Employees caring for special needs dependents face greater intensity, longer caregiving journeys, and deeper emotional strain than other caregivers. Here’s what you need to know.
Critical truths about special needs caregivers at work
Financial strain is the norm, not the exception
Families caring for dependents with special needs can face ongoing financial challenges that outpace their resources.
struggle to cover basic expenses due to caregiving costs
Delay paying bills
31%
Use savings
Take on debt
29%
25%
Many families lack a “what-if” income strategy to cover housing, paid care, and medical needs if the caregiver can no longer provide care.
Long-term planning lags
have no long-term financial plan
cite the cost of planning services as a barrier
feel caregiving has led to stigma at work
Most caregivers are transparent about their situation, yet many still face stalled growth and bias.
Career impact and stigma remain high
have told their employer about their caregiving role
say caregiving has affected their ability to work or advance
Most caregivers know about and use workplace resources, but one in three lack access entirely.
Awareness is high—but access isn’t universal
68%
31%
Say their employer does not offer caregiver benefits
Use them
Are familiar with workplace caregiving resources
80%
have cared for a dependent for 6+ years
For this segment of caregivers, the responsibilities and work are constant and sometimes lifelong.
It often feels like a second job that never ends
provide care 6+ hours/day
Emotional fatigue runs high, but 91% still say caregiving gives them purpose.
Most are running on empty, but still going
56%
37%
Experience depression
Experience anxiety
Experience burnout
84%
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Source: New York Life Group Benefit Solutions survey conducted by Morning Consult between September 16-September 21, 2025 among a sample of 240 employed adults (18+) who care for a dependent with special needs. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample based on gender. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 6 percentage points. New York Life Group Benefit Solutions products and services are provided by Life Insurance Company of North America, New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY, and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, subsidiaries of New York Life Insurance Company. Life Insurance Company of North America is not authorized in NY and does not conduct business in NY. © 2025, New York Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. NEW YORK LIFE, and the NEW YORK LIFE Box Logo are trademarks of New York Life Insurance Company. SMRU 8555390.1 (Exp. Date. 10.30.2028)
What caregivers want most from their employers
45%
44%
Paid caregiver leave
Mental health support
Emergency respite care
49%
44%
Flexible schedule
43%
Legal & financial services
Caregivers embody the resilience and commitment that power great teams. When support is accessible, stigma-free, and built to last, their strength fuels a healthier, more loyal workforce.
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54%
56%
33%
75%
78%
63%
61%
36%
29% use savings
Learn more
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Privacy & Other Policies
Terms of Use
Putting Benefits To Work For People SM
1 New York Life Group Benefit Solutions internal book of business results 1/1/25-5/1/25
2 The benefit decision support platform is offered through Pasito, an independent third-party service provider. NYL GBS does not own or control this platform and is not responsible for its content, recommendations, or performance. Full terms, conditions and exclusions are contained in the applicable client program description and are subject to change. Program availability may vary by plan type and location and is not available where prohibited by law. Eligibility and participation criteria apply including but not limited to providing employee work contact information, census data, benefit plan information, and rates for all non-NYL GBS core and ancillary benefits directly to Pasito. If after the one-year beta period NYL GBS chooses not to proceed with the Pasito partnership, NYL GBS clients may choose to continue working with Pasito directly at a discounted price. Eligibility requirements and additional fees will apply.
New York Life Group Benefit Solutions products and services are provided by Life Insurance Company of North America, New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY, and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, subsidiaries of New York Life Insurance Company. Life Insurance Company of North America is not authorized in NY and does not conduct business in NY. Accident insurance, critical illness/specified disease insurance, and hospital indemnity insurance are limited benefit policies. Accident insurance pays benefits for accidents only. These products are not health care insurance and do not satisfy the requirement of minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. New York Life Group Benefit Solutions Accident insurance, Critical Illness/Specified Disease insurance, and Hospital Indemnity insurance are underwritten by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, a subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. Policy provisions and product availability may vary by state. Policy forms: Accident: GBS-AI-1000.00; Critical illness/Specified disease: GBS-CI-1000.00/GBS-CI-1000.NY; Hospital indemnity: GBS-HI-1000.00. New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
© 2025 New York Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. NEW YORK LIFE, and the NEW YORK LIFE Box Logo are trademarks of New York Life Insurance Company.
124428 0625 SMRU 8127424.1 Exp. 12.31.2025
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Caregivers embody the resilience and commitment that power great teams. When support is accessible, stigma-free, and built to last, their strength fuels a healthier, more loyal workforce.
Download video transcript
Download video transcript