Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in Washington: Kinship Care, TANF, and Support

Last updated: 27 May 2026

Bottom line: Washington does not have one single monthly benefit just for grandparents raising grandchildren. Most families use a mix of child-only Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, local kinship navigator help, Apple Health for the child, school and medical paperwork, and legal help when needed. If the child came through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families or a tribe, foster care payments or guardianship assistance may also matter.

Emergency help now

• If the child is in danger, call 911.
• If there is abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a child welfare emergency, use the DCYF report abuse page or call 1-866-363-4276.
• If the child is already living with you and you need cash or food help, apply through Washington Connection or call DSHS at 1-877-501-2233.
• If you are being blocked by school, a clinic, or confusing papers, call 206-267-7075 for LAARK, Washington’s free legal advice and referral service for kinship caregivers.

Quick help

• Fastest cash path for informal care: Ask DSHS about child-only TANF. This is cash for the child, not income for the grandparent.
• Fastest local help: Call your kinship navigator. The DSHS navigator contact list shows county and tribal contacts.
• Fastest health coverage path: Use Healthplanfinder or call 1-855-923-4633.
• If DCYF placed the child: Ask the social worker about kinship licensing and payment support right away.
• If housing is the crisis: Use the GFS emergency help guide while you also call 2-1-1 and your navigator.

Quick-reference table

Contents

• Know your Washington track
• Child-only TANF
• Kinship navigator help
• Foster care and GAP
• School and medical papers
• Health, food, housing
• Start without wasting time
• Documents checklist
• Phone scripts
• Denied or delayed
• Local resources

Know your Washington track

Start by naming your caregiving situation. In Washington, that one step changes the money, the paperwork, and who should help first.

DSHS says about 53,000 children in Washington are being raised by about 43,000 grandparents and other relatives, and many of those families are outside the foster care system. You can see that state context in the DSHS grandfamilies note, which is useful because it explains why kinship services are spread across several agencies.

DCYF defines kinship care as full-time care by relatives or suitable others. The DCYF kinship overview says grandparents often provide this care, but kin can include other trusted adults.

If the child is with you informally, DSHS and local kinship services are usually the first stop. If the child is in DCYF custody, the assigned worker and licensing process become very important. If the child is headed toward guardianship, legal timing matters. The GFS national grandparent guide can help compare the broad paths, but this page focuses on Washington.

Child-only TANF

Apply here first if the child is living with you and you are not getting foster care payments. Washington calls this the Non-Needy Relative, In Loco Parentis, and Legal Guardian Grant. Many families call it child-only TANF or kinship TANF.

This help is monthly cash for the child. In many non-needy child-only cases, the caregiver’s own income is not counted for eligibility. The child’s own income can still matter. That can include Social Security survivor benefits, child support, or other money paid for the child.

You can apply online, by phone, or at a local Community Services Office. DSHS explains the main choices on its how to apply page. For step-by-step help with the online path, the GFS benefits portal guide may help if you are using a phone or computer.

Current Washington TANF maximums: The table below uses the current payment standards. A child-only case can be lower if the child has countable income or if the assistance unit size is different.

Reality check: Child-only TANF is not automatic. You still have to apply, complete the interview, and give DSHS enough proof to decide the case. If you also need food help, ask about Basic Food during the same call. The GFS SNAP guide explains food help for older households, but your child’s case may be counted differently than your own senior household.

Kinship navigator help

Do not wait until the legal case is perfect to call a navigator. Kinship navigators help grandparents and relatives sort through benefits, school problems, legal referrals, support groups, and local emergency needs.

Washington’s kinship network is run through aging and community systems, not just child welfare. That can help older caregivers because navigators often know the local offices, school contacts, nonprofit funds, and county rules. DSHS keeps a searchable services directory for kinship care help.

Reality check: Local funds are not the same in every county. Some offices can help with supplies this month and not next month. Call anyway. Ask what is open now and what other local group can help if their fund is empty.

Foster care and GAP

Foster care payments are not for every grandparent caregiver. They are generally for licensed caregivers caring for a child placed through DCYF, a tribe, or another child welfare agency.

If DCYF placed the child with you, ask the worker about kinship licensing right away. DCYF says an initial kinship license can let kinship caregivers get up to three months of foster care payments while completing the home study process, and the initial license is good for 90 days. Read the DCYF initial license rules before you assume you are not eligible.

Licensed caregivers can receive monthly reimbursement for food, clothing, shelter, and other caregiving costs. DCYF gives payment and provider setup details on its foster payment page. If you are not licensed yet, ask whether you can use DCYF or a child placing agency under the licensing options page.

Guardianship Assistance Program warning: GAP is not the same as private minor guardianship. Under the state GAP eligibility rule, the child generally must be under 18 when the GAP agreement is signed and guardianship is entered, must be dependent on a Washington public or tribal child welfare agency, and must have lived at least six straight months with the prospective guardian who was fully licensed and receiving foster care maintenance payments for at least six straight months.

Washington may reimburse some guardianship finalization costs up to $2,000 per child under the GAP expense rule. If DCYF denies, delays, suspends, or terminates certain GAP matters, the hearing rule gives guardians 90 calendar days to request an administrative hearing.

Reality check: If you go to court too early without asking about GAP, you may lose a chance at support. Ask the DCYF worker and a lawyer before the guardianship order is final.

School and medical papers

Get the child into school and care first, then keep fixing papers. Do not let missing paperwork stop the child from attending school for weeks.

If the child is in foster care, OSPI’s immediate enrollment guide says students in foster care should be enrolled without delay when it is not best for them to stay in the school of origin. Bring the placement letter, the child’s last school name, and any records you have.

If the child is living with you informally, school districts may ask for proof that the child lives with you, parent permission, a power of attorney, or a court paper. Washington Courts has a minor guardianship page for families who may need a court order. Legal Voice and legal aid may also help, but start with LAARK if you are a kinship caregiver.

For medical care, written authority helps. Washington Law Help explains that a parental power of attorney can give a caregiver temporary authority for health care, school, child care, travel, and other needs for up to 2 years. Washington’s health consent law also allows some relatives to consent in certain situations, but clinics may still ask for proof.

Reality check: Front-desk staff may say no because they do not see kinship papers every day. Ask for a supervisor. Use the same calm sentence each time: “I am the child’s kinship caregiver. Please tell me exactly what paper you need and who can review this today.”

Health, food, housing, and child care help

Apply for the child’s health coverage even if your own Medicare is separate. Washington says children may qualify for Apple Health for Kids if they meet residency and income rules. The HCA Apple Health children page explains the child coverage path.

A parent, caretaker, or helper can often start an Apple Health application. HCA lists online, phone, paper, and in-person choices on its apply or renew page. If the child is in foster care, ask the worker about Apple Health Core Connections and care coordination.

Food help should be started in the same week as the cash case. Basic Food is Washington’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Do not assume your food household must match your TANF case exactly. Ask DSHS how the child should be counted. For broader senior food options, use the GFS food help guide.

If you work or need child care while handling appointments, ask about child care. DCYF’s child care subsidy page explains Working Connections Child Care. You can call 1-844-626-8687.

Housing is harder. Washington does not have a statewide housing program just for grandparents raising grandchildren. Ask DSHS whether your child-only TANF case opens any emergency cash option. Ask the school about McKinney-Vento help if the child is doubled up, in a motel, or has no stable place. The GFS Washington housing help page can help older caregivers find the broader housing starting points.

Reality check: Housing waitlists can be long. If the child moves in, update any housing authority file, lease paperwork, and bedroom need as soon as you can. Keep proof that the child lives with you.

How to start without wasting time

1. Write down your track. Is this informal care, DCYF placement, tribal placement, court guardianship, or a mix?
2. Apply for DSHS help. Call 1-877-501-2233 or use a local CSO. DSHS says cash and food interviews are handled through its local CSO system, with phone service available on weekdays.
3. Apply for Apple Health. Use Healthplanfinder or call 1-855-923-4633.
4. Call your navigator. Give your county, child ages, and the top two urgent needs.
5. If DCYF is involved, ask about licensing. Ask for the placement letter, licensing timeline, and who handles payments.
6. Fix school and medical access. Use the placement letter, parent power of attorney, court papers, or LAARK help.
7. Keep copies. Save every notice, school form, insurance card, court paper, and email.

Older caregivers may also need help for their own needs at the same time. The GFS Washington senior help guide is a good place to check property tax, utility, health, and local support paths for the adult caregiver.

Documents checklist

• ☐ Your photo ID
• ☐ Proof of address
• ☐ The child’s birth certificate, Social Security number, or school ID if you have it
• ☐ Any proof the child lives with you
• ☐ DCYF placement letter, shelter care order, court order, or dependency papers
• ☐ Parent note, power of attorney, or written permission if safe to get
• ☐ Child’s health insurance card or Apple Health notice
• ☐ Immunization records and doctor information
• ☐ School records or the last school name
• ☐ Proof of the child’s income, such as Social Security, survivor benefits, or child support
• ☐ Notes from every call, including the date, office, worker name, and next step

If you are an older caregiver with a disability or health limit, ask for phone help, paper forms, interpreter help, or other reasonable support. The GFS disability help guide may also help you find adult-side services.

Phone scripts

Use these short scripts when you call. Write the worker’s name and the next step before you hang up.

DSHS cash and food script

“I am a grandparent caring for a child in my home. I want to apply for child-only TANF, Basic Food, and any emergency help for the child. Please tell me what proof you need, whether my income counts, and how I complete the interview.”

Kinship navigator script

“I am raising my grandchild in [county]. The child is [age]. My urgent needs are [food, beds, clothes, school, legal help, housing]. Is there any kinship fund open now, and who else should I call today?”

DCYF worker script

“The child is placed with me. I need a written placement letter, the licensing timeline, and payment information. Am I eligible for an initial kinship license or foster care reimbursement while licensing is being completed?”

School or clinic script

“I am the kinship caregiver. The child lives with me now. I have [placement letter, parent note, court paper, proof of address]. Please tell me what paper you need today, and please let me speak with the person who handles kinship or legal review.”

Some caregivers also ask whether they can be paid as a caregiver for an adult relative in the home. That is a different issue from grandchild care, but the GFS paid caregiver guide explains the adult-care side.

Reality checks and mistakes to avoid

• Do not wait for full custody. You can often apply for cash, food, and medical help before every legal paper is finished.
• Do not assume foster payments apply. Informal care usually starts with child-only TANF, not foster care reimbursement.
• Do not hide the child’s income. DSHS needs to know about survivor benefits, child support, or other child income.
• Do not ignore child support safety issues. If cooperation could put you or the child at risk, ask DSHS about good cause.
• Do not let notices sit unopened. Reviews, proof deadlines, and hearing deadlines can move fast.
• Do not finalize guardianship too fast in a foster care case. Ask about GAP before court if DCYF is involved.
• Do not use old senior center links. Many Washington aging services now start through Area Agencies on Aging. Use the GFS Washington AAA guide for that path.

What to do if denied, delayed, or overwhelmed

• DSHS delay: Call 1-877-501-2233. Ask what exact proof is missing, the deadline, and whether a supervisor can review the case.
• Health coverage problem: Call Healthplanfinder at 1-855-923-4633. Ask whether the case is waiting on identity, residency, household, or income proof.
• Foster payment problem: Ask the worker for a written explanation. If you are licensed and payment is late or wrong, ask about SSPS and keep copies of invoices.
• GAP problem: Ask for the written decision and note the date you received it. The hearing deadline can be 90 calendar days for covered GAP issues.
• School or doctor blocks you: Ask for a supervisor or legal review. Then call LAARK at 206-267-7075.
• You cannot manage all the calls: Ask the navigator to help you make a short action list. Start with safety, cash, health coverage, school, and papers.

Backup options

• If DSHS is pending, ask the navigator about short-term kinship funds and local charity help.
• If a parent is safe and willing, ask about a parental power of attorney while you work on a longer plan.
• If the child is Native or connected to a tribe, ask about tribal kinship navigator help and Tribal TANF service areas.
• If housing is unstable, call 2-1-1, talk to the school’s homeless liaison, and update any housing waitlist with the child’s presence.
• If the child has a disability, ask the school about evaluation, special education records, and Apple Health care coordination.

Local resources in Washington

• DSHS cash and food: Call 1-877-501-2233 or apply online.
• DCYF child safety: Call 1-866-363-4276 for suspected abuse or neglect.
• Apple Health: Call 1-855-923-4633.
• Child care subsidy: Call 1-844-626-8687.
• LAARK legal help: Call 206-267-7075.
• DSHS kinship headquarters: Call 1-800-422-3263.
• Help Me Grow Washington: Call 1-800-322-2588 for family resource help.
• Local housing and utility help: Call 2-1-1.
• Rides for appointments: The GFS transportation guide explains broader ride options for older adults.

Resumen en español

En Washington, no hay un solo cheque para abuelos que crían a sus nietos. La ayuda suele venir de varios lugares: TANF solo para el menor, Apple Health, Basic Food, navegadores de kinship care, ayuda legal y, si DCYF colocó al menor con usted, pagos de foster care o ayuda de guardianship.

El primer paso práctico es llamar a DSHS al 1-877-501-2233 y pedir TANF solo para el menor, comida y cualquier ayuda de emergencia. También llame al navegador de kinship care de su condado. Si necesita seguro médico para el niño, use Healthplanfinder o llame al 1-855-923-4633. Si la escuela o clínica no acepta sus papeles, llame a LAARK al 206-267-7075 y pida ayuda legal gratuita para cuidadores familiares.

Frequently asked questions

Can a Washington grandparent get child-only TANF?

Usually, a grandparent or other approved caregiver should at least apply if the child lives with them. DSHS must review the child’s situation, the caregiving arrangement, and the child’s own income.

Does the grandparent’s income count for child-only TANF?

In many non-needy child-only TANF cases, the caregiver’s income is not counted for eligibility. The child’s own income can still reduce the payment.

Can grandparents get foster care payments in Washington?

Yes, but generally only when the child is placed through DCYF, a tribe, or another child welfare agency and the caregiver is licensed or moving through the approved licensing path.

Do I need custody papers to enroll my grandchild in school?

Not always. Foster care students should be enrolled without delay when school placement changes. Informal caregivers may still need proof the child lives with them or parent, court, or DCYF papers.

Can I take my grandchild to the doctor?

It is easier with written authority, such as a DCYF placement letter, court order, or parental power of attorney. Some relatives may also use Washington health consent rules, but clinics can ask for proof.

What should I do before guardianship court?

If DCYF is involved, ask about GAP before court. Private minor guardianship and foster-care-related GAP are not the same, and timing can affect payment support.

Is there housing help just for grandparents raising grandchildren?

Washington does not have one statewide housing program only for grandparents raising grandchildren. Ask DSHS, your navigator, school staff, 2-1-1, and local housing programs at the same time.

What if child support cooperation is unsafe?

Tell DSHS right away and ask about good cause. Do not stay silent if contact with a parent could cause harm to you or the child.

About This Guide

This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.

Editorial note: This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Verification: Last verified 27 May 2026, next review 27 August 2026.

Corrections: Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.

Last updated: 27 May 2026. Next review: 27 August 2026.