Financial Strains of Caregiving
Dear Doris,
I quit my job for the second time to be around my father who needs my help. While trying to help him I’ve used all of my savings and I am staying with my sister on a temporary basis. I have other bills and needs that I am neglecting in order to help my father. Are there any orginazations that can help me until I am able to become his care provider? -Thank you, Mary M.
Dear Mary,
First of all, my heart goes out to you, caregiving is difficult enough without having to worry about money, too!
So many people are forced to reduce hours or quit their jobs altogether to care for the people they love. I commend you on your efforts on behalf of your father.
I am making the assumption that you are pursuing payment through Consumer Directed Care so that you can be paid through Medicaid to be his caregiver.
While I am not aware of any programs that could help you with your bills, there are a few things that I would like to point out.
In 2025, New York's Paid Family Leave (PFL) program allows eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid time off for bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or assisting family members when a member of the military is called to active duty
The maximum weekly benefit is $1,177.32. Employees contribute 0.388% of their gross wages per pay period, with an annual maximum of $354.53. You can find more information on the Paid Family Leave website.
In addition, I would suggest either reaching out directly to your creditors to make a payment arrangement so that your credit is not negatively impacted. If you have amassed a lot of debt, I would suggest reaching out to the local Consumer Credit Counseling Service. These types of organizations are able to assist with debt consolidation, reduce monthly payments, and find solutions for managing debt.
If you have not already done so, please reach out directly to your County Office for the Aging, they may have suggestions or resources that you are not aware of. In your case, this would the the Monroe County Office for the Aging
Lastly, please make sure that you reach out to NY Connects to insure that you have all the information available to you for services and supports for your dad. The direct phone number is
1-800-342-9871
I wish you the best on your caregiving journey.
Doris