Two East Bay legislators are proposing a tax credit to help offset some of the financial costs for those who provide care for an elderly or disabled family member.
Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) and Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth) have introduced legislation that would help defray some of the monetary expenses faced by family caregivers.
According to a press release sent on behalf of the sponsors, the legislation would allow eligible Rhode Islanders to receive an income tax credit equal to 50% of the eligible costs that they incur, with a maximum credit of $1,000. The tax credit is proposed to help families who provide care for those who need it most.
“Taking care of a family member who needs assistance is an act of love, but it can be as financially draining as it can be physically exhausting. Many of those doing this important work struggle with the added expense. It’s our hope that this tax break eases the strain on their families’ budgets and helps them to continue providing this essential care,” said Representative Donovan, who is chairwoman of the House Health and Human Services Committee.
According to Sen. Linda Ujifusa, family caregivers’ contributions benefit not only their family members but also our greater community.
“The contributions of family caregivers benefit not only their family members, but our greater community as well. They are enabling their loved one to live at home instead of in a more expensive institutional setting, and by sharing their home, in many cases they are freeing up desperately needed housing in our communities, too. This credit is a very modest recognition of their work and the sacrifices they make, and it will help provide support for them and their families,” said Senator Ujifusa.
To be eligible for the tax credit, families must have an annual adjusted gross income of less than $50,000 for an individual or $100,000 for couples filing jointly. In addition, the family member who needs care must be 65 years or older or qualified for Social Security disability benefits. That family member must also live with the caregiver at least six months of the year.
The Senior Agenda Coalition supports the legislation.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
