Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026

Sponsor: Bradley Scott Schneider (Democratic-IL)April 23, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Caregivers for family members would earn Social Security credit for up to five years of unpaid service.

This bill would let people who provide unpaid care for dependent family members get Social Security credit for up to 60 months of that service. This change would help boost their future Social Security benefits and retirement security. It recognizes the value of caregiving work that currently doesn't count towards Social Security.

What Would Change

Today, people who provide unpaid care for family members do not get Social Security credit for that time, which can reduce their future retirement benefits. If this bill becomes law, caregivers would earn Social Security credit for up to 60 months (five years) of care, potentially boosting their future retirement benefits starting after December 2026.

Key Provisions

Lets caregivers earn Social Security credit for up to 60 months of unpaid care for dependent relatives.
Defines a "qualifying month" as at least 80 hours of unpaid care for a dependent relative, not past the caregiver's retirement age. Assistance for veterans under a specific program would not count as monetary compensation.
Explains who counts as a "dependent relative," including children under 12 or chronically dependent family members like a spouse or parent.
Sets rules for "chronically dependent individuals" who need daily help with at least two activities like eating or managing money.
Ensures deemed wages would not be applied if a caregiver would receive a larger Social Security benefit or payment without them.

View on Congress.gov

HR 8490 · 119th Congress · April 23, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity