Citing budget cuts, state ends caregivers' small benefits

Mark Hessek said a $500 state grant he received last year in no way covered the costs of caring for his 64-year-old disabled wife.

It sure helped, though, and the Virginia Beach resident was looking forward to receiving another caregiver grant this fall. But a letter he received Wednesday informed him the Virginia Caregivers Grant Program check would not be coming this year, a victim of the state's budget reductions.

"It's a real heartbreaker," said Hessek, who's 67. "The first thing they do is cut a program to the most vulnerable population."

The Virginia Department of Social Services sent letters to 1,260 people this week who had already gone through this year's application process and qualified for the grant, to let them know the money had been eliminated.

The $500,000 that was appropriated in the state's budget this year - which would have provided grants of $396 - is being cut as part of Gov. Timothy M.

Kaine's most recent round of budget-tightening.

The caregiver grant program began in 2000, for people who provide care to a disabled relative, such as a spouse, child or parent. It's restricted to people with an income of $50,000 or less and to families who are not getting paid to provide the care.

They must fill out an application and provide proof of income and disability.

The money for the grants, which can be as much as $500, varies from one budget cycle to the next, depending on the amount appropriated by the General Assembly and the number of people who qualify.

Last year, 1,247 caregivers received a full $500. Less money was appropriated this year, so the grants were going to be smaller. Now even those are being cut.

Gail Nardi, who administers the program for the Department of Social Services, said there have been two other years in which the grants were not provided - 2001 and 2002 - because of an economic crunch.

"The program was started to recognize and acknowledge the contribution they make to their own family and to the state," Nardi said. "People have expressed a great deal of disappointment. But the economy has taken a toll on everything and unfortunately, this is one of the programs to take that toll."

She said it's possible the grant will not be provided next year either because it's part of the same biennial budget, unless the money is restored by legislators.

The legislation that created the program, which was passed in 1999, allows grants to be distributed until 2010 based on money earmarked from the general fund.

Tony Hylton, communications director of AARP Virginia, said that organization has worked for years to increase the money appropriated for the grant program.

"We were surprised and dismayed and we are trying to get the money restored," Hylton said.

The letters sent to the caregivers by the state included information about how to apply for the federal government's economic stimulus package, and also thanked the caregivers for all they do.

The nice words didn't warm Hessek's heart. "Basically it said, 'Dear caregiver, go take a leap.' "

Hessek said last year was the first time he applied for the grant. It helped him pay for items like bed pads, over-the-counter medications and medical-related equipment that insurance would not cover.

"The program is one of the only perks I get," Hessek said. The program is restricted to people who are not using the government-sponsored Medicaid insurance for long-term care.

Hessek has been caring for his wife, Kay, who sustained abdominal injuries during surgery, for 10 years. He said he retired early to care for her.

"This is like taking the nails out of a horse's shoes and expecting them to run a race," Hessek said. "It's a fiscal blow and a psychological blow to people who work hard for the people they love."

Elizabeth Simpson, (757) 446-2635, elizabeth.simpson@pilotonline.com