Top 10 Grants for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren in 2026

Written & Reviewed by

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Yolanda Taylor

Senior Healthcare Editor

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Bottom line: Most help for grandparents raising grandchildren is not a private “grant.” It is usually child-only TANF, SNAP, Medicaid or CHIP, school meals, tax credits, housing help, childcare help, and state kinship programs. Start with food, health coverage, and child-only cash help first. Then add housing, childcare, tax, and legal help as needed.

For a quick next step after reading this guide, use our senior help tools to organize programs by need. If rent or shelter is the main problem, start with our guide to housing and rent help.

Emergency help – start here

Need help today? Do not wait to finish this guide. Take these steps now:

1. Call 211. Ask for food, rent, utility, clothing, school supply, and legal help for a grandparent raising grandchildren. You can also use 211 online help.
2. Apply for SNAP right away. Use the USDA SNAP state directory. If you have very low income and little cash, ask for expedited service.
3. Apply for children’s health coverage. Use InsureKidsNow or call 1-877-543-7669.
4. Ask for child-only TANF. Use the federal TANF state contacts page to find your state office.
5. Call the school. Ask the counselor or social worker about free meals, school supplies, tutoring, transportation, and counseling.

If you are facing eviction, homelessness, or an unsafe place to sleep, use our state guide to emergency housing contacts and call your local Community Action Agency.

Crisis safety note: If anyone may hurt themselves or someone else, call or text 988 now. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Top 10 help options

These are the strongest places to start in 2026. Some are federal programs. Some are state or local programs. Not every family will qualify for every item.

For a separate guide focused only on this family situation, see our page on grandparents raising grandchildren.

A realistic example of stacked help

Example only: Maria is 67 and is caring for one 6-year-old grandchild. The child’s parent is not living in the home. Maria applies for several programs over two months. Her exact amounts depend on state rules, income, rent, and deductions, but the mix of help may look like this:

• Child-only TANF: a small monthly cash grant for the child’s basic needs.
• SNAP: grocery help on an EBT card after income and shelter costs are reviewed.
• Medicaid or CHIP: health coverage for the child.
• School meals: free breakfast and lunch if the child qualifies.
• Local charity help: school clothes, food boxes, utility help, or a one-time rent payment.

This is how many grandfamilies make the budget work. One program rarely solves the whole problem. The goal is to stack safe, real programs without assuming approval or relying on a promise from a website.

Why this guide uses cautious dollar amounts

Old grandparent benefit articles often list one table of monthly payments by state. That can mislead families. TANF, foster kinship payments, guardianship help, childcare help, and emergency funds can change by state budget, county practice, family size, child age, placement type, and whether child welfare is involved. This guide keeps the most stable federal figures where they are verified and tells you where state amounts must be checked before you apply.

Your rights as a kinship caregiver

You are not alone

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that about 6.7 million adults age 30 and older lived with grandchildren under 18 in 2021. About 32.7% of those grandparents were responsible for the grandchildren’s basic care, according to the Census Bureau report. That means many families are dealing with the same mix of love, stress, bills, school needs, and paperwork.

Reasons vary. Some children come to grandparents because of a parent’s death, illness, substance use, mental health crisis, incarceration, military service, unsafe home, or housing loss. You do not need to explain every private detail to every agency. Focus on what the agency needs to know: the child lives with you, you provide care, and you need help meeting the child’s needs.

Physical care may be enough for many benefits

For many programs, you can ask for help even if you do not have a court order. The rules vary by state and program, but physical care is often enough to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or CHIP, school meal help, and some emergency help. Child-only TANF is also built for children who are in a home where no adult is part of the cash grant. Federal research on TANF child-only cases explains that many child-only cases involve children living with relatives or other non-parent caregivers.

Important: a worker may still ask for proof that the child lives with you. Bring school records, medical records, letters from a caseworker, mail for the child, a parent’s note if safe, or court papers if you have them.

Legal status still helps

Legal custody, guardianship, or another court order can help with school decisions, medical consent, travel, and some state kinship payments. It can also protect the child if a parent later changes plans. Legal rules are different in each state, so talk with legal aid or a family law attorney before filing papers.

If your home needs changes because children moved in, our guide to home repair grants may help you compare safety repairs, weatherization, and rural repair programs.

Child-only TANF cash help

What child-only TANF is

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is the main cash assistance program for families with children. A child-only TANF case is different from a regular family TANF case. The cash grant is set up for the child, not for the grandparent. That can matter because the caregiver is often not included in the assistance unit.

Names vary by state. You may hear “child-only grant,” “non-parent caregiver grant,” “relative caregiver grant,” “kinship TANF,” or just “TANF for the child.” Do not leave the office after hearing only, “You make too much.” Ask if the state has a child-only or non-parent caregiver option.

Why this is often the first cash program to ask about

• It may not count the grandparent as part of the grant. Some states still ask for caregiver income information, so answer honestly and ask how it is used.
• The child may get Medicaid too. In many states, TANF approval is linked with medical coverage for the child.
• It is available through state TANF offices. Every state runs a TANF program, but state names and rules differ.
• It can work without formal custody in many places. Some states ask for proof of relationship, proof the child lives with you, or cooperation with child support rules.

Reality check on payment amounts

TANF cash amounts are often modest. They vary a lot by state, household type, and state budget. For example, Texas TANF policy effective October 2025 lists different maximum grants for non-caretaker, caretaker, and two-parent cases, and the amount is much lower than rent in most cities. Georgia’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren rules also use special state formulas for some crisis payments, not one flat national number.

Because state TANF rates change and may not be easy to read online, this guide no longer lists old “one child, two child, three child” amounts as if they apply everywhere. Call your state TANF office and ask for the current child-only TANF amount for your household.

Documents to bring

• Your photo ID
• Your Social Security number, if requested
• Children’s birth certificates
• Children’s Social Security cards, if available
• Proof the children live with you
• Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates linking generations
• School enrollment records
• Any custody, guardianship, safety plan, or child welfare papers
• Proof of rent, mortgage, and utilities
• Income proof, even if you believe your income should not count

What to say at the office

“I am caring for my grandchildren. Their parents do not live with us and are not providing daily care. I want to apply for child-only TANF or the non-parent caregiver grant for the children. Please tell me what proof you need and whether my income is counted in this type of case.”

Application process

1. Call first. Ask which office handles child-only TANF or non-parent caregiver grants.
2. Use the right words. Say “child-only TANF” and “relative caregiver.” Do not only say “I need welfare.”
3. Apply even if you are unsure. Let the agency make a written decision.
4. Ask for a receipt. If you apply online, save the confirmation number. If you apply in person, ask for a stamped copy.
5. Watch your mail. Many denials happen because a family misses a notice asking for one more document.

Possible child support issue

Some states ask TANF caregivers to cooperate with child support against the parents. This can be sensitive. If asking for child support could put you, the child, or a parent in danger, ask about “good cause.” Ask for the good-cause form in writing. Legal aid can help if you are not sure what to say.

When child welfare is involved

If the state placed the child with you, ask whether you should receive kinship foster care payments instead of, or in addition to, child-only TANF. Do not assume the amount is the same. Foster kinship payments may require background checks, home approval, training, and ongoing case rules. Ask the caseworker to explain the difference in writing.

If the worker says no

Ask for the reason in writing. Ask to speak with a supervisor who handles kinship or child-only cases. If you get a denial notice, read the appeal deadline. Most benefit denials have a short appeal window. Legal aid or a kinship navigator may help you appeal.

SNAP food benefits

SNAP helps eligible households buy groceries with an EBT card. It can cover fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereal, snacks, and seeds or plants that grow food. It does not cover alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared food in most cases, pet food, cleaning supplies, or paper goods.

Our guide to food programs for seniors explains SNAP, food banks, senior boxes, school meals, and other grocery help.

2026 SNAP maximums and income limits

The USDA’s fiscal year 2026 SNAP cost-of-living memo applies from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. For the 48 states and Washington, D.C., the FY 2026 SNAP memo lists these maximum monthly allotments and gross monthly income limits.

Important: these are maximums, not promises. Your SNAP amount depends on income, rent, utilities, medical costs for older or disabled household members, childcare costs, and state rules.

Special SNAP rules that may help older grandparents

• Medical deduction: If someone in the SNAP household is age 60 or older or disabled, unreimbursed medical costs over the monthly threshold may help lower countable income.
• Separate household rule: Some older or disabled people who live with others may qualify as a separate SNAP household if they buy and prepare food separately and meet special rules.
• Resource rules vary: Federal FY 2026 SNAP asset limits are $3,000 for many households and $4,500 when at least one member is age 60 or disabled, but many states use broad-based categorical eligibility and may not count resources the same way.

Expedited SNAP

SNAP must usually be processed within 30 days. Households that qualify for expedited service must have benefits made available no later than the seventh calendar day after applying, according to USDA timely rules. Ask for expedited service if you have very little income, very little cash, or rent and utility costs that are more than your income and cash on hand.

Other food help while you wait

• School meals: Ask the school about free meals and summer food options.
• WIC: Children under 5 may qualify for WIC food packages and nutrition support.
• Food banks: Find local food help through Feeding America.
• Local charities: Our guide to charities helping seniors can help when you need a bridge before benefits start.

School meal and summer food details

If your household receives SNAP, TANF, or certain other benefits, the children may be directly certified for free school meals. Still, tell the school that the children now live with you. Ask whether a new household form is needed. During school breaks, ask the district about summer meal sites and grab-and-go options.

WIC for young children

WIC may help children under age 5 with specific foods, nutrition support, and referrals. A grandparent caregiver can usually ask the local WIC office what proof is needed. WIC is separate from SNAP. A family may receive both if eligible.

Food bank tips

• Call before you go because pantry hours change.
• Ask whether children need to be present.
• Bring ID and proof of address if you have it.
• Ask about diapers, wipes, formula, school snacks, and holiday meals.
• If you cannot drive, ask about mobile pantries or delivery programs.

Health insurance for children

Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can cover doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental care, vision care, mental health care, and preventive care for children. CHIP is for uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance, according to Medicaid.gov CHIP.

In many states, children can qualify at higher income levels than adults. Premiums and copays, if any, vary by state. HealthCare.gov says CHIP costs differ by state but cannot be more than 5% of family income for the year for covered CHIP services. Use HealthCare.gov CHIP to check current rules.

2026 poverty guideline reference

Many health, childcare, and nonprofit programs use the federal poverty guidelines, but each program decides how to count income and family size. HHS publishes the current poverty guidelines. For the 48 states and Washington, D.C., the 2026 annual figures include:

These figures are a guide, not a final decision. Alaska and Hawaii use different guidelines. Medicaid and CHIP may also use state-specific disregards and rules.

Applying as a grandparent

• You may be able to apply for children only. Ask how to list yourself as the caregiver.
• You may not need guardianship. Many states allow a non-parent caregiver to apply, but documentation rules vary.
• Use school and medical records. They can show the child lives with you.
• Appeal if denied. Denials can happen because the household was coded wrong.

If you also need health coverage or help with medical bills, review our Medicaid for seniors guide.

Emergency care while you wait

If a child needs urgent care, do not wait for the coverage decision. Emergency rooms must screen and stabilize emergencies. Community health centers, school-based clinics, and county clinics may also see uninsured children on a sliding scale. Ask the hospital or clinic about financial assistance before you leave.

Common health coverage problems

• Wrong household: The application may list the child with the parent instead of with you.
• Missing proof: The agency may need proof the child lives with you.
• Old case still open: A parent may still have an active case in another county or state.
• Premium confusion: CHIP may have a small premium in some states, while Medicaid may not.

If you are denied, ask whether the children were screened for both Medicaid and CHIP. Also ask how to appeal and how to keep coverage active during the appeal if the child already had coverage.

Social Security and SSI

Survivor benefits for children

A child may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits if a parent died after working and paying enough Social Security taxes. Children generally must be unmarried and under 18, or 18 to 19 and still full-time students in elementary or secondary school. A child with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify under different rules. See the SSA page on survivor benefits.

Grandparents often receive the child’s payment as a representative payee. This means you use the money for the child’s needs and keep basic records. Our Social Security guide explains representative payee duties, survivor benefits, and appeals.

SSI for disabled children

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may help a child with a severe disability and limited family income and resources. SSI for children is strict. Medical records, school records, therapy notes, and teacher reports can matter.

For 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $994 for an eligible individual. SSA says some states add a supplement and countable income can reduce the payment. Check SSA SSI amounts before relying on any estimate.

How to apply

• Call SSA: 1-800-772-1213.
• Find an office: Use the SSA office locator.
• Bring proof: Birth certificates, Social Security numbers, death certificate for survivor benefits, medical records for SSI, and proof the child lives with you.
• Ask about payee rules: If approved, ask how to track and report the child’s money.

Reality check

Survivor benefits depend on the deceased parent’s work record. SSI depends on the child’s disability and financial rules. Neither program is automatic. If SSA denies the claim, read the notice and appeal by the deadline.

Documents for survivor benefits

• Child’s birth certificate
• Child’s Social Security number
• Parent’s death certificate
• Deceased parent’s Social Security number, if available
• Proof of your identity
• Proof that the child lives with you, if SSA asks

Representative payee recordkeeping

If you are the representative payee, use the child’s benefit for the child’s food, shelter, clothing, medical care, school needs, and personal needs. Keep simple records. Save rent receipts, clothing receipts, school costs, and bank statements. Do not mix the child’s money with your own more than necessary. Ask SSA how it wants the money held and reported.

State kinship programs

State kinship programs are often the missing piece. They may offer kinship navigators, support groups, emergency payments, foster care payments, guardianship help, legal referrals, childcare help, or respite. The program names vary, and the strongest help is often tied to whether the child is in child welfare custody.

Private kinship care vs. foster kinship care

State examples to ask about

These examples are not a full state-by-state list. They show the kinds of programs to ask about when you call.

• Georgia: Georgia has a Grandparents Raising Grandchildren track tied to TANF. State policy says CRISP crisis help is based on a multiple of the TANF amount for the assistance unit, and the rules require a crisis tied to the grandchild living with the grandparent. Check the Georgia GRG policy manual.
• New York: Non-parent caregiver grants may be called child-only, non-parent, or kinship grants. Amounts can vary by district. Ask the local social services district and a kinship navigator.
• California: Ask about CalWORKs child-only aid, Kin-GAP, foster kinship payments, and county kinship support.
• Florida: Ask about Temporary Cash Assistance, Relative Caregiver Program supports, and Community-Based Care lead agency help.
• Illinois: Ask about DCFS kinship foster care, subsidized guardianship, and local grandfamily support.
• Ohio: Ask about Ohio Works First, kinship support, and permanency or adoption supports.

Regional program patterns

Northeast: States such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut often have strong legal aid networks, state fact sheets, and kinship navigator contacts. Housing is often the biggest barrier because rents are high and waitlists are long. Ask about non-parent caregiver grants, subsidized guardianship, and school enrollment rights.

Southeast: States such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi may have county-based child welfare systems and strong church or nonprofit emergency networks. Ask about relative caregiver programs, TANF child-only grants, food help, utility crisis aid, and kinship support groups.

Midwest: States such as Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri may have a mix of state kinship foster care, guardianship, adoption assistance, and local Area Agency on Aging supports. Ask whether the child’s situation is private kinship care or a child welfare placement, because payments can differ a lot.

West: States such as California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado often have county or regional rules for child welfare and housing help. Ask about kinship guardianship assistance, county social services, school-based mental health supports, and open housing voucher lists.

Questions for a kinship navigator

• What cash help exists for a child living with a grandparent?
• Do I need custody, guardianship, or a caregiver affidavit?
• Can you help with TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, and childcare forms?
• Is the child welfare agency involved, and does that change payments?
• Are there respite programs or support groups?
• Can you refer me to legal aid?

Kinship navigator programs

Kinship navigators help relatives understand benefit programs, legal choices, school issues, and child welfare rules. The Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network keeps national data and directs families to kinship data and state resources. You can also use state fact sheets to find programs in your state.

The Network also warns that child-only TANF can be hard to find because many state applications are written for regular family TANF. Its TANF guidance says kinship families often need clearer outreach and staff training. Read the TANF kinship guide if you are helping a family advocate.

Childcare help

Child Care and Development Fund

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps states pay for childcare for eligible families. It can help while you work, attend school, take part in training, or meet certain program rules. Federal CCDF guidance says states set many rules, but the federal income ceiling is tied to 85% of state median income. Use the ACF childcare office to find your state agency.

What it may cover

• Licensed childcare centers
• Family childcare homes
• Before-school and after-school programs
• Summer programs
• Some approved relative care, depending on state rules

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start serve young children and pregnant women. Federal Head Start rules say a child may be eligible when family income is at or below the poverty line, the family receives or could receive public assistance such as TANF child-only payments, the child is homeless, or the child is in foster care. Programs may also enroll some children above those limits under special rules. Check the Head Start rules and ask your local program.

Application tips

• Ask whether kinship caregivers get priority.
• Ask if a relative provider can be approved and paid.
• Keep your work or school schedule in writing.
• Ask the school about free or low-cost after-school care.
• Ask Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA/YWCA, parks departments, and churches about scholarships.

Childcare documents to gather

• Proof of work, school, or training schedule
• Recent pay stubs or benefit award letters
• Children’s birth certificates
• Immunization records if the provider asks
• Provider name, address, license number, and rate sheet
• Any court or agency papers showing the children live with you

Before and after school care

For school-age children, ask the school district about after-school care, tutoring, transportation, sports fee waivers, and summer programs. Some cities run parks and recreation programs that cost less than private camps. Ask whether scholarships are available for grandparents raising grandchildren.

Housing programs

Section 8 and public housing

Housing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8, help with rent in private housing. Public housing is rental housing owned or managed by a public housing agency. Both usually have waiting lists. Some lists are closed. Some open for only a short time. Use HUD’s housing authority contacts to find your local office.

If children moved into a senior-only or elderly-designated building, do not assume you must leave. Rules depend on the building, lease, funding source, and fair housing laws. Ask for the rule in writing and contact legal aid before moving.

Family Unification Program

The Family Unification Program (FUP) is a HUD voucher program for families where lack of adequate housing is a main factor in a child being placed outside the home or delayed from returning home. HUD says FUP families are referred by public child welfare agencies to participating housing agencies. Not every housing authority has FUP. Read HUD’s FUP overview and ask your child welfare worker if a referral is possible.

Grandfamily housing

A few communities have housing built for grandparents or relatives raising children. Examples include CRT Generations in Hartford and GrandFamilies House in Boston. These are limited programs, not national benefits. Ask your local housing authority, Area Agency on Aging, and kinship navigator if your area has intergenerational housing.

If you are thinking about adding living space for family, read our guide on granny pods before spending money. Zoning, permits, utilities, and family caregiving rules matter.

USDA rural housing and repair help

USDA Rural Development helps in eligible rural areas and small towns. Its Section 504 program can provide loans to very-low-income homeowners and grants to homeowners age 62 or older to remove health and safety hazards. USDA lists a maximum loan of $40,000 and a maximum grant of $10,000, with higher disaster limits in presidentially declared disaster areas. Check the USDA repair program.

State housing guides

Housing help is very local. If you live in a large state, check our guides for California housing help, Florida housing help, New York housing help, or New Jersey housing help. For a broader age-based overview, see housing over 60.

Emergency housing checklist

• Call 211 and ask for emergency rental assistance.
• Call legal aid the day you receive an eviction notice.
• Ask the school if the children qualify for McKinney-Vento school stability help because of housing loss or doubled-up living.
• Ask the housing authority if any voucher, public housing, or project-based list is open.
• Ask child welfare, if involved, whether housing help could prevent placement or help reunify the family.

Applying to multiple lists

You can usually apply to more than one housing waitlist. Keep a list of every application, username, password, confirmation number, and date. Update your address and phone number any time they change. Many housing agencies remove applicants who miss mail or fail to update information.

If your home is too small

Overcrowding can affect sleep, school, and safety. Ask the school counselor, child welfare worker, or legal aid advocate to write a letter explaining the child’s needs if you apply for a larger unit or a reasonable accommodation due to disability. Do not make expensive renovations before checking permits, zoning, and grant rules.

Tax credits

Tax credits are not grants, but they can be worth a lot if you can claim a grandchild as a qualifying child. Grandparents should use free tax help when possible because kinship tax rules can be easy to get wrong.

Child Tax Credit

For the 2025 tax year, filed in 2026, the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. The refundable Additional Child Tax Credit is up to $1,700 per qualifying child, depending on income. The child generally must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, live with you more than half the year, be claimed as your dependent, and meet other IRS rules. Check the IRS Child Tax Credit page before filing.

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is for workers with earned income. Social Security retirement alone does not count as earned income. For tax year 2025, the IRS lists maximum EITC amounts of $4,328 with one qualifying child, $7,152 with two, and $8,046 with three or more. Income limits depend on filing status and number of children. Check the IRS EITC tables.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

This credit may help if you pay for care so you can work or look for work. It can include daycare, after-school care, and some day camps. It does not usually cover overnight camp. Keep receipts, provider tax ID numbers, and proof that you paid.

Head of household filing status

If you are unmarried and paid more than half the cost of keeping up your home for a qualifying grandchild, head of household status may lower your tax. For tax year 2025, the head of household standard deduction is $23,625. For tax year 2026, it is $24,150. These are federal amounts and state taxes may differ.

Adoption Tax Credit

If you legally adopt a grandchild, you may be able to claim the Adoption Credit. The IRS says qualified adoption expenses are limited to $17,280 per qualifying child for 2025, and part of the credit may be refundable up to $5,000. For 2026, the IRS lists a maximum of $17,670 and a refundable portion up to $5,120. Check the IRS Adoption Credit page.

Free tax help

VITA offers free basic tax help to people who generally make $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. TCE focuses on taxpayers age 60 and older. Use the IRS free tax help page or call 1-800-906-9887.

If assisted living costs or caregiving costs are also part of your family budget, our guide on affording assisted living may help you plan around older-adult care needs.

Tax mistakes to avoid

• Do not claim a child who did not live with you long enough under IRS rules.
• Do not let two adults claim the same child.
• Do not ignore IRS letters. Respond by the deadline.
• Do not pay a preparer who promises a bigger refund without explaining the rules.
• Keep school, medical, and benefit records that show where the child lived.

If a parent also wants to claim the child

This can cause an IRS delay or audit. If you cared for the child most of the year, gather proof before filing. A VITA or TCE volunteer can help you understand the qualifying child rules. If the issue is tense or unsafe, ask legal aid what to do before sharing personal tax information with a parent.

Emergency crisis programs

Food crisis

• Call 211 and ask for food pantries near you.
• Ask SNAP for expedited service if your household meets the emergency rules.
• Ask the school about meals, weekend backpacks, and summer meals.
• Ask WIC about help for children under 5.

Utility shut-off

Call the utility company before the shut-off date. Ask for a hardship plan, medical protection if someone uses medical equipment, and local energy assistance. Then call your Community Action Agency and ask about LIHEAP crisis funds. Our guide to utility bill help explains where to start.

Rent or eviction

• Call 211 and ask for emergency rental assistance.
• Call legal aid as soon as you get a notice.
• Ask the landlord for a written payment plan only if you can keep it.
• Ask Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, United Way, local churches, and community action agencies about one-time help.

Faith groups sometimes help with small emergency needs. Our guide to churches helping seniors explains how to ask without wasting calls.

Medical and mental health crisis

• For immediate danger, call 911.
• For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
• For text support, contact Crisis Text Line.
• Ask a community health center about sliding-scale care.
• Ask the school counselor for child trauma counseling referrals.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has caregiver resources for children who have lived through trauma.

Homeowner costs

If you own your home and the added cost of raising children is making taxes hard to pay, check our guide to property tax relief. Rules vary by state, county, age, income, disability status, veteran status, and home value.

Step-by-step action plan

Week 1: Stop the crisis

• Food: Apply for SNAP and ask about expedited service.
• Health: Apply for Medicaid or CHIP for the children.
• School: Enroll the children and ask for meals, supplies, counseling, and transportation.
• Cash: Call TANF and ask for child-only TANF.
• Records: Start a folder for every child.

Week 2: File core applications

• Finish TANF, SNAP, Medicaid/CHIP, and school meal paperwork.
• Call 211 again and ask for local kinship, clothing, food, rent, and utility resources.
• Call your Area Agency on Aging and ask if it has grandfamily or kinship caregiver help.
• Ask your state child welfare agency if a kinship navigator is available.

Weeks 3 and 4: Check Social Security and state help

• Call SSA if a parent died or a child may have a disability.
• Ask the state child welfare agency about kinship foster care, guardianship assistance, respite, or emergency kinship funds.
• Call legal aid about custody, guardianship, school consent, and medical consent.
• If you work or attend school, apply for childcare assistance.

Month 2: Housing and longer-term support

• Apply for public housing and voucher lists that are open.
• Ask about the Family Unification Program if child welfare is involved.
• Ask USDA Rural Development about repair help if you live in an eligible rural area.
• Ask the school for tutoring, counseling, special education evaluation, or a 504 plan if needed.

Month 3: Taxes and legal planning

• Use VITA or TCE before filing taxes if you claim grandchildren.
• Ask legal aid whether custody, guardianship, or adoption is best for your situation.
• Review benefit renewals and deadlines.
• Keep copies of all notices and appeal forms.

Document checklist

Common problems and solutions

“You make too much money.”

For child-only TANF: say, “I am asking about child-only TANF for the children, not TANF for me. Please tell me how caregiver income is treated in this state.”

For SNAP: ask whether medical, shelter, utility, childcare, and earned income deductions were counted correctly.

For Medicaid or CHIP: ask if the child can be screened separately from the adult caregiver.

“You need legal custody.”

Ask the worker to show the rule in writing. Some programs need legal custody. Many do not. If the child welfare agency placed the child with you, ask your caseworker for a placement letter. If the arrangement is private, ask legal aid about school and medical consent forms.

“We do not have that program.”

Ask for the TANF supervisor, kinship navigator, relative caregiver coordinator, or child welfare kinship unit. Use plain terms: “I am a grandparent raising grandchildren. I need the program for children living with a non-parent relative.”

“The application was denied.”

Read the notice. Look for the appeal deadline. Ask for your case file. Save envelopes, letters, screenshots, and call notes. If you miss the deadline, ask if there is good cause to file late.

“The paperwork is too hard.”

Ask 211, a senior center, legal aid, a kinship navigator, a school social worker, or an Area Agency on Aging for help. Do not sign forms you do not understand. Ask for copies before you leave.

“Benefits are not enough.”

Use a stacking plan. A family may need SNAP, TANF, Medicaid/CHIP, school meals, WIC, utility help, food banks, school supplies, tax credits, and local charities. No one program is likely to cover everything.

Find help in your state

Use official starting points

• TANF: Use federal TANF contacts and ask your state for child-only or non-parent caregiver rules.
• SNAP: Use your state SNAP portal and ask about expedited service.
• Medicaid/CHIP: Use InsureKidsNow, HealthCare.gov, or your state Medicaid office.
• Child welfare: Ask for the kinship unit, kinship navigator, or relative caregiver program.
• Aging services: Use the Eldercare Locator or call 1-800-677-1116.

Search terms that work

• “child-only TANF” plus your state
• “kinship navigator” plus your state
• “relative caregiver program” plus your state
• “subsidized guardianship” plus your state
• “grandparents raising grandchildren” plus your county
• “legal aid guardianship grandparents” plus your state

Use local programs too

Local help often fills the gaps. Contact Community Action, United Way, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, local churches, school social workers, food banks, senior centers, and county family services. You can also screen for federal and state benefits through Benefits.gov.

Legal help

When legal help matters most

• You need to enroll the child in school and the school refuses.
• You need to consent to medical care.
• A parent wants the child back but the home may be unsafe.
• You want guardianship, custody, or adoption.
• A benefit office says you need a court order.
• You are in public or senior housing and are told children cannot live with you.

Where to find legal help

Start with LawHelp for state legal aid contacts. You can also use ChildWelfare.gov for kinship care and child welfare information. If you are in court, ask the clerk whether there are self-help forms or a family law facilitator.

Custody, guardianship, and adoption are different

Custody gives legal authority but may be changed by a court. Guardianship may give daily decision-making authority and may be easier than adoption in some states. Adoption creates a new parent-child legal relationship and is usually permanent. Do not choose only because one option seems to bring more money. Ask about parent rights, child safety, benefits, taxes, and long-term family impact.

Additional resources

National and government resources

• Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network: state resources, policy updates, and kinship data.
• Generations United: grandfamily research, housing reports, and policy guides through its grandfamilies resources.
• AARP: practical guides for grandparents raising grandchildren through its grandfamilies guide.
• Benefits.gov: official benefit screening across many programs.
• ChildWelfare.gov: child welfare and kinship care information.

Local support

• Area Agency on Aging: caregiver support, legal referrals, respite, transportation, and benefits counseling may be available.
• School counselor: ask about counseling, meals, tutoring, transportation, special education, and supplies.
• Support groups: search for local grandfamily or kinship support groups.
• Faith-based help: many churches and interfaith groups help regardless of membership.
• Dental needs: if a child or caregiver needs low-cost dental care, our dental assistance guide may help with clinics and dental schools.

A personal note for grandparents

Raising grandchildren can change your whole life in one day. You may feel tired, worried, angry, grateful, and scared at the same time. That does not mean you are failing. It means you are carrying a lot.

Start with the basics. Food. Health coverage. School. Cash help for the children. Safe housing. Legal papers if needed. You do not have to solve every problem this week.

Keep a notebook. Write down every call, date, worker name, and next step. Take photos of papers before you hand them in. Save notices. Ask for decisions in writing. These small habits can protect you later.

Also ask for help for yourself. You may need rest, medical care, grief support, or time with other grandparents who understand. Your health matters because the children need you steady, not perfect.

Phone scripts you can use

Calling TANF

“Hello, I am a grandparent raising my grandchildren. Their parents do not live with us. I want to apply for child-only TANF or the non-parent caregiver grant for the children. Can you tell me what documents I need and whether I can apply online or in person?”

Calling SNAP

“Hello, I need to apply for SNAP for a household with children. We have an urgent food need. Can you screen us for expedited SNAP and tell me how soon we can get an EBT card if approved?”

Calling Medicaid or CHIP

“Hello, I am caring for my grandchildren and need health coverage for them. I may not have a court order yet. Can I apply as the caregiver, and what proof do you need that the children live with me?”

Calling housing or 211

“Hello, I am a senior raising grandchildren and our housing is not stable. We need help with rent, eviction prevention, or a larger safe unit. Can you check emergency rental help, housing vouchers, public housing, and any grandfamily housing programs?”

Quick reference cards

Emergency contact card

Print this section or copy it into a notebook.

Your key workers

Benefits tracking card

Appointment checklist

• Photo ID
• Children’s birth certificates
• Social Security cards or numbers
• Proof of address
• Income proof
• Rent, mortgage, and utility bills
• School records
• Medical records
• Court, child welfare, or caregiver papers
• Notebook with call notes and questions

Resumen en español

Resumen: Si usted es abuelo o abuela y está criando a sus nietos, empiece con comida, salud, ayuda en efectivo para los niños, escuela y vivienda segura. Muchas ayudas no se llaman “grants.” Pueden llamarse TANF para niños, SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, comidas escolares, asistencia de renta, ayuda de cuidado infantil o programas de parentesco.

Llame al 211 si necesita ayuda urgente con comida, renta, servicios públicos o refugio. Para comida, solicite SNAP y pregunte si puede recibir ayuda rápida. Para seguro médico de los niños, use InsureKidsNow o llame al 1-877-543-7669. Para dinero en efectivo para los niños, llame a la oficina de TANF de su estado y pregunte por “child-only TANF” o ayuda para cuidadores familiares.

Muchas veces no necesita custodia legal para solicitar comida, seguro médico o ayuda escolar. Pero una orden de custodia o tutela puede ayudar con decisiones médicas, escuela, viajes y algunos pagos estatales. Si no entiende los papeles, pida ayuda a asistencia legal, al trabajador social de la escuela, a un programa de kinship navigator o a la Agencia del Área sobre Envejecimiento.

Guarde copias de todo. Anote la fecha de cada llamada, el nombre de la persona que habló con usted y el próximo paso. Si le niegan ayuda, pida la razón por escrito y pregunte cómo apelar antes de la fecha límite.

FAQ

Do I need legal custody to get help for my grandchildren?

Not always. Many programs let a grandparent apply if the children live with them and they provide daily care. Some state kinship payments, housing programs, school issues, and medical decisions may require custody, guardianship, or another legal form.

What is the first program I should apply for?

If food is tight, apply for SNAP first and ask about expedited service. Also apply for Medicaid or CHIP for the children and ask the TANF office about child-only TANF.

Will my Social Security count against the children?

It depends on the program. SNAP usually looks at household income and deductions. Child-only TANF may treat the caregiver’s income differently, but state rules vary. Medicaid and CHIP rules also vary by state.

Can I get paid for raising my grandchildren?

Sometimes. Child-only TANF may provide cash for the child. If the child is placed with you through the foster care system, kinship foster payments may be possible. Some states also have guardianship, adoption, or crisis programs.

Can I apply for more than one program at the same time?

Yes. Many families apply for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or CHIP, school meals, childcare help, and housing help at the same time. One approval may also help prove need for another program.

What if the benefits office says I make too much?

Ask if the worker screened the children for child-only TANF, Medicaid or CHIP, SNAP deductions, and any kinship caregiver rules. If you get a denial, ask for the reason in writing and appeal by the deadline.

Are private grants available for grandparents raising grandchildren?

Private grants are limited and local. Most real help comes from public benefits, state kinship programs, schools, housing agencies, charities, and legal aid. Be careful with websites that promise free money.

Where can I get help with paperwork?

Try 211, a kinship navigator, legal aid, the school social worker, a senior center, an Area Agency on Aging, or a Community Action Agency. Bring all notices and documents to the appointment.

Verification: Last verified May 6, 2026. Next review September 6, 2026.

Editorial note: This guide is produced using official government sources, local agency information, and trusted nonprofit resources. GrantsForSeniors.org is not connected with any government agency.

Corrections: Program rules can change. If you find an error, email info@grantsforseniors.org and we will review it.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax, medical, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Eligibility, payment amounts, waitlists, and application rules can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.

About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.