Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill, the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026, proposes to allow unpaid caregivers of dependent relatives to receive ‘deemed wages’ for up to five years of service. These deemed wages would be calculated based on a percentage of the national average wage index, providing a potential boost to retirement benefits for these caregivers. The bill aims to recognize the significant contribution of family caregivers and address a gap in Social Security benefits for those who provide care without monetary compensation.
Key provisions
- Creates a ‘deemed wage’ credit for unpaid caregivers of dependent relatives.
- Defines ‘qualifying month’ as a period of at least 80 hours of caregiving without monetary compensation.
- Establishes criteria for ‘dependent relative,’ including children, elderly relatives, and individuals requiring significant assistance.
- Determines ‘deemed wages’ based on 50% of the national average wage index for months with no actual wages, and the excess over actual wages for other months.
- Limits the number of qualifying months considered to the last 60.
- Requires applicants to provide documentation and certification to verify caregiver status.
- The Commissioner of Social Security will create regulations to prevent fraud and abuse.
Who is affected
- Unpaid family caregivers
- Dependent relatives (children, elderly, disabled)
- Social Security recipients
Bill text
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