While it may not be common all around the country, there are many grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. In fact, it is estimated that over 2 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren, for one reason or another. This can be a costly burden for those who may be living on a fixed income not have the additional funds to adequately provide for their grandchildren. The good news is that there are programs offering assistance for grandparents raising grandchildren.
There are many reasons why grandparents may be the ones caring for their grandchildren. The reason why they are in this type of arrangement is not of concern. What is, is that they have the resources they need to meet the basic needs of everyone in the home. The grandparents and the grandchildren need their basic needs to be met. Those who are on a fixed income may need to turn to assistance programs to help ensure that happens.
The assistance programs that are offered are made possible through the federal and state government, as well as some organizations that do outreach work to help those in the community who need it. The programs aim to help ensure that the needs of the children are met, so that they get the best possible start in life. It’s crucial that grandparents know where to turn for the assistance.
Programs Offering Assistance for Grandparents
Below you will find a list of programs that grandparents can turn to for assistance in providing for their grandchildren who they are raising. There is no limit to the number or programs you can apply for or get assistance from, so be sure to apply for all those you feel qualified for or that seem like a good fit for your situation. The more programs you apply for, the better position you will be in to get the assistance needed.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – To get help with food to raise the grandchildren, grandparents can apply for assistance through this program. SNAP, which used to be called food stamps, is a federally funded program that ensures that people do not go hungry in the country. Those who are approved for SNAP will receive a debit-style card that they can use to pay for their groceries at the store and some farmers markets. There is no limit to how long you can get help through this program. It is open to everyone in the country who has a low income and is a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Grandparents who need cash assistance to help with raising their grandchildren can turn to the TANF program. This federally funded program provides a monthly cash benefit, for up to five years, for those who qualify. The cash received can be used for a wide variety of living expenses, including paying for housing, clothing, food, transportation, etc. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide assistance paying for home energy bills. To qualify, grandparents will need to show that they have a low income and they are the ones responsible for paying the bill. Those approved for the assistance will have their bill paid for directly by the program, and your account will be credited. To get more information and apply, click here.
Childcare Scholarships – There are scholarships and programs that will help pay for childcare services. You can use the government ChildCare database to find the programs in your area that may be a good fit. To use the database, click here.
Head Start and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten – Many states offer two programs that provide educational childcare prior to children starting kindergarten. The programs are called Head Start and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten. These programs provide free educational childcare for all children in the state. The programs are for those under the age of five. It will pay for the child to have childcare services, which are often set up like a school setting, where children will start learning things that will help them when they officially start kindergarten. Check with your state to see if Head Start and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten are offered.
Legal Help – Grandparents who need legal assistance for raising their grandchildren should contact their state bar. The organization should be able to provide information about any pro bono, or free, custody attorneys in your area. Many grandparents may need to seek legal custody of their grandchildren in order to get assistance to raise them. There are attorneys who provide their services for free for some people, and the state bar will help you locate them.
Counseling Services – There are grandparents who may need counseling services for their grandchildren, to help them with emotional or behavioral issues. To find free counseling services, contact counselors and therapists in your area to inquire about a sliding scale fee or to see if they offer free services for your type of situation. They may have a program that can be of assistance.
Salvation Army – This organization can be a good resource for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. They can help with providing free food, clothing, counseling, and a range of other helpful services. They have locations around the country. To find one near you, click here.
Child Tax Credit – Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren may be able to claim their grandchild as a dependent on their taxes. This entitles them to take the Child Tax Credit, which will provide some financial assistance from the federal government. To get more information from the Internal Revenue Service, click here.
211 – This is a number that you can call to get referrals to places and programs that can help with your unique situation. The free referral is provided by the United Way organization and is available to everyone who needs assistance, anywhere in the country. To get more information about the program, click here.