Hello,
I have been searching caregiver profiles on a large platform who is supposed to help me with payroll by adding a fee and also supposed to provide workmans comp. I am looking for someone to take care of my mom, and I am shocked by the amount of caregivers that request cash when I speak to them on the phone. It was my understanding that the agency would take care of their payroll, and also provide Workmans comp. However, during the interview process, 85% of the people I selected ask for cash only and then change their rates to to be more profitable for them.
Currently I only need someone part time and their profiles do state that they would work part time. Speaking to them on the phone is a different story.
I am concerned about safety as well as having no one to complain to if the caregiver doesn't take good care of my mom. This feels wrong.
It is extremely hard to find a good caregiver. You are right to be careful and to go with your gut feeling.
Asking for cash is probably a red sign. Better to go with someone that is above board.
I did not go through a internet platform, instead I found a local caregiving Agency that actually had an office, and a staff of Admins.
The first week the Agency sent out a different person for each shift, that way Dad could choose which caregivers he would like. One caregiver was with Dad on her shift for over a year :)
Of course it means more money in their pocket, as they'd be cutting out the "middleman", aka the agency. Not worth the hassle. Avoid them.
What you have told us is something you need to tell the agencies. If hiring direct, don't use such people.
You can hire privately but you should be taking out taxes and SS and matching the SS. Aides are usually not self-employed. Check with your labor dept to find out what your responsibilities would be.
WAY too many! You have to file paperwork with the IRS and possible the state, withhold taxes and SS, maintain a workman's comp, and possibly even be required to provide health insurance? No way!
JoAnn29 also makes a good point if you have to show proof to anyone how mom's money was spent (SS, Medicaid, etc.) Cash means they get more for their time (no cut for the agency, taxes, SS, etc), and likely means you might be paying a little less than the agency cost, but it will cost you SO much more doing it their "Cash Way", aka under the table.
If they mention cash during your phone "interviews", the interview is over. It's NOT worth it.
Good luck finding a good caregiver. They are out there. Keep looking!
I ached for anyone in that situation. Of course they are going to prefer cash. This method will always be with us until the minimum wage is actually a living wage. God bless them.