Can Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving in Nebraska?

Yes, people who care for elderly or disabled family members in Nebraska can be paid for caregiving. Financial assistance is available through state and federal government programs. In Nebraska, there are also some supportive services available for caregivers.

With nearly 80% of seniors preferring to stay at home as they age, many will turn to in-home care. This care can be delivered by a family member, an outside agency or a combination of the two. Fortunately, the government recognizes that caregiving can be both expensive and time-consuming and offers several supports for familial caregivers in Nebraska.

Nebraska’s Medicaid program has a Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Initiative available to eligible people. The Personal Assistive Services program allows family members who meet training requirements to be paid for in-home care. There are some limitations to this program; spouses do not qualify for payment. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a program that provides both financial remittance and education to caregivers. Family members of eligible veterans may also qualify for respite care and health insurance. Additionally, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to $500 per dependent to the caregivers of elderly people. More tax credits are available for familial caregivers who have hired outside help so they could attend work or school.

In Nebraska, around 1 in 4 people care for a family member or friend in need. There are eight Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state to support them. These organizations connect seniors and their caregivers with educational and financial resources. Service members can find additional assistance at their local Vet Center.