Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Benefits and Support Programs
Millions of grandparents across the United States are stepping in to raise their grandchildren when parents are unable to do so. Whether the circumstances involve substance abuse, incarceration, military deployment, illness, or death, grandparents who take on this role face unique emotional, financial, and legal challenges. The good news is that there are numerous benefits and support programs specifically designed to help grandparents and other relative caregivers provide stable, loving homes for the children in their care.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 2.5 million grandparents are responsible for the basic needs of one or more grandchildren living with them. Many of these grandparents are on fixed incomes and never anticipated the financial demands of raising children again. Understanding what assistance is available can make a tremendous difference in your ability to provide for your grandchildren while also taking care of yourself.
Financial Assistance Programs
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). TANF provides cash assistance to low-income families, and grandparents raising grandchildren may qualify. In many states, you can apply for a child-only TANF grant, which provides a monthly cash benefit based on the needs of the child without considering the grandparent’s income. This means you may qualify even if you have retirement income or Social Security benefits. Contact your local Department of Social Services or visit benefits.gov to learn about TANF in your state.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If your household income is limited, you may qualify for SNAP benefits to help with groceries. When you are raising grandchildren, their presence in your household is considered when determining your benefit amount, which can significantly increase the assistance you receive. Apply through your state’s SNAP office or at your local Department of Social Services.
Social Security Benefits for Grandchildren. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your grandchildren may be eligible for dependent benefits on your record. The child must be your biological or legally adopted grandchild, their parents must be deceased or disabled, and the child must have been living with you before they turned 18. Contact your local Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 to determine eligibility.
Subsidized guardianship or kinship care payments. Many states have kinship care programs that provide monthly financial assistance to relatives caring for children who would otherwise be in foster care. Some states offer subsidized guardianship payments that can be comparable to foster care payments. These programs vary significantly by state, so contact your local child welfare agency to learn what is available in your area.
Health Insurance for Your Grandchildren
Every child deserves health coverage, and grandparents raising grandchildren have several options for ensuring their grandchildren are insured. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide free or low-cost health coverage for children in families with limited incomes. In most states, the child’s eligibility is based on household income, and many grandparent-headed households qualify.
If you have employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be able to add your grandchildren to your plan, though this can depend on your legal relationship with the child. If you have legal custody or guardianship, adding them is typically straightforward. Some plans may also cover grandchildren who live with you even without formal custody arrangements.
If the children were previously in foster care, they may be eligible for Medicaid until age 26, regardless of your income. Check with your state’s Medicaid office to determine the specific programs available to your grandchildren.
Legal Considerations and Options
One of the most important steps you can take as a grandparent raising grandchildren is establishing a legal relationship with the children. Without legal authority, you may face difficulties enrolling children in school, authorizing medical treatment, and accessing benefits on their behalf.
There are several levels of legal arrangements to consider. A power of attorney is the simplest option and gives you authority to make decisions on behalf of the child while the parents retain their parental rights. Legal custody or guardianship provides more comprehensive authority and is granted by a court. Adoption permanently transfers parental rights to you but may eliminate the child’s eligibility for certain benefits tied to their birth parents.
Many communities have free legal aid services that help grandparents navigate the legal process. Contact your local legal aid society, area agency on aging, or bar association to find free or low-cost legal assistance. Some organizations specialize specifically in kinship legal issues.
Education and Childcare Support
Enrolling your grandchildren in school should not require lengthy legal battles. The McKinney-Vento Act and other federal laws provide protections for children in unstable housing situations, and many states have enacted enrollment laws that allow relative caregivers to enroll children in school with minimal documentation.
If you need childcare for younger grandchildren, you may qualify for childcare assistance through your state’s childcare subsidy program. These programs help cover the cost of daycare, preschool, or before and after school care for low-income families. Head Start and Early Head Start programs also provide free preschool education for eligible children ages 3 to 5, with some programs serving infants and toddlers.
Free and reduced-price school meals are available for children whose households meet income guidelines. Complete the application through your grandchild’s school at the beginning of each school year. Many schools also participate in backpack programs that send food home with children on weekends.
Emotional Support and Community Resources
Raising grandchildren can be emotionally exhausting, especially when you are grieving the circumstances that led to this arrangement. Finding emotional support is just as important as finding financial assistance. Many communities have support groups specifically for grandparents and other kinship caregivers. These groups provide a safe space to share experiences, exchange advice, and form friendships with people who understand your unique situation.
The AARP GrandFamilies Guide at aarp.org/grandparents provides comprehensive information about programs and resources in every state. Generations United at gu.org also maintains extensive resources for grandfamilies, including a state-by-state resource guide and information about policy developments that affect relative caregivers.
Your local Area Agency on Aging, reachable by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116, can connect you with services in your community. Many Area Agencies on Aging run specific programs for grandparents raising grandchildren, including support groups, respite care, legal referrals, and emergency financial assistance.
Taking Care of Yourself
While your focus is naturally on your grandchildren, taking care of your own health and well-being is essential. The stress of parenting a second time around can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Make sure you are keeping up with your own medical appointments, getting adequate rest, and asking for help when you need it.
Respite care programs can provide temporary relief by arranging for someone else to care for your grandchildren while you rest, attend appointments, or simply take a break. Many states fund respite care programs through their Area Agencies on Aging or child welfare departments.
You are doing something extraordinary by providing a safe, loving home for your grandchildren. You do not have to do it alone. Reach out to the programs and resources described here, and do not hesitate to ask for help. The support exists because communities recognize the invaluable role grandparents like you play in keeping families together.
