Social Security Disability Benefits for Caregivers: Are You Eligible?
Caring for a loved one with a disability can be both emotionally and financially challenging. Many caregivers in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana wonder if they are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on their caregiving role. While Social Security does not offer direct disability benefits to caregivers, American Disability Action Group can help identify ways caregivers can receive financial assistance.
- Can Caregivers Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Social Security does not provide SSDI or SSI payments specifically for caregivers. However, caregivers may be eligible for benefits in two key ways:
- If the caregiver themselves becomes disabled and is unable to work due to a medical condition, they may qualify for SSDI or SSI.
- If the spouse is age 62 and is caring for the disabled worker’s child who is under the age of 16 or disabled, the spouse may be eligible for additional SSDI payments.
- If the caregiver is financially dependent on a disabled spouse or parent, they may be eligible for benefits under Dependent or Survivor Benefits programs.
In Arkansas, some caregivers who previously worked but had to stop due to caregiving responsibilities may be eligible for SSDI if they have sufficient work credits. If a caregiver does not qualify for SSDI, Arkansas Medicaid programs may offer financial relief through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that support caregiving expenses.
- Spousal and Dependent Benefits in Oklahoma
If you are caring for a disabled spouse who receives SSDI, you may be eligible for spousal benefits through Social Security. In Oklahoma, a caregiver over the age of 62 may receive spousal SSDI benefits if their spouse is collecting SSDI and they are caring for the disabled worker’s child who is under 16 or is disabled. Additionally, dependent children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in school) may also qualify for auxiliary benefits.
For non-working caregivers, Oklahoma’s Medicaid programs offer compensation for family caregivers through its Living Choice program, which allows disabled individuals to pay family members as caregivers.
- Mississippi Caregivers and Survivor Benefits
If a caregiver’s spouse was receiving SSDI before passing away, the surviving spouse or dependent child may qualify for Survivor Benefits through Social Security. In Mississippi, surviving spouses aged 50 and older with a disability may be eligible for widow(er)’s SSDI benefits.
For those providing care to an elderly or disabled family member, Mississippi’s Independent Living Waiver Program offers state financial assistance.
- Tennessee: Caregivers and SSI Support
Tennessee caregivers supporting a disabled child under 18 may be able to apply for SSI on behalf of the child. If a child receives SSI benefits, caregivers can use the funds to cover housing, food, and medical expenses.
For caregivers in Tennessee who are financially struggling, the state’s CHOICES program provides home-based caregiving support and may offer financial aid for caregiving expenses.
- Texas and Paid Family Caregiving Programs
While Texas does not directly pay SSDI to caregivers, programs like Texas Medicaid STAR+PLUS provide state-funded support for family members acting as caregivers. Some Texas Medicaid programs allow disabled individuals to hire family members as caregivers, offering compensation through Medicaid waiver programs.
Additionally, if a caregiver stopped working to provide full-time care for a family member, they may qualify for SSDI if they later develop a disability and have enough work credits.
- Louisiana and Family Caregiver Support
In Louisiana, caregivers of disabled veterans may be eligible for VA Caregiver Support Program benefits, which provide monthly stipends and health care. Additionally, Louisiana’s Community Choices Waiver can help caregivers cover expenses while providing in-home care for a disabled loved one.
Financial Support for Caregivers in These States
While Social Security does not directly pay caregivers, individuals in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana have options, including spousal benefits, survivor benefits, dependent benefits, and state caregiver assistance programs.
Reach Out Today
If you are a caregiver and struggling financially, exploring state Medicaid programs, SSDI eligibility, and auxiliary benefits may help ease the burden. Consulting our Arkansas and Nationwide Social Security Disability Attorneys at American Disability Action Group can help caregivers understand their rights and maximize available financial support.
Source:
tn.gov/tenncare/long-term-services-supports/choices.html
