Strong Support for Government Assistance with Family Caregiving Costs

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals widespread support among U.S. Adults for increased government involvement in easing the financial burden of family caregiving. The survey, conducted September 2-8, 2025, among 8,750 U.S. Adults, found that substantial majorities favor federal tax credits, short-term care options, paid family abandon requirements, and direct payments to help families covering caregiving expenses.

Key Findings

• Tax Credits: 78% of U.S. Adults favor giving tax credits to help pay for caregiving.
• Short-Term Care: 71% support federal funding for short-term care for aging adults, providing caregivers with respite.
• Paid Family Leave: 69% favor requiring employers to provide paid family leave.
• Direct Payments: 63% support direct payments to help with caregiving costs.

Partisan Differences

While support for these measures exists across the political spectrum, notable differences emerge between Democrats and Republicans. The gaps are particularly pronounced regarding short-term care, paid family leave, and direct payments:

• Short-Term Care: 80% of Democrats favor federal funding for short-term care, compared to 63% of Republicans – a 17-percentage-point difference.
• Paid Family Leave: 80% of Democrats support requiring paid family leave, versus 59% of Republicans – a 21-percentage-point difference.
• Direct Payments: 74% of Democrats favor direct payments, compared to 53% of Republicans – a 21-percentage-point difference.

About the Study

The Pew Research Center study surveyed 8,750 adults, including 1,193 individuals who identify as caregivers for a parent, spouse, or partner aged 65 or older. Participants were drawn from the Center’s American Trends Panel, ensuring the survey results are representative of the broader U.S. Adult population. The research builds upon previous work examining aging, family relationships, and the evolving demographics of the United States. Pew Research Center conducted the study to inform public understanding of the challenges and needs surrounding family caregiving.

Growing Need for Caregiving Support

The U.S. Population is aging rapidly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the proportion of Americans aged 65 and older increased from 12.4% in 2004 to 18.0% in 2024. This demographic shift underscores the increasing importance of addressing the needs of both aging adults and their family caregivers.

Looking Ahead

As the demand for caregiving services continues to grow, policymakers and stakeholders will likely face increasing pressure to implement policies that support families and ensure access to affordable, quality care. The strong public support for government assistance, as revealed by the Pew Research Center survey, suggests a potential pathway for advancing these critical issues.