Senators Gillibrand and Murphy reintroduce Social Security Caregiver Credit Act

5 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Apr 28

The bill allows unpaid caregivers providing at least 80 hours of care monthly to earn up to five years of Social Security credits, potentially increasing future retirement benefits for millions, including 4.1 million New Yorkers.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Schneider. The act aims to offset reduced benefits for caregivers, who are mostly women, by treating caregiving years as high-earning years in benefit calculations.
While endorsed by advocacy groups, the bill faces challenges due to Social Security’s looming funding shortfall and prior legislative failures. If enacted, it would not change benefits automatically but could boost retirement security for unpaid caregivers.

How will officials verify 80 hours of monthly care without a burdensome process for families?

Could supporting unpaid caregivers through Social Security actually lower long-term national healthcare costs?

How can a new caregiver credit be funded with Social Security facing a 2034 shortfall?

Could this caregiver credit create new opportunities for fraud within the Social Security system?

Will Social Security credits for caregiving change who leaves the workforce to care for relatives?

What can the U.S. learn from countries that already offer pension credits for caregiving?