Direct CARE Opportunity Act of 2026

The Labor Department would award grants to eligible entities to recruit, retain, or advance direct care workers. Grants would last at least five years; the bill appropriates $300 million for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032 for the program and other activities under the Act.

Grantees would use their funds for at least one strategy, such as education and training, career pathways leading to higher wages and benefits, career planning, or wages and other support for workers. Strategies could also provide services such as transportation, child care, or mentoring.

Applications would have to describe how workers and people receiving care would be consulted, and how the strategy would address barriers to participation. Grantees could not charge participating workers or trainees for education, training, supportive services, or other benefits; funded activities would also have to meet workplace safety and wage requirements.

Grantees would report yearly on their strategies and submit a final report after completion; the Labor Department would report to Congress on results and workforce needs. The bill also appropriates $6 million each fiscal year from 2027 through 2032 for national technical assistance and related activities.