Summary

Creates a dedicated research-and-evaluation funding line of $30 million per year for FY2026–FY2030 to support research, data collection, and evidence-based practices focused on family caregivers under the Older Americans Act. Revises the statutory definition of “family caregiver,” adds a defined category called “older relative caregiver” (age 55+ who lives with and is primary caregiver for a child or person with a disability), and updates the National Family Caregiver Support Program language and eligibility rules to conform to the new definitions.

Key Points

• Authorizes $30 million per year (FY2026–FY2030) for caregiver research and evaluation under the Older Americans Act.
• Adds and defines a new category, "older relative caregiver" (age 55+ who lives with and is the primary caregiver for a child or person with a disability).
• Expands and revises the statutory definition of "family caregiver" used across the Older Americans Act.
• Updates National Family Caregiver Support Program language to use the revised definition and removes separate older-relative references.
• Limits certain respite and supplemental service eligibility to caregivers caring for older individuals who meet specified older-individual criteria.
• Makes conforming cross-reference changes so program provisions point to the new definition.
• Affects Administration for Community Living programs, state agencies, service providers, and researchers.
• Total authorized research funding equals $150 million over five years; actual spending depends on later appropriations.
• Implementation will require state-level program updates, forms, eligibility rules, and data collection changes.

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