WISH Act

This bill would add a new federal long-term care insurance benefit to Social Security so older adults with serious, long‑lasting disabilities can afford care at home and in their communities. Lawmakers point out that most people entering old age will need long‑term care, costs can average about $298,000, and only about 1 in 10 have private coverage—pushing many families to spend down savings and rely on Medicaid. If you are at retirement age, apply, have at least 6 quarters of Social Security‑covered work since 2026, and have a serious disability expected to last at least a year or until death, you can receive a monthly payment. The amount equals the national median cost of 6 hours per day of paid personal help, indexed to caregiver wages, scaled by how many recent quarters you have (up to the full amount). Payments last as long as the disability lasts and do not count as income or assets for other federal or state programs.

People who use the benefit must follow minimum‑wage and payroll‑tax rules if they hire non‑family helpers and send a yearly statement confirming disability and compliance; payments stop if rules aren’t met or after five straight years living outside the United States. New beneficiaries will also get information on how to find care and contacts for local aging and disability resource centers . The bill creates a trust fund, provides $12 million each year for 2026–2028 to launch the program and pay early benefits, and sets aside $50 million for public education. HHS must publish a 10‑year education plan within 90 days, and Social Security must send notices with your estimated benefit and work quarters at ages 45, 55, 65, and at retirement, with an online notice updated yearly for adults 35+; initial mailed notices are due within 540 days. Oversight includes GAO reviews after five years and every three years, and regular HHS plans to address needs of people not eligible, such as those disabled before retirement age .

• Who is affected: People at retirement age with serious, long‑lasting disability; people who hire paid home helpers; adults who will receive planning notices from Social Security .
• What changes: New monthly benefit to help pay for up to 6 hours a day of personal care; payments don’t count against other aid; a trust fund and national education effort; regular oversight to prevent abuse and improve the program .
• When: Quarters of covered work count starting in 2026; first mailed notices are due within 540 days; start‑up funds run 2026–2028; GAO reviews begin five years after enactment and continue every three years; HHS submits plans every three years .