Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would give unpaid family caregivers credits toward their Social Security benefits. People who leave the workforce to care for relatives often end up with smaller retirement checks because they had no earnings during those years. This bill treats their caregiving time as if they earned a wage.
• To qualify, a caregiver must spend at least 80 hours a month providing unpaid care to a dependent relative. That includes children under 12 or family members who are chronically dependent and need daily help with basic activities like eating, bathing, dressing, or managing finances.
• The credits apply for up to five years (60 months) of caregiving. During qualifying months, caregivers are treated as if they earned 50% of the national average wage. If they earned some income during that time, the credit is reduced but not eliminated.
• Caregivers would need to apply through the Social Security Administration with documentation. For adults who are chronically dependent, a physician's note is required explaining why the person needs daily assistance.
• The bill recognizes caregiving as essential work that hurts people's long-term financial security. Congress finds that a caregiver credit would bolster economic prospects and provide vital retirement security for those who sacrifice paid careers to help family.