💸 Crowdfunding & Mutual Aid
Why It Matters: Sometimes the fastest help comes from your own community. Medical bills, adaptive equipment, and unpaid leave can put families in a tough spot quickly. Crowdfunding offers a way to raise funds for emergencies, daily needs, or long-term care.
Top Platforms:
- GoFundMe – The most well-known, easy to use and share
- Give InKind – Combines crowdfunding with care calendars (great for organizing meal trains or errands)
- Modest Needs – Offers grants to cover emergency expenses for people just above the poverty line
Tips for Success:
- Share your story honestly. Use photos and updates to keep donors informed.
- Be specific about needs (e.g., “We’re raising $600 to cover a wheelchair ramp.”)
- Ask friends and family to share the campaign — reach grows exponentially with each share.
💰 Disability Tax Credits & Deductions
If you or your loved one has a documented disability, you may qualify for:
- Disability Tax Credit (Form 1040): Reduces taxable income
- Medical Expense Deductions: Out-of-pocket costs like prescriptions, mileage to appointments, home modifications
- Dependent Care Credit: If you pay someone to help care for a loved one while you work
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Low- to moderate-income households may still qualify
Resources:
- IRS Publication 502 – Medical and Dental Expenses
- Disability Tax Benefits Guide (IRS)
- VITA Free Tax Help
🏠 Utility, Housing & Transportation Help
You may qualify for help with:
- Electric and heating bills
- Water bills
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Rent or mortgage assistance
National Resources:
- LIHEAP – Heating and energy assistance
- 211.org – A national database for local support services (housing, utilities, transportation)
- National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) – Helps connect you with local programs
Pro Tip: Always check with your local Area Agency on Aging or Department for Community-Based Services. Many state-run programs operate quietly and vary by region.
👨👩👧 Resources for Children of Stroke Survivors
Caring for a parent can put emotional and financial strain on younger family members.
What to Look Into:
- Young Caregiver Support Groups: Many national organizations now offer programs for teens and young adults
- Counseling Grants or School Support: Ask school counselors about local nonprofit partnerships
- College Aid Adjustments: If your family’s income has drastically changed due to caregiving, ask the school to recalculate FAFSA using “professional judgment”
Resources:
- Young Carers – International advocacy
- AARP Family Caregiving for Young Adults
- Scholarships.com: Special Circumstance Scholarships
💵 State-Specific Caregiver Stipends & Aid
Some states offer direct financial support to family caregivers. This varies wildly depending on where you live.
What to Ask About:
- Medicaid Waiver Stipends (as discussed in Part 1)
- State In-Home Support Services (IHSS)
- Respite Vouchers
- Caregiver Grant Programs
Where to Look:
- Your state’s Department of Health and Human Services
- Local Area Agency on Aging (Eldercare Locator)
- ARCH National Respite Network
Kentucky Example:
- KIPDA provides stipends and caregiver training under the Medicaid waiver.
🧭 Final Thoughts
If Part 1 felt like drinking from a firehose, you’re not alone. There’s no easy map for navigating financial survival after a stroke. But bit by bit, it’s possible.
Apply even if you think you won’t qualify. Ask questions. Follow up. Keep notes. And always—always—reach out for help.
We’re working on a printable checklist and resource directory—stay tuned, and let us know what you’d like to see in Part 3!
📚 More Resources
- Caregiver Action Network
- Patient Advocate Foundation
- Benefits.gov
- United Way – for local aid programs
Beyond Stroke Survival 
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