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(Medical-NewsWire.com, December 27, 2012 ) Dothan, AL -- There are millions of unsung heroes across the United States who provide in-home care to loved ones with disabilities. In many cases this care requires full-time hours. Although the care may not seem to be actual “work” due to the love connection, it can still be arduous and often is without thanks or reward. To assist caregivers and make their lives easier, federal and state governments have provided benefit packages ranging from tax credits to actually paying for time spent providing care.
Help for those caring for veterans may be found on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website (http://www.caregiver.va.gov) . A primary caregiver who is not eligible for other insurance programs may be eligible for health insurance through the VA’s Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA). In addition, the primary care giver may also qualify to be paid a non-taxable stipend from the VA. Caregivers interested in seeing if they qualify for the stipend may call 1-877-733-7927. The VA also has a life insurance program available to qualified service members and their caregivers. Even if the person with the disability may not normally qualify for life insurance due to their condition, they may still be able to obtain it through the Veteran’s Affairs program, thus ensuring that their family is supported after their passing.
State benefit packages for caregivers vary by state. One of the best starting points to view a specific state’s available options is located on the Family Caregiver Alliance website at (http://caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/fcn_content_node.jsp?nodeid=2083). Not only can one view government assistance programs, but this site allows a person to select their state and view information concerning local support and respite agencies and organizations. Using this website and viewing options in Georgia we were able to locate the Georgia Health Partnership (https://www.ghp.georgia.gov), an agency that helps people determine their eligibility and apply for federal, state and local benefit programs including Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps and other services.
Another organization that can help a person researching for caregiver assistance is the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (http://n4a.org). Their website allows searching for assistance organizations by region and city.
National Family Caregiver Support Program (OAA Title IIIE) provides grants to states and territories enabling them to provide programs helping caregivers provide for loved ones at home for as long as possible. More about this program can be found at http://www.aoa.gov/AoA_programs/HCLTC/Caregiver/index.aspx. Programs provided through these grants require that either the caregiver or the disabled individual be above certain ages depending on specific programs. For example, eligibility may be met if the person being cared for is a young person but the caregiver is above the age requirement.
The Federal government allows tax benefits for caregivers. Some expenses, vehicle mileage deductions and other items may be deducted from taxes owed. In addition, it may be possible to claim the person with the disability as a dependent allowing for a major annual deduction. Tax rules change regularly so the best person to provide advice in this area may be an accountant or tax advisor.
Many of the benefits provided through programs offered by state and federal governments are paid directly to the caregivers and are in addition to any benefits such as Social Security Disability (SSDI or SSI) that the disabled person may already be receiving. It could be well worth time taken to research available programs designed to help make the caregiver’s labor of love easier.
About the Cochran Firm
Recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, The Cochran Firm handles cases on behalf of clients seeking a Personal Injury Attorney, Criminal Defense, Medical Malpractice or Social Security Disability Lawyer. The Firm can be reached at 1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476) or visit their website at http://www.cochrannation.com. “Working for You.” Article by Ben Irwin, Esq.###
Cochran Firm
163 West Main Street
Dothan, Alabama 36301
1-800-THE-FIRM (1-800-843-3476)
http://www.cochrannation.com
Cochran Firm
Ben Irwin
800-843-3476
detroit@disabilitylawyerindetroit.com
Source: EmailWire.Com 
Source: EmailWire.com
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