AARP Pennsylvania Applauds Support for Family Caregivers with Credit for Caring Act

AARP Pennsylvania Celebrates Support for Family Caregivers

On March 26, 2025, AARP Pennsylvania publicly expressed its appreciation for U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Mike Kelly (PA-16) for their co-sponsorship of the Credit for Caring Act. This crucial legislation is designed to offer financial assistance to working family caregivers who dedicate their time and resources to provide care for their loved ones. By reintroducing this act, the representatives aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by caregivers by providing a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for qualifying caregiving expenses.

Caretakers play a vital role in society as they help keep families together while enabling many individuals to stay in their own homes and communities. AARP Pennsylvania’s State Director, Bill Johnston-Walsh, highlighted the immense sacrifices faced by family caregivers. In fact, caregivers typically spend over $7,200 annually, which amounts to about 26% of their income, on caring for their loved ones. He emphasized, "Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting their loved ones and keeping our communities strong, yet they often face steep personal and financial challenges."

The Credit for Caring Act will provide support for a range of caregiving expenses including hiring home care aides, adult day services, home modifications, and respite care — services that many caregivers find essential. The financial relief could help to address some of the crippling challenges that caregivers face, allowing them to continue providing care without sacrificing their own economic security.

In Pennsylvania alone, approximately 1.5 million individuals identify as caregivers. Many provide support to aging parents, spouses, or other family members in need. While 61% of caregivers work either full- or part-time jobs, many struggle to balance their work commitments alongside their caregiving responsibilities. Often, caregivers are forced to reduce their working hours or leave their jobs altogether to fulfill their caring duties, putting their income and retirement savings at risk.

The value of caregivers is immeasurable, with collective contributions in Pennsylvania equating to approximately 1.4 billion hours of unpaid care each year. AARP's analysis indicates that adequate workplace support for caregivers could potentially add $1.7 trillion to the U.S. GDP by the year 2030, provided those aged 50 and older receive appropriate backing.

As the bill moves forward, AARP Pennsylvania urges Congress to act swiftly and pass the Credit for Caring Act. The organization views this as an investment not just into families, but also into the economy, aligning with the values of empathy and support that bind communities together.

AARP is dedicated to empowering Americans aged 50 and above, offering resources, advocacy, and information to ensure they can lead fulfilling lives as they age. With a presence nationwide, AARP continues to champion issues that matter most to millions of older Americans and their families, including health security, financial stability, and the need for personal fulfillment.

To learn more about AARP and its initiatives, you can visit their official website, where they also publish informative resources available for users across various platforms.

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