Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026

This bill would change Social Security so that people who provide unpaid care to a dependent relative for at least 80 hours in a month could be credited with wages for that month. A dependent relative includes a child under 12 or certain family members who need daily help with at least two everyday activities. For a month with no earnings, the credit would equal 50 percent of the national average wage index; for a month with some earnings, it would be reduced based on actual earnings. Up to 60 months of caregiving could count, and caregivers would have to apply and provide documentation, including a physician's statement for relatives who are not young children. The Social Security Commissioner would issue rules within one year, and the credit would apply to benefits for months after December 2026.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Bradley Scott Schneider Democrat sponsor
• 4 cosponsors