Yes, grandparents raising grandchildren can access a wide range of extra government benefits. More than 2.5 million children in the United States are being raised primarily by grandparents or other relatives, and federal and state programs exist specifically to help these "grandfamilies." Depending on income and household size, grandparent caregivers may qualify for TANF child-only grants, SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid or CHIP for the children, LIHEAP energy assistance, free school meals, and valuable tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Check your eligibility for all programs in minutes with our free screener.
What Programs Are Available for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren?
Grandparent caregivers can tap into both federal benefit programs and state-level kinship care supports. The table below summarizes the major programs available nationwide.
| Program | What It Provides | Who Qualifies | Typical Monthly Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| TANF Child-Only Grant | Cash assistance for the child | Grandchild in home, grandparent income often excluded | $100 to $400 per child (varies by state) |
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Monthly food benefits | Based on household income below 130% FPL | $200 to $700+ depending on household size |
| Medicaid / CHIP | Health coverage for grandchildren | Children in low to moderate income households | Full medical, dental, vision coverage |
| LIHEAP | Help paying heating and cooling bills | Income at or below 150% FPL (varies by state) | $200 to $1,000+ per year |
| WIC | Nutrition assistance for children under 5 | Income at or below 185% FPL | $50 to $75 per month in food benefits |
| Free School Meals | Free breakfast and lunch | Income at or below 130% FPL (free) or 185% FPL (reduced) | Up to $4,000+ per child per school year |
| Child Tax Credit | Tax credit per qualifying child | Filing a tax return with qualifying child | Up to $2,000 per child per year |
| EITC | Refundable tax credit for working families | Earned income within limits, qualifying child | Up to $7,830 for 3+ children (2026 estimate) |
| SSI | Monthly cash for disabled children | Child with qualifying disability, limited income | Up to approximately $943 per month |
| Lifeline | Discount on phone or internet service | Income at or below 135% FPL or enrolled in qualifying program | $9.25 per month discount |
What Is a TANF Child-Only Grant and How Does It Work?
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) child-only grants are one of the most important benefits for grandparent caregivers. Unlike regular TANF, child-only grants provide cash assistance based on the child's needs without counting the grandparent's income or assets in most states. This means grandparents who might have Social Security income, a pension, or even a job can still receive a TANF grant for the grandchild.
Key facts about TANF child-only grants:
- The grant goes to the child, not the grandparent caregiver
- Grandparent income is typically excluded from eligibility calculations
- No work requirements apply to the grandparent in most states
- Monthly amounts range from roughly $100 to $400 per child depending on the state
- Some states offer higher "kinship care" rates than standard child-only TANF
To apply, contact your local Department of Social Services or TANF office and specifically ask about child-only grants for kinship caregivers.
What Are the Income Limits for Grandparent Caregiver Benefits?
Income limits vary by program and household size. The table below shows the 2025-2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines used by most programs. Many programs set their cutoffs as a percentage of FPL.
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 130% FPL (SNAP/Free Meals) | 150% FPL (LIHEAP) | 185% FPL (WIC/Reduced Meals) | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $20,345 | $23,475 | $28,953 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $27,495 | $31,725 | $39,128 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $34,645 | $39,975 | $49,303 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $41,795 | $48,225 | $59,478 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $48,945 | $56,475 | $69,653 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $56,095 | $64,725 | $79,828 | $86,300 |
Important note for grandparent caregivers: For TANF child-only grants, your income as the grandparent is typically not counted. For SNAP and Medicaid, the rules about whose income counts depend on whether you are the legal guardian, foster parent, or informal caregiver. In many cases, children living with grandparents can qualify for Medicaid and CHIP even if the grandparent's income is above these thresholds, because only the child's income (if any) is counted.
Use our free screener to check which programs your household qualifies for.
How Do Grandparents Apply for Benefits for Grandchildren?
Step 1: Determine Your Legal Relationship
Your legal status with the grandchild affects which benefits you can access and how income is counted.
- Informal caregiver (no legal custody): You may still qualify for many programs, but some require documentation showing the child lives with you
- Legal guardian or custodian: Opens access to more benefits and simplifies applications
- Licensed foster parent (through kinship foster care): Provides the highest level of financial support, including foster care payments
- Adoptive parent: Qualifies you for adoption assistance subsidies and all standard parental benefits
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Most benefit applications require:
- Your photo ID and Social Security number
- The grandchild's birth certificate and Social Security number
- Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statements)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease)
- Documentation of your relationship to the child (birth certificates, court orders, school enrollment records)
- Any existing benefit award letters
Step 3: Apply for Multiple Programs at Once
Many states allow you to apply for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid through a single application at your local Department of Social Services. You can also:
- Apply for SNAP and Medicaid online through your state's benefits portal
- Apply for LIHEAP through your local Community Action Agency
- Apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic
- Enroll children in free school meals through the school district
- File your tax return to claim the Child Tax Credit and EITC
Step 4: Contact Your Local Area Agency on Aging
Area Agencies on Aging often have dedicated kinship care navigators who can help grandparent caregivers find and apply for all available programs. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find your local agency.
Step 5: Check for State-Specific Kinship Programs
Many states offer additional supports beyond federal programs:
- Kinship navigator programs that connect you with local resources
- Respite care services
- Support groups for grandparent caregivers
- Legal assistance for obtaining custody or guardianship
- Subsidized guardianship payments
Do Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Qualify for Medicaid?
The grandchildren almost always qualify for Medicaid or CHIP regardless of the grandparent's income. Children's Medicaid eligibility is based on the child's own income and the income of their parents (not grandparent caregivers). In most states, children in households with income up to 200% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
If the grandparent has legal custody but is not the biological or adoptive parent, many states will evaluate the child's eligibility based on the child's income alone, which is usually zero. This means most grandchildren being raised by grandparents will qualify for Medicaid.
Grandparents themselves may also qualify for Medicaid if their income is low enough, particularly in the 40 states (plus Washington, D.C.) that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
Can Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Get SNAP (Food Stamps)?
Yes. When a grandchild lives with a grandparent, the household can apply for SNAP benefits. How income is counted depends on the living arrangement:
- If the grandchild is under 18 and lives with the grandparent, they are generally considered part of the same SNAP household
- The combined household income must fall below 130% of FPL for gross income (or 200% in states with expanded eligibility)
- Standard deductions, shelter costs, and dependent care costs reduce countable income
For a grandparent living on Social Security with one grandchild, the gross income limit for a two-person household is approximately $27,495 per year. Many grandparent-headed households qualify for substantial SNAP benefits.
What Tax Credits Can Grandparents Claim for Grandchildren?
Grandparents raising grandchildren can claim valuable tax credits that significantly reduce their tax burden or provide cash refunds.
Child Tax Credit (CTC): If the grandchild is under 17, lived with you for more than half the year, and you provide more than half their support, you can claim up to $2,000 per child. A portion of this credit is refundable even if you owe no taxes.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): If you have earned income (from work, not Social Security alone), you may qualify for the EITC. With one qualifying grandchild, the maximum EITC is approximately $4,213. With two grandchildren, it rises to roughly $6,960. With three or more, the maximum reaches approximately $7,830.
Child and Dependent Care Credit: If you pay for childcare so you can work, you may claim this credit for expenses up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more.
Head of Household filing status: Grandparents who maintain a home for a qualifying grandchild may file as Head of Household, which provides a larger standard deduction and lower tax rates than filing as Single.
Are There Special Programs for Kinship Caregivers?
Yes. The federal government and many states have created programs specifically for kinship caregivers (relatives raising children who are not their own biological children).
Federal programs for kinship caregivers:
- Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Programs: Funded by the Family First Prevention Services Act, these programs help kinship caregivers find and access benefits and services
- Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP): Provides ongoing payments to relatives who become legal guardians of children formerly in foster care
- National Family Caregiver Support Program: Through the Older Americans Act, this program provides respite care, supplemental services, and caregiver support to grandparents age 55 and older raising grandchildren
State kinship care programs vary widely but may include:
- Monthly kinship care stipends (often $200 to $500 per child)
- One-time emergency assistance for clothing, furniture, or school supplies
- Subsidized legal services for guardianship proceedings
- Priority access to childcare subsidies
- Kinship foster care licensing with higher payment rates
Comparison: Informal Caregiver vs. Legal Guardian vs. Foster Parent Benefits
| Benefit Type | Informal Caregiver | Legal Guardian | Kinship Foster Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| TANF Child-Only Grant | Yes (most states) | Yes | Usually not needed |
| SNAP | Yes (as household) | Yes | Yes |
| Medicaid for Child | Yes | Yes | Yes (automatic) |
| Foster Care Payments | No | No | Yes ($500 to $1,000+/month) |
| Kinship GAP Payments | No | Yes (if child was in foster care) | Transitions to GAP |
| Child Tax Credit | Yes (if requirements met) | Yes | Yes |
| Childcare Subsidies | Varies | Yes (priority in some states) | Yes (priority) |
| Respite Care | Limited | Yes (some programs) | Yes |
| Legal Aid for Custody | Varies | N/A (already have custody) | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get benefits for my grandchild without legal custody?
Yes. Many programs, including TANF child-only grants, SNAP, Medicaid, and school meals, do not require legal custody. You generally need to show that the child lives with you, which can be demonstrated through school enrollment records, a letter from a doctor, or a signed statement from the child's parent.
Will my Social Security income affect my grandchild's benefits?
For TANF child-only grants, your Social Security income is typically not counted. For Medicaid and CHIP, only the child's income matters when you are not the child's parent. For SNAP, your Social Security income will be counted as part of household income, but Social Security recipients often still qualify, especially with deductions for shelter costs and medical expenses (if age 60 or older).
How do I find kinship care resources in my state?
Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also contact the Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network (run by Generations United) for state-specific resource guides.
Can I claim my grandchild as a dependent on my taxes?
Yes, if the grandchild lived with you for more than half the year, is under 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student), and did not provide more than half of their own support. You do not need legal custody to claim a grandchild as a dependent for tax purposes.
What if the grandchild has a disability?
Children with disabilities may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides up to approximately $943 per month. They may also qualify for Medicaid automatically in most states. Additionally, school-based services through an IEP (Individualized Education Program) and state developmental disability services may be available at no cost.
How much total assistance can a grandparent raising grandchildren receive?
The combined value of all available programs can be significant. A grandparent raising two grandchildren might receive:
| Program | Estimated Annual Value |
|---|---|
| TANF Child-Only (2 children) | $2,400 to $9,600 |
| SNAP | $3,600 to $8,400 |
| Medicaid (2 children) | $5,000 to $10,000 in coverage value |
| Child Tax Credit (2 children) | Up to $4,000 |
| EITC (if working) | Up to $6,960 |
| Free School Meals (2 children) | Up to $8,000 |
| LIHEAP | $200 to $1,000 |
| Estimated Total | $19,200 to $47,960 per year |
These are estimates and actual amounts vary by state, income, and household circumstances.
Next Steps: Find Out What You Qualify For
Every family's situation is different. The fastest way to find out which benefits you and your grandchildren may be eligible for is to use our free benefits screener. It takes just a few minutes, checks eligibility for 11 or more programs at once, and gives you a personalized report with next steps.
You can also:
- Call 211 for local referrals to social services
- Contact your local Department of Social Services
- Reach out to the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116
- Ask about kinship navigator programs in your state
Raising grandchildren is both rewarding and challenging. You deserve every bit of help that is available to you, and these programs exist to make sure the children in your care have what they need to thrive.
