Kinship caregivers, meaning grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other relatives raising a child who is not their own, can access a range of federal and state government benefits. The most widely available programs include TANF child-only grants (which provide cash assistance based on the child's needs, often regardless of caregiver income), Medicaid or CHIP for the child's health coverage, SNAP for food assistance, and in some states, kinship guardianship assistance payments. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than 2.7 million children in the United States are currently being raised by older family members. Many of these caregivers are unaware of the benefits they qualify for. Use our free eligibility screener to check which programs your household may qualify for in minutes.
What Is Kinship Care?
Kinship care is any arrangement where a relative or close family friend raises a child instead of the child's parents. This can happen formally through the child welfare system or informally through a private family arrangement.
The distinction between formal and informal kinship care matters because it directly affects which benefits you can access:
| Type | How It Works | Typical Benefits Available |
|---|---|---|
| Informal kinship care | Family arrangement with no court or agency involvement | TANF child-only grants, SNAP, Medicaid/CHIP for child, WIC, school meals |
| Formal (licensed) kinship foster care | Child placed by child welfare agency; caregiver is licensed | Foster care payments, Medicaid for child, clothing allowances, respite care, training |
| Subsidized guardianship | Caregiver obtains legal guardianship after foster care placement | Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) payments, Medicaid for child |
Informal kinship caregivers make up the vast majority of kinship arrangements but typically receive far less financial support than licensed foster parents. A licensed kinship foster parent might receive $500 to $900 or more per month per child depending on the state, while an informal caregiver relying on a TANF child-only grant might receive $100 to $400 per month.
What Is a TANF Child-Only Grant?
A TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) child-only grant is one of the most important benefits for kinship caregivers. Here is how it works:
- The grant covers only the child's needs, not the caregiver's
- In most states, the caregiver's income is not counted when determining eligibility
- The child must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- The caregiver must be a relative (defined differently by each state)
Because the caregiver's income typically does not factor in, even middle-income grandparents or relatives can qualify for a child-only TANF grant. This makes it one of the most accessible benefits for kinship families.
TANF Child-Only Grant: Estimated Monthly Amounts by Household Size
These amounts vary significantly by state. The figures below represent approximate ranges across states:
| Number of Children | Approximate Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $100 to $400 |
| 2 children | $175 to $600 |
| 3 children | $225 to $750 |
| 4 children | $275 to $900 |
Contact your state's TANF office or use our eligibility screener to find the exact amount in your state.
Some states also offer supplemental kinship payments on top of standard TANF. For example, Texas provides a one-time $1,000 supplement to qualifying relative caregivers who are grandparents, aunts, uncles, or siblings and meet income and age requirements.
What Is Kinship Guardianship Assistance (Title IV-E GAP)?
The Title IV-E Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) provides monthly payments to relative caregivers who become legal guardians of children previously in foster care. As of 2025, 58 Title IV-E agencies across the country have approved plans for this program.
To qualify for GAP payments, the following conditions generally must be met:
- The child was removed from their home and placed in foster care
- The child lived with the relative foster parent for at least six consecutive months
- Reunification and adoption were ruled out as permanency options
- The relative caregiver agrees to a binding guardianship assistance agreement
GAP payments are typically equivalent to foster care maintenance payments, which in many states range from approximately $400 to $900 per month per child. The exact amount depends on the child's age, needs, and state payment rates.
How Do Kinship Caregivers Qualify for Medicaid and CHIP?
Children in kinship care are frequently eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which together cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, dental care, and mental health services at little or no cost.
Key points for kinship caregivers:
- Children receiving TANF are typically automatically eligible for Medicaid
- Children in foster care receive Medicaid in all states
- Children in GAP arrangements usually continue receiving Medicaid
- Children in informal kinship care can apply for Medicaid or CHIP based on household income; in most cases, only the child's income counts if the caregiver is not a legal parent or guardian
In Medicaid expansion states, children in households with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) generally qualify. CHIP covers children in families with income too high for Medicaid but below roughly 200% to 300% of FPL, depending on the state.
2025 Federal Poverty Level Reference (48 Contiguous States)
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $21,597 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $29,187 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $36,777 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $44,367 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $51,957 | $75,300 |
These figures are updated annually. Check our eligibility screener for current thresholds.
Can Kinship Caregivers Get SNAP (Food Stamps)?
Yes. Kinship caregivers can apply for SNAP benefits to help cover food costs for their household. SNAP eligibility is based on overall household income and size, meaning the caregiver's income will typically be counted.
However, there are important considerations:
- If you apply for SNAP at the same time as a TANF child-only grant, you will be asked about your income for SNAP purposes even though your income may not matter for the TANF grant
- Many states allow separate SNAP applications for the child if the child's food is purchased and prepared separately
- SNAP maximum monthly allotments for fiscal year 2025 range from $292 for a one-person household to $1,756 for a household of eight
Check your household's SNAP eligibility with our free screener.
What Other Benefits Are Available to Kinship Caregivers?
Beyond TANF, Medicaid, and SNAP, kinship caregivers may qualify for several additional programs:
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
If you are caring for a child under age 5 or are pregnant, you may qualify for WIC, which provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals. Income limits are generally set at 185% of FPL.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Helps cover heating and cooling costs. Kinship households with limited income may qualify, especially during winter months. Income limits vary by state but typically fall between 150% and 200% of FPL.
Lifeline Program
Provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. Households receiving TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI automatically qualify.
Free and Reduced School Meals
Children in households receiving SNAP or TANF are automatically eligible. Other kinship families can apply based on income.
Childcare Assistance
Many states offer subsidized childcare for kinship caregivers who are working or attending school. Contact your state's childcare subsidy office or check our screener for details.
Kinship Navigator Programs
Funded under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, kinship navigator programs help connect caregivers to available services and benefits. These programs exist in many states and can serve as a one-stop resource for finding local support. Visit the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network for a directory of programs by state.
How to Apply for Kinship Caregiver Benefits: Step by Step
Navigating the application process can feel overwhelming. Here is a clear path forward:
Step 1: Determine your kinship care type. Are you caring for the child informally (no court involvement), through the foster care system, or under a legal guardianship? This determines which programs to prioritize.
Step 2: Check your eligibility. Use our free eligibility screener to get a quick picture of which federal and state programs your household may qualify for.
Step 3: Gather documentation. You will typically need:
- Proof of your relationship to the child
- The child's birth certificate and Social Security number
- Proof of household income
- Proof of residence
- Any court orders related to custody or guardianship
Step 4: Apply for TANF child-only grant first. Visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) or apply online through your state's benefits portal. Specify that you are applying for a child-only grant as a non-parent relative caregiver.
Step 5: Apply for Medicaid/CHIP. This can often be done at the same time as your TANF application. Many states auto-enroll TANF recipients in Medicaid.
Step 6: Apply for SNAP. Submit a SNAP application through your state's benefits portal or at your local DSS office.
Step 7: Explore additional programs. Once your core benefits are in place, look into WIC, LIHEAP, school meals, childcare assistance, and kinship navigator programs in your state.
Step 8: Consider becoming a licensed kinship foster parent. If the child was placed through the child welfare system, becoming licensed can significantly increase the financial support available to you.
How Much Financial Support Can Kinship Caregivers Receive Total?
The total amount depends on your state, care arrangement, and household circumstances. Here is a rough breakdown of what a kinship caregiver household with two children might receive by combining multiple programs:
| Program | Estimated Monthly Value |
|---|---|
| TANF child-only grant | $150 to $500 |
| SNAP | $400 to $800 |
| Medicaid (value of coverage) | $300 to $600 per child |
| LIHEAP (seasonal) | $50 to $200 |
| Lifeline | Up to $9.25 |
| School meals (value) | $100 to $200 per child |
| Approximate combined value | $1,000 to $2,500+ |
Licensed kinship foster parents may receive an additional $400 to $900 per child per month on top of these benefits. Actual amounts vary by state and circumstance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinship Caregiver Benefits
Do I need legal custody to get benefits for a child I am raising?
Not always. You do not need legal custody to apply for a TANF child-only grant in most states, and you can apply for Medicaid and SNAP on behalf of a child living in your home. However, having legal custody or guardianship can make the process easier and open up additional benefits like guardianship assistance payments.
Does my income affect the child's TANF eligibility?
For child-only TANF grants, most states do not count the caregiver's income. Only the child's income (which is usually zero) is considered. This is one of the biggest advantages of the child-only grant structure for kinship caregivers.
Can I get foster care payments as a relative caregiver?
Yes, but only if you become a licensed foster parent through your state's child welfare agency. This requires completing training, passing home inspections, and meeting other state-specific requirements. The payments are typically higher than TANF grants.
What if I am not a blood relative of the child?
Some states have expanded their definition of "kinship" to include fictive kin, meaning close family friends or people with a significant relationship to the child even if they are not related by blood. Check your state's specific rules, as eligibility for some programs may be limited to legal relatives.
Can kinship caregivers get Social Security benefits for the child?
If the child's parent is deceased, disabled, or retired and receiving Social Security, the child may be eligible for Social Security dependent or survivor benefits. These payments go directly toward the child's support and do not depend on the caregiver's income.
Where can I find kinship caregiver support in my state?
Start with your state's Department of Social Services or Department of Children and Family Services. You can also contact the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network or call 211 for local referrals. Our eligibility screener can also help you identify programs available in your state.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Eligibility for government benefits depends on your specific circumstances and state rules. Use our free eligibility screener to check which programs you may qualify for.
