What does Preamble of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This bill proposes to amend title II of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment would credit individuals who serve as caregivers of dependent relatives with deemed wages. This crediting would apply for up to five years of such service.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS AND SENSE OF THE SENATE. of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes findings related to caregiving and proposes a caregiver credit. Congress finds that caregiving is essential for families and provides vital services to children, the ill, disabled, and elderly. The section notes that the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds are projected to pay scheduled benefits in full until 2034. It expresses the Senate's sense that Congress should address the exclusion of home care providers who are ineligible for Social Security or Medicare due to providing paid care to family members with disabilities under state and local programs.

What does DEEMED WAGES FOR CAREGIVERS OF DEPENDENT RELATIVES. of Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Title II of the Social Security Act by adding a new section, 235, concerning deemed wages for caregivers of dependent relatives. A 'qualifying month' is defined as a month where an individual provides at least 80 hours of care to a dependent relative without monetary compensation, excluding months after the individual reaches retirement age. A 'dependent relative' includes children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or a spouse/domestic partner who is a chronically dependent individual. A 'chronically dependent individual' requires daily assistance with at least two activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living. For months after December 2026, caregivers may be deemed to have received wages equal to a percentage of the national average wage index or the excess of that index over their actual wages. Only the last 60 qualifying months will be considered when calculating deemed wages. The Social Security Commissioner must promulgate regulations within one year of enactment to prevent fraud and abuse. Caregivers must submit an application with information about the dependent relative and, if not a child under 12, documentation from a physician.

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Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/27/2026 · Introduced: 4/27/2026

Author: Christopher Murphy (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows individuals who provide unpaid care to dependent relatives to receive credit for 'deemed wages' for up to five years, potentially increasing their future Social Security benefits.
To qualify, caregivers must provide at least 80 hours of care per month to a dependent relative requiring assistance with daily living activities.
The bill establishes requirements for documenting caregiving responsibilities and mandates the Social Security Commissioner to create regulations to prevent fraud.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8490(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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