligible for.

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Tax Benefits

Through specific tax benefits, family caregivers can receive credits and deductions for care-related costs

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. You must meet certain income requirements to receive the credits. To learn more and discover if you are eligible, click here. The State of Maryland also offers up to 35% of the federal credit amount back to state taxpayers; you can read more about it here.

The Child and Dependent Care 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 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. Eligibility criteria is available here. Maryland also offers a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for state taxpayers worth up to 32% of the federal credit amount. You can read more about Maryland credits for individuals here.

Medical and Dental Expenses Tax Deductions

If your medical and dental expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross annual income (AGI), you qualify for a tax deduction. As caregiving often involves significant medical costs, it’s worth checking if you qualify. Check here to learn about eligible expenses.

Medicaid and Other State Benefits in Maryland

About 24% of Maryland residents are enrolled in Medicaid — that's almost 1.5 million people. Medicaid 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 Medicaid. In contrast, other state programs exist independently of Medicaid.

Long-Term Services and Supports

Maryland provides special Medicaid services to people who are over 65, people with physical or intellectual disabilities, and people with chronic illness. Long-Term Services and Supports can be used to pay for in-home care, personal assistance, day programs, and other services. Find out more about what services are available, and how to apply, by visiting the Maryland Department of Health here.

Family Caregiver Support Program in Maryland

Outside of Medicaid, Maryland provides financial assistance for family caregivers, assistance that can total between $300 and $600 per year. These funds can be used for future care services and supplies or to reimburse care-related expenses. To qualify, you must be providing care to a family member verified as dependent by a doctor. Click here to visit the Department of Aging and learn more.

Veterans Benefits in Maryland

In exchange for the service and sacrifices they’ve given their country, Veterans are entitled to many benefits which can offer support to their caregivers. Most programs are offered through the Department of Veterans Affairs, while the State of Maryland offers several other 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

Family caregiving requires many sacrifices, but compensation doesn’t have to be one of them. The financial supports outlined above only scratch the surface of the pay opportunities for family caregiving in Maryland discover a reliable network of peer support, training, and information.

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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