The Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 would provide Social Security credits to unpaid family caregivers based on their caregiving work. Under the bill, individuals who spend at least 80 hours per month caring for a dependent relative without payment could receive deemed wages equal to 50 percent of the national average wage, which would count toward their Social Security benefits and retirement security. Eligible dependents include children under 12 and relatives of any age who are chronically dependent and require daily assistance with basic activities like eating, bathing, or managing finances. Caregivers could credit up to five years (60 months) of such caregiving toward their Social Security record, though the bill allows only the 60 most recent qualifying months to count if someone has more. The Social Security Administration would need to issue implementing regulations within one year, including procedures for caregivers to apply and provide physician documentation when caring for non-child dependents.
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