Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a new federal grant program run through the Administration for Community Living to fund nonprofit organizations that support caregiver wellness. The program targets burnout, mental health, and building support networks for people who care for seniors, individuals with disabilities, or those with chronic illness.
• The bill authorizes $250 million per year for five years (fiscal years 2027 through 2031), totaling $1.25 billion if fully funded. This money would go to nonprofits that apply and are selected by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
• Grant money can be used to provide caregivers with meals, transportation to and from work, mental health services including PTSD support, and holistic wellness programs. The Secretary can also approve other services as needed.
• Nonprofits that receive grants must report to Congress annually on how they spent the money, who they served, and what measurable outcomes they achieved in caregiver wellness and retention.
• The bill defines 'caregiver' broadly to include anyone who provides care (paid or unpaid) to seniors, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or individuals with chronic illness who need supportive services. Note: the bill text appears to contain a typo, saying 'compensated or compensated' instead of 'compensated or uncompensated.'