S 1955: The Social Security Caregiver Credit Act

This act will create a credit that would be added to an individual’s earnings to calculate their future Social Security benefits. To qualify, caregivers must provide care for a minimum of 80 hours per month to a parent, spouse, domestic partner, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, or uncle who cannot perform daily living activities without assistance. Individuals can claim the credit for up to 60 months and the credit will vary on an income-based sliding scale, causing a decrease in value as the caregiver earns more than the average national wage, and a phase out when the caregiver earns more than the average national wage. Those who do not earn an income will receive a maximum credit equal to half the average national wage.