AARP to Congress: Proposed Tax Credit Would Send ‘Vital’ Aid to Family Caregivers

AARP has a message for lawmakers considering a tax credit for the country’s 48 million family caregivers as part of the current budget reconciliation package: Don’t miss this opportunity.

In a letter today to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D), AARP chief advocacy and engagement officer Nancy Leamond urged the U.S. House to pass a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 annually to help offset caregiving expenses. The credit was passed by the House Ways and Means Committee and is awaiting sign-off from the full House of Representatives before heading to the Senate.

The average family caregiver spends 26 percent of his or her income on caregiving expenses — more than $7,000 a year. “The physical, emotional and financial challenges they face in their caregiving roles cannot be overstated,” LeaMond said in her letter. “And, for many, the challenges have increased with COVID-19.”

Read LeaMond’s full letter to lawmakers.