How to Get Paid for Caring for My Elderly Mother in South Carolina

There is financial assistance for elderly care at home.

Over 60 million unpaid caregivers look after elderly family members in the United States every year. However, there are a number of initiatives now in place to aid and support these essential services.

Instructions

1. Contact the South Carolina Health and Human Services Department. There is a comprehensive list of contacts on its website.

2. Ask to speak to a representative about the South Carolina Community Choices Waiver. This is the state's version of the federal Medicaid "Cash and Counseling" program and is the only initiative that allows for ongoing cash payments to be made to elderly people with a low income in order to pay for personal care at home.

3. Find out if you are financially eligible. There are a number of criteria that must be met to qualify for the South Carolina Community Choices Waiver program, including a background check of the family's finances to determine if the applicant has sufficient financial need. Guidelines state that if the applicant's monthly income exceeds $2,022 a month, then he is not entitled to the waiver.

   However, this rule can be circumvented if some or all of the applicant's income is invested in an income cap trust, or Miller's trust. The applicant can still possess up to $2,022 a month in an allowance, but any additional income will be paid to the trust and awarded to the waiver programme at the time of their death.

4. Check the additional criteria. Only certain family members are eligible to act as the designated caregiver. Spouses and parents of minors are excluded, but a son or daughter would be suitable providing they are not the applicant's legal guardian. If approved, an arrangement can then be made whereby the family member supplying the care is paid for their services from this grant.

5. Apply for this waiver by calling the toll-free number at 888-549 0820. The South Carolina Community Choices Waiver assistance can be used for health and personal care, transportation, meals, supplies and minor home modifications.

6. Investigate an alternative. If you are not eligible, ask about the Family Caregiver Support Program. Family caregivers may qualify to receive a small one-time mini grant to allow them to take a break from caregiving or to purchase needed caregiving supplies, but it does not provide income replacement for caregivers who must reduce their work hours to provide care.

Tips & Warnings

• You can hire a dedicated Medicaid planner to assist with the application process

• Details surrounding the Medicaid Community Choice Waiver change frequently. Check the website or call the helpline for the latest information.

References

• Caring.com: Medicaid Cash and Counseling Programs
• Paying for Senior Care; Receive Payment as a Caregiver: Cash and Counselling Programs
• Eve Barth, Program Coordinator, Lieutenant Governor's Office on Aging, South Carolina
• Roy Smith, South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, South Carolina

Resources

• www.scdhhs.gov/QuickContactlist.asp