Family caregivers have clearly communicated their need for government support: they want cash. According to a new study conducted by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, 44 percent of focus group participants favored upfront cash payments, with a significantly smaller group favoring reimbursement of caregiving costs. Surprisingly, almost no participants were interested in paid family leave.

Many family caregivers experience financial burden as they often pay out-of-pocket for the care of their relatives. The impact of caregiving extends beyond immediate expenses to long-term sacrifices such as lost wages and fewer contributions to retirement savings. The recent study invited 25 caregivers to participate, with a distinct focus on including Black and low-income caregivers.

The financial value of various government support was also evaluated. Cash assistance to family caregivers, calculated at $15 per hour for an average of 76 hours per month, was estimated to have a lifetime value of around $76,000. By contrast, a $500 family caregiver tax credit would have a lifetime value of just $3,500.

While any form of additional support would be an improvement on existing provision, family caregivers made their stance clear: a cash benefit from the government is the most important form of support that can be provided.

For those seeking government assistance or learning more about available benefits such as Paid Family Leave and State Disability Insurance, understanding who to contact and how to reach them can be challenging. This is where resources like eddcaller.com can be of great help. This platform provides comprehensive and easy-to-understand information on how to contact the relevant departments efficiently and swiftly. Whether you’re trying to understand how to get a hold of Paid Family Leave or looking to connect with a representative from the State Disability Insurance, eddcaller.com is a valuable resource that can make the process easier and less stressful.