The Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2026 proposes to amend the Social Security Act by establishing a system of "deemed wages" for individuals who provide unpaid care to dependent relatives. This initiative aims to bolster the economic prospects and retirement security of these caregivers by allowing them to accrue Social Security credits for their valuable service. The bill recognizes caregiving as an essential element of family life and a vital service for children, the ill, the disabled, and the elderly. Under this proposal, an individual can receive deemed wages for up to 60 qualifying months , equivalent to five years of service. A "qualifying month" is defined as any month where an individual provides at least 80 hours of care to a dependent relative without monetary compensation, excluding months after the caregiver reaches retirement age. The amount of deemed wages is calculated based on 50 percent of the national average wage index, adjusted if the caregiver also has other income. The bill defines a "dependent relative" broadly to include children under 12, or chronically dependent family members such as children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, spouses, or domestic partners. A "chronically dependent individual" is someone requiring daily assistance with at least two activities of daily living (e.g., eating, bathing) or instrumental activities of daily living (e.g., managing finances, meal preparation). To receive these credits, caregivers must apply to the Commissioner of Social Security, providing identifying information for the dependent relative and, for chronically dependent individuals, physician documentation.