Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2026

The Catching Up Family Caregivers Act of 2026 allows eligible unpaid family caregivers to make additional "catch-up" contributions to their retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. To qualify, an individual must have provided at least 500 hours of unpaid family caregiving and worked fewer than 500 hours in paid employment during the same taxable year, with a lifetime limit of five years. This caregiving involves providing in-home support for a child or an adult with special needs, including elderly individuals requiring care due to age-related conditions. The bill enables these qualified caregivers to contribute more to their retirement savings than standard limits, similar to individuals nearing traditional retirement age. These provisions will take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.