Can a Caregiver in the SFC Program Receive Social Security Benefits?

If you’re exploring the Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) program and receiving Social Security benefits, you might wonder how the two interact. This is a common question, so let’s break it down.

Understanding the Structured Family Caregiving Program

The Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) program is designed to support family members who provide care for a loved one at home. Caregivers receive training, a dedicated care team, and a tax-free daily stipend to help offset the financial challenges of caregiving. This program recognizes the invaluable work of family caregivers and provides the resources they need to succeed.

Traditional Social Security Benefits

If you’re receiving traditional Social Security benefits (sometimes called Social Security Retirement), you’re in the clear. Participating in the SFC program typically does not affect these benefits. Social Security Retirement benefits are earned through your work history and are not means-tested, meaning they don’t depend on your income or assets. Because of this, being a caregiver in the SFC program won’t interfere with your eligibility or payment amounts.

For example, Mary, a retired teacher receiving Social Security Retirement benefits, joined the SFC program to care for her aging mother. Mary’s monthly Social Security payments remained unaffected, allowing her to focus on caregiving without financial worries.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Things become more nuanced if you’re receiving SSI or SSDI.

Here’s why:

• SSI: Supplemental Security Income is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. Any additional income, including the stipend from the SFC program, could affect your eligibility or benefit amount. Report any changes to your income to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to avoid penalties or overpayments.
• SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance is a program that offers benefits to individuals who have a qualifying disability and a sufficient work history of paying into Social Security. While SSDI is not directly affected by income in the same way as SSI, there are work-related limitations to consider. Participating in the SFC program could potentially be viewed as work activity depending on your responsibilities and the stipend you receive. The SSA uses specific guidelines to determine how much work you can do while still qualifying for SSDI.

What should you do?

Because SSI and SSDI rules can be complex, knowing how the SFC program could impact your situation is important. Here are a few steps to make sure you’re on the right track:

1. Check your eligibility: Use our free eligibility tool to see if you might qualify for the SFC program.
2. Speak with an expert: Reach out to us at contact@joingivers.com. We can help answer your questions or guide you to resources for more detailed information.
3. Consult with the SSA: If you’re unsure how your benefits might be affected, contact the Social Security Administration directly. They can clarify how the stipend might impact your SSI or SSDI.

FAQs: quick answers for caregivers

1. Will caregiving count as employment? It depends on the arrangement. For SSI, income is reported; for SSDI, it depends on whether the activity is substantial gainful activity (SGA).

1. What if I live in a different state? SFC program rules may vary by state, so it’s important to check state-specific guidelines.

Why transparency matters

Being proactive about understanding how Social Security benefits interact with the SFC program helps you make informed decisions. Missteps can lead to disruptions in your benefits or unexpected financial consequences, so it’s always better to seek clarity upfront.

At Givers, we’re here to support caregivers and help make your experience as smooth as possible. Caregiving is an act of love, but it comes with many challenges. Check your eligibility today at joingivers.com/apply, and don’t hesitate to contact us for direct support.