Financial resources for grandparents

Returning to parenthood can be financially challenging. If you're raising your grandchildren, consider the following resources:

Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
To qualify for AFDC benefits, a child must be deprived of parental support, live with a relative and demonstrate financial need. As a grandparent, your income and assets cannot be taken into consideration or affect your grandchild's application. AFDC benefits include a monthly cash allowance which varies from state to state, medical assistance and, sometimes, food stamps. For more information on AFDC or to apply for benefits, contact your local, county or state welfare office.

Federal foster care benefits
Federal foster care benefits -- known in some states as Youakim (pronounced "yo-kim") or relative or family foster care benefits -- are available when a child is placed with a relative. To qualify, a child must be a dependent of the court, qualify for AFDC and live with a court-approved relative. Benefits vary from state to state, but typically include a monthly cash allowance, medical care through Medicaid and a variety of additional social services. For more information on federal foster care benefits or to apply for benefits, consult the social service worker assigned to your grandchild's case.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income is a federal cash assistance program for people who are destitute, blind or disabled. Although eligibility requirements vary from state to state, generally a child must demonstrate financial need and have a physical or mental disability severe enough to prevent the caregiver from working outside the home. As a grandparent, your income and assets cannot be taken into consideration or affect your grandchild's application. Benefits, which also vary from state to state, typically include a monthly cash allowance and medical care through Medicaid and Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN). For more information on SSI or to apply for benefits, contact the Social Security Administration.

Social Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security Survivor Benefits are available to a child when a parent dies. Because the deceased parent's earning history is the only information considered, the Social Security Administration estimates that 98 percent of children who lose a parent who worked outside the home will qualify. The monthly cash benefit is based on the lifetime earnings of the deceased parent. For more information on Social Security Survivor Benefits or to apply for benefits, contact the Social Security Administration.

Adoption Assistance Program (AAP)
The Adoption Assistance Program is a federal cash assistance program for children whose adoption may depend on financial aid, often children who have special needs. Each state defines its own special needs eligibility requirements. The child may also need to meet certain financial requirements. Benefits include a monthly cash payment, medical assistance and, sometimes, additional social services. A one-time payment to help with adoption expenses may also be available. For more information on AAP, contact the adoption agency who's handling your grandchild's adoption procedure. A legal document called the Adoption Assistance Agreement will be negotiated between the adoptive parents and the county or state adoption agency.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families offers financial help to families who have low incomes. Although the program is funded by the federal government, the funds are administered by the individual states. Rules may vary from state to state. For example, TANF may offer support to the child only, or the adult may be the one to receive support. To learn more about TANF, contact local family advocates, social service or government agencies.


Other resources for health care and nutrition assistance
Each of the following programs are based on financial need:
Medicaid is a health care program for people with low incomes. Details vary from state to state. For more information, contact your local Medicaid office.

Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) is a part of the Medicaid program designed specifically to meet the needs of children. EPSDT includes prevention and screening programs. For more information, contact your local Medicaid office.

Food stamps are special coupons that can be used to purchase food. Eligibility is determined by household income, rather than the income of an individual person. For more information, contact your local, county or state welfare agency.

Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition, education and food program for low-income mothers who have at least one child under age 5 who has specific health risks. WIC involves routine nutritional assessment and education with the benefit of monthly vouchers, which can be exchanged for certain healthy foods. For more information, contact your county health or welfare office or your state social services department.