In recent years, there has been a major push for aging adults to “age in place.” Aging in place allows them to continue living independently in their homes and stay out of institutions such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In order for this to be feasible for many older adults, they are in need of caregiving services such as home health aides, adult daycare, personal care attendants, homemaker services, respite care, health care equipment, home modifications, and transportation. 

Family members and other informal caregivers spend nearly $7,000 out-of-pocket annually on caregiving services, leaving family members feeling unsupported with large financial burden. The implementation of NY State Senate bill S5100 will provide a middle-class family caregiver tax credit, which means it can be claimed by an individual with a gross annual income of $75,000 or less and a couple with a gross annual income of $150,000 or less. The credit proposed would not exceed $3,500, or fifty percent, of the total amount expended. This modest but well-deserved tax break for the middle class would provide support through greatly needed financial relief to unpaid family caregivers as well as reduce burnout and support aging in place. Please, consider signing this petition to help unpaid family caregivers get the tax break they deserve!