The Family Caregiver Peer Support Act amends the Older Americans Act of 1965, authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program. This program aims to develop or expand both in-person and virtual peer support initiatives specifically for family caregivers . Eligible entities, including states, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education, can receive these grants. Funds may be used to create or expand peer support programs, including those that help caregivers navigate administrative tasks and provide emotional support, and to conduct workforce development for certified peer support specialists. Grants can also support virtual mental and behavioral health services, including language access services for non-English speakers or those using American Sign Language. The Secretary is directed to identify regions and populations underserved by existing peer support programs. Priority for grant awards will be given to entities serving these underserved areas, as well as low-income, racial and ethnic, immigrant, LGBTQ+, young, and disabled caregiver communities. An outreach program will also be conducted to raise awareness among family caregivers about the availability of these grants, with $10,000,000 authorized annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Social Welfare
Family Caregiver Peer Support Act
USA119th CongressS-3230| Senate
| Updated: 11/20/2025
The Family Caregiver Peer Support Act amends the Older Americans Act of 1965, authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a grant program. This program aims to develop or expand both in-person and virtual peer support initiatives specifically for family caregivers . Eligible entities, including states, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education, can receive these grants. Funds may be used to create or expand peer support programs, including those that help caregivers navigate administrative tasks and provide emotional support, and to conduct workforce development for certified peer support specialists. Grants can also support virtual mental and behavioral health services, including language access services for non-English speakers or those using American Sign Language. The Secretary is directed to identify regions and populations underserved by existing peer support programs. Priority for grant awards will be given to entities serving these underserved areas, as well as low-income, racial and ethnic, immigrant, LGBTQ+, young, and disabled caregiver communities. An outreach program will also be conducted to raise awareness among family caregivers about the availability of these grants, with $10,000,000 authorized annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.