If you're raising your grandchildren, you're not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 2.7 million grandparents are primary caregivers for their grandchildren. That's roughly one out of every 15 grandparents.
What many grandparents don't realize is that stepping into a parenting role gives you and your grandchildren access to specific government programs and benefits. There's real money available â often $300 to $1,000+ per month, depending on your situation.
This guide walks you through every benefit you may qualify for. We'll explain what each program covers, how much money it provides, and exactly how to apply.
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One Important Thing First
The amount of help you get depends heavily on how your kinship arrangement is set up. Are you caring for your grandchildren informally (no court involvement)? Or have you gone through the child welfare system as a licensed foster parent? Or somewhere in between? Keep reading â we'll explain how each setup changes what you can get.
What's In This Guide
Each section stands on its own â jump to what you need right now
When grandparents or other relatives step in as primary caregivers for children, that's called kinship care. There are three main types, and the type you're in determines what benefits you get:
Informal Kinship Care
You're raising your grandchildren without court involvement or child welfare involvement. The kids just came to live with you.
Benefits available: TANF child-only, SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security for grandchildren, WIC
Voluntary Kinship Care
You're working with child welfare, but the children haven't been removed from parental custody. You have an agreement with the state.
Benefits available: All informal benefits PLUS possible state kinship care payments
Kinship Foster Care
You're a licensed foster parent raising your grandchildren. The children are in state custody.
Benefits available: All programs PLUS foster care payments ($500-$1,500+/month), automatic Medicaid, training & support
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip: If you're currently doing informal care and qualify, going through the kinship foster care licensing process can mean $5,000+ per year in additional income. Many states have streamlined the process specifically for relatives. It's worth exploring.
Social Security Benefits for Your Grandchildren
This is the most important benefit many grandparents miss. If you're receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your grandchildren can potentially draw benefits on YOUR record â even if you never paid into Social Security for them.
Who Qualifies for Benefits on Your Record?
Your grandchild can receive Social Security benefits if ALL of the following are true:
You are receiving Social Security retirement benefits (age 62+), Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), or you are deceased
The child is under 18 (or under 19 if in high school full-time)
The child is dependent on you â meaning living with you and you provide most of their food, clothing, shelter
The child's natural parents are: deceased, receiving disability benefits, OR have legally surrendered custody to you
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The Dependency Question
Social Security looks at whether you're actually supporting the child. If both parents are living and not disabled, and the child is just "visiting" you occasionally, that won't qualify. But if your grandchild is living with you full-time and you're paying for their needs, you have a strong case.
How Much Money Are We Talking About?
Here's the math:
If you're alive and receiving benefits: Each grandchild gets up to 50% of your full retirement benefit amount. If your full benefit is $2,000/month, your grandchild gets up to $1,000/month.
If you're deceased: Each grandchild gets up to 75% of what you would have received
IMPORTANT: The family maximum applies. This is typically 150-180% of YOUR benefit. So if you get $2,000/month and have 3 grandchildren who qualify, they may not each get 50% â the total of all their benefits combined can't exceed about $3,000-$3,600/month.
â 2026 Verified Figures
How to Apply
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and say you want to apply for child's benefits. They'll send you forms and schedule a phone appointment. You'll need:
Grandchild's Social Security number (or birth certificate)
Your Social Security number
Proof of dependency (birth certificate, custody papers, or testimony that you're supporting the child)
Proof of parents' status (death certificate, award letter showing they're disabled, etc.)
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip: Many grandparents miss this benefit because they think "It's based on MY record, so the money should go to me." It doesn't. This is YOUR grandchild's benefit, paid based on your Social Security record. The Social Security office will send the payment to you as the representative payee, but it's for the child. And when your grandchild turns 18 or graduates high school, the money stops â your benefit doesn't go up.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for Your Grandchild
If your grandchild is disabled, blind, or has a severe medical or mental health condition, they may qualify for SSI even if neither parent is receiving Social Security.
SSI Benefit Amount (2026)
Individual child: Up to $994/month
Child in household: The income and resources of the household (including your household) count against the child's eligibility
Resource Limits (Important!)
SSI has strict resource limits â your grandchild can have no more than $2,000 in countable resources (savings, investments, etc.). Once your grandchild turns 18, the limit increases to $2,000 for an individual.
Common resources that DON'T count: Primary residence, one vehicle, certain education savings, ABLE account balances up to $100,000.
How to Apply for SSI
Go to your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. You'll need medical evidence that the child is disabled. Have ready:
Doctor's name and contact information
Medical records or diagnoses
School records (IEP, 504 plans)
Functional limitations (what can't the child do?)
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip: SSI applications take months and often require an appeal. Don't give up if you're denied the first time. Many valid disabilities are approved on appeal. Consider working with a disability attorney â they work on contingency (you pay nothing upfront) and they take about 25% of back pay if you win.
TANF: The Cash Assistance Benefit Most Grandparents Miss
TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. There's a special version for kinship caregivers called TANF Child-Only Grants, and it's one of the most underused benefits.
TANF Child-Only Grant: The Basics
In plain English: Your state will send you monthly cash specifically for your grandchild's support. You don't have to work, go to job training, or meet any work requirements. The money is based on the CHILD's situation, not yours.
Who gets it: Kinship caregivers in all 50 states
Monthly amount: Varies by state, typically $100-$400 per child (some states pay more)
How long: Usually until the child turns 18 or graduates high school
Income test: Applies to YOU as the caregiver. Many states have income limits around $1,500-$2,000/month for a single person.
TANF vs. Full TANF Family Grant
There are two versions:
Child-only grant: Money for the child only. YOU don't have to meet work requirements. You receive it as the child's caregiver.
Full family grant: You and the child are on the grant together. You have to work or participate in work activities. Much more money, but more requirements.
For most grandparents on fixed incomes, the child-only grant is better because you don't have to work.
How to Apply
Contact your state or county's TANF office (sometimes called "welfare" or "public assistance"). Most states let you apply online. You'll need:
Grandchild's birth certificate
Proof of kinship (relationship)
Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, Social Security award letter, etc.)
Proof of residency
Proof that the child's parents are unable to provide support
â 2026 Verified Figures
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip: Many states don't publicize TANF child-only grants well because they count against federal work participation rates. But they exist in all states. If your caseworker says "we don't do that," ask for the supervisor. Ask explicitly for "TANF child-only grant" or "kinship TANF." Your state has the money â you just have to ask for it the right way.
SNAP (Food Stamps) for Your Household
You can add your grandchildren to your SNAP household, which increases your monthly food benefit. And there are special rules for seniors and disabled people that make it easier to qualify.
SNAP Benefit Amounts (2026)
Maximum benefits for a household:
Single person: $291/month
Household of 2: $546/month
Household of 3: $785/month
Household of 4: $994/month
Each additional person: Add about $195/month
Important: These are maximums. Your actual benefit depends on your income and resources.
Special Rules for Older Adults (Age 60+)
If you're 60 or older, you get better treatment on SNAP:
Higher income limits â you can have more income and still qualify
Medical expense deduction â costs for medical care reduce your countable income
No asset limit â in most states, you can have unlimited savings/resources
Simplified reporting â easier paperwork
WIC: Nutrition for Young Children and Teens
If your grandchild is under 5, you may also qualify for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). WIC provides:
Specific foods (milk, cereal, eggs, beans, peanut butter, etc.)
Nutrition counseling
Breastfeeding support
Monthly benefit: typically $30-$60 worth of food per child
Income limits are higher for WIC than SNAP. Apply at your local health department.
School Meals
Nearly every grandparent-raised child qualifies for free school breakfast and lunch. Apply through your school district â it takes 10 minutes.
How to Apply for SNAP
Most states let you apply online at benefitsapply.com or through your state's website. You can also apply in person at your local social services office. You'll need:
Proof of identity
Proof of residency
Income information (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit award letters)
Citizenship information
Household information (who lives with you, who you're buying food for)
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip: If you're applying for other benefits like TANF or Medicaid, ask if you can apply for SNAP at the same time. Many offices can do it all in one visit. And if you're denied, ask for an appeal â SNAP denials are frequently overturned on appeal.
Medicaid and Health Insurance for Your Grandchildren
Getting your grandchildren covered by Medicaid is often easier than you think â and it covers far more than you'd expect.
Important Rule: Grandchild's Eligibility Is Based on THEIR Household
Here's the key thing many grandparents don't understand: Medicaid doesn't count the grandparent's income for the child. It counts only the CHILD's "household."
This means even if YOU have too much income to qualify for Medicaid, your grandchild may still qualify based on their own (usually zero) income.
Who Qualifies?
Your grandchild likely qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP if:
They're under 19 years old
They're not covered by another health insurance plan
They're a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant
Income limits are higher for children than for adults. In 2026, a single child can have up to about $2,500/month in income in most states and still qualify.
Medicaid Covers (for children):
Doctor visits
Hospital care
Prescription medications
Dental care (in most states)
Vision care and glasses
Mental health services and counseling (critical for trauma)
Speech therapy
Physical therapy
EPSDT â Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (comprehensive for kids)
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
If your grandchild doesn't qualify for Medicaid but your family's income is still modest, they may qualify for CHIP. CHIP is usually cheaper than private insurance and covers the same things.
If Medicaid is Denied
Appeal it. Many denials are overturned on appeal, especially for children. Ask for a fair hearing â you have the right to argue your case.
How to Apply
Contact your state's Medicaid office (usually through your state health department or social services). Many states let you apply online. You'll need:
Grandchild's birth certificate and Social Security number
Your income information (even though it doesn't count, they may ask)
Proof of residency
Citizenship information
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Presumptive Eligibility
Many states allow "presumptive eligibility" â your child can get Medicaid right away while the application is being processed. You don't have to wait weeks to have health coverage. Ask the office about this.
The Big Decision: Kinship Foster Care vs. Informal Care
This is the choice that changes everything financially. Let me walk you through what each means and what you get.
Informal Kinship Care
What It Means
The children came to live with you (grandparents, relatives) without court involvement or child welfare involvement. This is "private family arrangement."
Legal Authority
You have NO legal custody. The child's parents still have custody. You can't consent to medical treatment, school enrollment, or travel without written permission.
Benefits Available
TANF child-only grant: $100-$400/month
SNAP: varies by state and family size
Medicaid for child: YES (based on child's income)
Social Security for child (on grandparent's record): YES if applicable
Foster care payments: NO
Subsidized adoption: NO
Total Potential Monthly Support
$400-$800/month (TANF + SNAP)
Pros
No paperwork with child welfare
No licensing requirements
Simpler to maintain
Cons
Lower financial support
No legal authority (permission issues)
No training or support from social services
More difficult if parents contest your authority
Kinship Foster Care (Licensed)
What It Means
You become a licensed foster parent. The children are in state custody, but placed with you (a relative). The state child welfare agency oversees the placement.
Legal Authority
You have parental authority for day-to-day decisions. The state retains custody, but you're authorized to make medical, educational, and other decisions.
Benefits Available
Foster care payments: $500-$1,500+/month per child (varies by state and child's needs)
Automatic Medicaid: YES
Training and support: YES (free training, support groups)
TANF: Usually NOT (foster payment replaces TANF)
Educational support: YES (tutoring, counseling)
Adoption assistance: YES if you later adopt
Total Potential Monthly Support
$500-$2,000/month (foster payment à number of children)
Pros
Significantly higher financial support
Automatic Medicaid
Legal authority (no permission issues)
Training and ongoing support
If you adopt, adoption subsidies continue to age 18+
Reimbursement for expenses
Cons
Must pass licensing requirements (home inspection, background check, training)
Child welfare involvement and case management
More paperwork and documentation
Case can be reassigned to another grandparent or facility if state decides
Legal Guardianship (Middle Ground)
What It Means
You go to family court and get legal guardianship. You have custody and can make all decisions, but the parents' rights aren't permanently terminated.
Benefits Available
TANF child-only: YES
SNAP: YES
Medicaid: YES
Kinship Guardianship Assistance (KinGAP) payments: MAYBE (some states, usually $200-$400/month)
Foster care payments: NO (unless you also go through child welfare system)
Pros
Full legal authority
Simpler than foster care licensing
Some states offer KinGAP payments
Cons
Court costs (often free or reduced for family)
Lower financial support than foster care
No automatic support from child welfare
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip: If you qualify for kinship foster care, the numbers often make sense to pursue it. Going from $400/month in TANF to $800-$1,200/month in foster care is real money. Yes, there's more paperwork, but many states have streamlined relative licensing. Call your state's child welfare agency and ask: "Do you have a streamlined process for relative foster parent licensing?" Many do now.
Kinship Navigator Programs: Free Help Available in Every State
The federal government created Kinship Navigator Programs specifically to help people like you. These are free services available in every state.
What Do They Do?
Help you navigate benefits (TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.)
Help you complete applications and appeals
Find legal help (guardianship, custody)
Connect you with support groups and respite care
Help with kinship foster care licensing
Provide emergency assistance for crisis situations
How to Find Your State's Program
Call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone)
Visit www.211.org and search your ZIP code
Contact your state's child welfare agency
Visit www.gksnetwork.org (GrandFamilies & Kinship Support Network)
Eldercare Locator
For older grandparents specifically, the Eldercare Locator can point you to resources for YOUR support:
1-800-677-1116
They help with respite care, support groups, meal programs, and other services for aging caregivers.
Housing Help and Utilities Assistance
Section 8 Vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers)
If you're struggling with housing costs, Section 8 vouchers can help. The government pays a portion of your rent.
How much help: Typically covers 70-80% of rent (you pay the rest)
Household size: When you apply, the grandchildren count as household members. More people = larger voucher
Wait lists: Most areas have long wait lists (6 months to several years)
How to apply: Contact your local public housing authority
Public Housing
Some local housing authorities give priority to kinship families. It's worth asking.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Helps pay heating and cooling bills. In some states, you can get a one-time payment to cover a month or two of utilities.
Eligibility: Varies by state, but typically available if your income is below 150% of federal poverty (roughly $2,000/month for a family of 3)
Help amount: Typically $300-$800 one-time payment
How to apply: Through your local CAA (Community Action Agency). Call 211 or visit www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/liheap
Weatherization Assistance Program
Free help improving your home's energy efficiency â insulation, windows, furnace repair, etc. This reduces heating and cooling bills permanently.
How to apply: Through your local CAA (Community Action Agency)
No income limit in some states
â 2026 Verified Figures
Education Benefits and School Support
Free School Meals
Almost all children in kinship care qualify for free breakfast and lunch. Apply through your school district's food service office â takes 5 minutes.
Enrollment Without Custody
Important: You CAN enroll your grandchild in school even without legal custody. This is protected by the McKinney-Vento Act. Bring:
Birth certificate or proof of age
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.)
Immunization records or proof of exemption
Previous school records (if moving)
You do NOT need the parents' permission or signed documents.
Head Start / Early Head Start
If your grandchild is 3-5 years old, Head Start provides free high-quality preschool plus family services.
Income limits: Usually available if your household income is below about 200% of federal poverty
Priority: Many programs give priority to kinship families
How to apply: Local Head Start center
Special Education Services
If your grandchild has a disability or learning difference, they have a right to special education. Request an evaluation from your school.
IEP (Individualized Education Program) â for disabilities
504 Plan â for health conditions or disabilities affecting learning
All services are FREE through the school
College Financial Aid: FAFSA
If your grandchild is applying for college, they may qualify as an "independent student" for financial aid purposes even though they're under 24. This means:
Higher aid awards (parents' income doesn't count)
Access to more loans and grants
File FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Talk to your grandchild's school counselor about this.
Education and Training Vouchers (ETV)
If your grandchild was in foster care at any point, they may be eligible for ETV. This pays for college or vocational training up to age 26.
Amount: Up to $5,000/year
How to apply: Through your state child welfare agency
Legal Help: Getting Custody and Understanding Your Rights
Why Legal Custody Matters
Without legal custody, you may face problems:
Schools may not enroll the child without parental permission
Doctors may not treat the child without parental consent
You can't authorize travel, medical procedures, or make decisions
If a parent shows up claiming custody, you have no legal standing
How to Get Legal Guardianship
Step 1: File a petition in family court (usually called "Petition for Guardianship")
Step 2: Notify the parents (court will handle this)
Step 3: Attend a hearing (usually uncontested if parents don't object)
Step 4: Judge issues guardianship order
Cost: Filing fees typically $100-$500, but many courts reduce or waive fees for grandparents
Timeline: Usually 2-4 months
Free Legal Help
Legal Aid offices â serves low-income people. Call 1-800-LAW-FREE or visit lawhelp.org
Volunteer Lawyers for the Elderly â some areas have programs specifically for older caregivers
Kinship legal clinics â many states and counties offer free clinics for kinship families
Bar associations â many offer free or low-cost consultations for seniors
ICPC (Interstate Compact)
If your grandchild is from another state and you want them to live with you permanently, you may need ICPC approval. This is a multi-state agreement process.
Why it matters: Ensures the child's welfare during interstate placement
How long: Usually 30-60 days
Who handles it: Your state child welfare agency (ask about ICPC coordinator)
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)
If your grandchild is Native American, special federal law (ICWA) protects their rights. Work with an attorney familiar with ICWA.
Taking Care of Yourself: You Matter Too
Raising grandchildren is one of the most loving and one of the hardest things you'll ever do. Many grandparents skip their own doctor appointments, skip meals, and ignore their own health because they're focused on the kids. Please don't do that.
Caregiver Burnout Is Real
Studies show grandparent caregivers have higher rates of:
Depression and anxiety
High blood pressure and heart disease
Sleep problems
Chronic stress
This isn't weakness. It's a predictable result of chronic stress and caregiving burden.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Free services specifically for you:
Respite care â someone watches the kids while you rest
Counseling and support
Information and assistance with benefits
Support groups
How to access: Call your Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-677-1116 or search Eldercare Locator
Support Groups for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
AARP GrandFamilies â www.aarp.org/grandfamilies
Generations United â www.gu.org (has support group finder)
NFCSG â National Foundation for Caregiver Support, has online and in-person groups
Local support groups â Ask your social services office or call 211
Your Health Checkup Checklist
Don't skip these:
Annual physical exam
Blood pressure check
Vision and hearing tests
Preventive screenings (cancer, heart disease, etc. â age-appropriate)
Dental care
Mental health support if you're struggling
Dr. Ed's Insider Tip: If you get sick or can't take care of yourself, who takes care of the grandchildren? Your health directly affects their stability. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish â it's essential to being a good grandparent.
Key Phone Numbers (Keep This Handy)
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Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213
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Eldercare Locator (Area Agency on Aging)
1-800-677-1116
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Dial 211 for Local Resources
211 (from any phone)
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AARP Family Caregiving
1-877-333-5885
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Childhelp National Hotline (Crisis)
1-800-422-4453
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Generations United (Support & Resources)
www.gu.org
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Legal Aid Finder
www.lawhelp.org
Your Grandparent Caregiver Action Checklist
Use this checklist to track what you've done and what comes next. Check off items as you complete them.
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You don't have to figure this out alone. Your state has a Kinship Navigator Program ready to help you navigate benefits, complete applications, and find local support.
You stepped up when your grandchildren needed you most. That's extraordinary.
Now it's time to let the systems that exist for exactly this situation help you. TANF child-only grants, SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, kinship foster care â these programs exist because society recognizes that grandparents like you deserve support.
You're not asking for charity. You're asking for help with something you didn't have to take on but did. That's not weakness. That's love. And you deserve every benefit available.
Start with just one application this week. Call 211. Contact your local TANF office. One step at a time. You've got this.
â Dr. Ed Weir
Former Social Security District Manager | 20+ years helping families navigate government programs | 24Help.org