Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026
Key claim: HR8490 proposes a Social Security caregiver credit and has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Abstract
(HR8490 · 119th Congress) Latest action (2026-04-23): Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Why this matters
The Social Security Caregiver Credit Act would extend tax-and-benefit recognition to unpaid family caregivers, a group historically excluded from Social Security earnings records despite performing economically significant work. If enacted, it would shift costs onto the Social Security trust fund while increasing future benefits for caregivers — predominantly women — who take time out of paid employment. Tracking its referral status establishes a baseline for a recurring policy debate over how the tax and benefit system values care work.