In most states, benefits and support services can be found on your state government website. If you have difficulty finding the information on-line email me at kinkids@kinshipcarekids.com and I will try to assist you.
Some of the benefits and support service available to kinship/relative caregivers are :
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
TANF provides assistance to families with very low incomes. It Is the only option available to Kinship/Relative Care providers who are raising children outside of the formal foster care system. Each state determines the income eligibility for its TANF program and the amount of assistance to be provided to families. There are two basic types of grants a Kinship/relative caregiver can receive under TANF.
Child Only Grant
- Are typically quite small and may not sufficiently meet the needs of the child.
- Typically considers only the needs and income of the child when determining eligibility
- Provides only for the child’s needs
- Are applicable to almost all Kinship/relative caregivers. Because few children have income of their own, almost all Kinship/relative caregivers can receive a child-only grant on behalf of the children in their care
Family Grant
- Are usually larger than child-only grants
- Considers the Kinship/relative caregiver’s and the child’s income when determining eligibility (States can exempt relatives caregivers from the family grant requirements and many do, but some do not)
- Imposes 60-month time limit and work requirements
- Intended to provide funding for the needs of the child and the caregiver
- May not be appropriate for retired relative caregivers or for caregivers who will need assistance for more than 60 months
This benefit is available in most states!! Contact your local Agency of Human Services office for more information.
Child Care Financial Assistance
Child care financial assistance (also known as child care subsidy) is a payment that helps eligible families with the cost of child care. Payments are made directly to child care providers. In most states this is a benefit available to Kinship/Relative Caregivers regardless of employment status.
In some instances, further documentation of an "eligible need" has been required such as documentation of a special need from a doctor, school psychologist, mental health provider and any other service provider involved with the child.
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