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Senator Gillibrand said her new push for the measure comes after hosting roundtables and meetings across New York with older adults and disability rights advocates and hearing directly from them about their specific needs.
By Forum Staff
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday announced bipartisan legislation that would support family caregivers by helping to alleviate some of the financial challenges they may face.
According to Gillibrand, the Credit for Caring Act would give eligible family caregivers—family members who take care of a loved one that has a medical or behavioral condition or disability—a tax credit of up to $3,000 to assist with out-of-pocket expenses related to caregiving. The tax credit would help families cover the myriad expenses associated with caregiving, such as transportation, home modifications to accommodate a family member, and training or education for the caregiver. The legislation would also help allow older adults and people with disabilities continue to live independently in their homes and stay in their communities with their families, Gillibrand noted.
“Family caregivers deserve to be supported for the extra responsibilities they take on in their role,” the senator said.
Gillibrand said her new push for the measure comes after hosting roundtables and meetings across New York with older adults and disability rights advocates and hearing directly from them about their specific needs. According to the most recently available data, there are 2.6 million unpaid caregivers throughout the Empire State.
“This critical legislation offers a much-needed tax credit to help support our nation’s family caregivers who take on physical, emotional, and financial challenges in their caregiving roles,” added Beth Finkel, state director, AARP New York.
