Legislative Efforts to Support Family Caregivers in the U.S.

Legislation aimed at providing financial relief to family caregivers is gaining traction in the United States, with advocates emphasizing the need for comprehensive support. The Credit for Caring Act, which proposes a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for working caregivers, has been reintroduced in Congress multiple times since its initial introduction in 2021. This initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens faced by caregivers, who, according to the AARP, spend an average of $7,242 annually on out-of-pocket caregiving costs.

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The demand for caregiver support is underscored by a significant increase in the number of family caregivers, which has risen by 50 percent over the past decade. Currently, approximately 63 million Americans, or about one in four adults, serve as caregivers. This demographic shift highlights the urgent need for legislative action to assist those balancing caregiving responsibilities with other life commitments.

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In addition to the Credit for Caring Act, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) has introduced the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act. While this bill does not include tax credits, it aims to provide additional resources and reduce bureaucratic obstacles for caregivers. Cammack's personal experience as part of the "sandwich generation," caring for both young children and aging parents, has fueled her advocacy for these legislative measures.

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Cammack expressed optimism about the future of caregiver legislation, noting that President Donald Trump has shown interest in supporting tax credits for caregivers. She stated, “President Trump has been very, very supportive or exploring that, and I think you’ll find bipartisan consensus for that as well.” This sentiment is echoed by a recent AARP survey indicating that 84 percent of voters support federal tax credits for unpaid caregivers.

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Despite the growing support for caregiver tax credits, some experts, including Lance Robertson, a former assistant secretary on aging with the Department of Health and Human Services, caution that tax credits should be viewed as just one aspect of a broader strategy. Robertson emphasized the need for better appropriations to support caregivers, stating, “For me, it’s really about how we get better appropriations to support this... we’re just kind of nibbling around the edges of the issue.”

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• “This is really an apolitical issue; this is not something that has to be wrapped in politics,” — Lance Robertson, Former Assistant Secretary on Aging

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• “For my husband and I, we’re in the middle of that sandwich generation where we have young children in the home and also aging parents,” — Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.)

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• “President Trump has been very, very supportive or exploring that, and I think you’ll find bipartisan consensus for that as well,” — Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.)

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• “That’s the struggle I think we probably all acknowledge. We continue to live in an ageist society where at the end of the day, we’re just kind of nibbling around the edges of the issue.” — Lance Robertson, Former Assistant Secretary on Aging

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The Credit for Caring Act and the ABC Act have been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee. As discussions progress, advocates remain hopeful for bipartisan support and legislative advancements in the coming weeks.

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