Grandparents raising grandchildren can apply for TANF child-only grants, SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits even if their own income is above the normal limit. The key rule: for child-only TANF, only the grandchild's income counts, not yours. This guide covers eligibility requirements, income limits for 2025 and 2026, and the exact steps to apply at your state's TANF office. Use our free benefits screener to check all programs you qualify for at once.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, roughly 2.7 million grandparents serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren without a parent present in the home. Whether the situation arose from parental substance abuse, incarceration, illness, or another reason, federal and state assistance programs have specific provisions designed for kinship caregivers.
What Is a TANF Child-Only Grant?
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) offers two pathways for grandparent caregivers. The first is a standard family grant that includes the caregiver in the benefit calculation. The second, and more commonly the right choice for grandparents, is a child-only grant.
With a child-only grant, only the grandchild's income and resources count toward eligibility. Your income as the grandparent does not factor into the calculation at all. This means grandparents who earn a working wage, collect Social Security, or have savings can still receive monthly cash assistance on behalf of their grandchildren.
Child-only grants are sometimes called "Non-Needy Caretaker" grants or "Kinship TANF" depending on the state. The monthly benefit amount reflects the child's needs, not the grandparent's financial situation.
Child-Only Grant vs. Caretaker Grant: Key Differences
| Factor | Child-Only Grant | Caretaker (Full Family) Grant |
|---|
| Grandparent income counted | No | Yes |
| Work requirements for grandparent | Not required | Required (exemptions available) |
| Monthly benefit amount | Lower (child only) | Higher (includes caretaker) |
| 60-month federal time limit | Does not apply to grandparent | Applies to caretaker |
| Legal custody required | No, in most states | No |
| Grandparent must meet income test | No | Yes |
The child-only grant is almost always the better starting point. You preserve long-term eligibility, face no work requirements, and your own income does not disqualify the household.
Who Qualifies for a Child-Only TANF Grant
To receive a child-only TANF grant as a grandparent, these conditions generally apply across most states:
- The grandchild lives in your home full-time
- Neither of the child's parents lives in the same household
- The child is a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
- The child is under 18 (or 19 if still in high school, in many states)
- The child's own income and assets fall below state limits (most children have none)
Because the grandparent's income is excluded from the eligibility determination, there is no income limit that applies to you personally for a child-only grant.
TANF Income Limits for Caretaker Grants
If you want to include yourself as a caretaker in the grant (not child-only), income limits apply. The table below shows monthly gross income limits used in Texas as a reference. Every state sets its own thresholds, so verify with your local office.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (TX Reference) | Approximate FPL % |
|---|
| 1 person | Less than $2,265 | ~200% FPL |
| 2 people | Less than $3,052 | ~200% FPL |
| 3 people | Less than $3,839 | ~200% FPL |
| 4 people | Less than $4,625 | ~200% FPL |
| 5 people | Less than $5,412 | ~200% FPL |
| Each additional person | Add approximately $747 | |
States like California, Washington, and New York tend to have more generous income limits. States including Texas, Georgia, and Mississippi use stricter eligibility rules.
For child-only grants, these thresholds do not apply to the grandparent's income.
Work Requirements for Grandparent Caregivers
A major advantage of the child-only grant is that work requirements do not apply. Standard TANF requires adults in the household to participate in work activities as a condition of receiving benefits. Child-only grants are exempt because the caregiver is not counted as a grant recipient.
If you apply for a caretaker grant that includes yourself, you may qualify for a work requirement exemption if you are:
- Age 65 or older
- Blind or have a documented disability
- Caring for a child under age one (in most states)
- A survivor of domestic violence with an active safety plan on file
How to Apply for TANF as a Grandparent: Step by Step
TANF is administered at the state level, so the process varies. These general steps apply in most states.
Step 1: Gather your documents.
You will need: the grandchild's birth certificate (proof of identity and age), proof of your relationship to the child (your birth certificate or the parent's birth certificate showing the connection), proof the child lives with you (school enrollment letter, medical records, or a signed statement), and the child's Social Security number. For a child-only application, you typically do not need to prove your own income, but bring recent pay stubs or bank statements in case the caseworker asks.
Step 2: Find your state's TANF office.
TANF is administered through your state's Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or Department of Family and Children Services. Search "[your state] TANF application" or call 211 for a local referral. Most states now allow online applications through their benefits portal.
Step 3: Submit your application.
Specify that you are applying for a child-only grant as a non-parent caretaker. This framing is critical. If the caseworker assumes you want a standard family grant, your application will go through a different eligibility process that counts your income. You can usually apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Step 4: Attend your eligibility interview.
Most states require a brief interview as part of the TANF process, either by phone or in person. Bring your documents. Be prepared to explain that you are the primary caregiver and confirm that neither parent lives in the home. If you cannot attend in person, ask about a phone interview option.
Step 5: Respond to any requests for additional documents.
Some states ask for court documents showing custody or guardianship. Others do not. If you are asked for something you do not have, ask the caseworker whether an informal caregiver statement or notarized declaration will suffice.
Step 6: Wait for your determination.
States are required to process TANF applications within 30 to 45 days in most cases. If approved, benefits typically begin the month of application or the following month and are loaded onto an EBT card. If denied, you have the right to appeal. Ask for the denial reason in writing.
Step 7: Renew your case on schedule.
TANF cases typically require renewal every 6 to 12 months. You will need to confirm the child still lives with you and that basic eligibility conditions are unchanged.
Other Benefits Available to Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
TANF is one piece of the picture. Most grandparent caregivers qualify for several programs simultaneously.
SNAP (Food Assistance)
SNAP eligibility is based on the gross income of your entire household relative to 130% of the federal poverty level. The 2025 gross income limits are listed below. Some states have expanded categorical eligibility that raises the gross limit to 200% FPL.
| Household Size | SNAP Gross Income Limit (Monthly, 2025) |
|---|
| 1 person | $1,580 |
| 2 people | $2,137 |
| 3 people | $2,694 |
| 4 people | $3,250 |
| 5 people | $3,807 |
| Each additional person | Add approximately $557 |
If you or another household member is age 60 or older or disabled, your household may qualify for higher deductions that reduce your countable income, potentially making you eligible even with a higher gross income.
Medicaid and CHIP for the Grandchildren
The grandchild's eligibility for Medicaid is determined based on the child's own income and household size, not the grandparent's income. In most states, grandchildren in kinship care qualify for Medicaid or CHIP regardless of the grandparent's earnings, as long as the child is not covered by other insurance.
Children under 19 typically qualify for Medicaid or CHIP in households with income up to 200% to 300% FPL depending on the state. You do not need legal guardianship or adoption to enroll a grandchild. Apply through your state Medicaid agency or at HealthCare.gov.
SSI for Grandchildren with Disabilities
If a grandchild has a qualifying disability, they may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A key rule for kinship households: the grandparent's income and assets generally do not "deem" to the child the way a parent's income would. Children in grandparent-headed households can sometimes qualify for SSI even when they would not qualify if living with a higher-earning biological parent.
Monthly SSI payments in 2025 are up to $943 for an eligible individual. Children receiving SSI also qualify automatically for Medicaid in most states.
Social Security Dependent and Survivor Benefits
Grandchildren may qualify for Social Security benefits in specific situations:
- Parent is deceased: Child may receive survivor benefits on the deceased parent's record
- Parent is disabled or retired: Child may receive dependent benefits on that parent's record
- Child has been adopted by grandparent: Child can receive dependent benefits on the grandparent's retirement or disability record
Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your specific situation.
Additional Programs Worth Checking
- LIHEAP: Helps pay heating and cooling bills. Most states set eligibility at 150% FPL. Apply through your state energy office.
- WIC: Nutrition assistance for children under age 5 in households below 185% FPL.
- Free and Reduced School Meals: Free at 130% FPL or below, reduced-price between 130% and 185% FPL.
- Lifeline: Discounted phone and internet. Qualify at 135% FPL or through SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid participation.
- Kinship Navigator Programs: Most states have free programs that connect grandparents to local support, respite care, and emergency funds. Search "[your state] kinship navigator" to find yours.
State-Specific Grandparent Programs
While this article covers the federal TANF framework, some states have added programs on top of it:
- Texas: One-time $1,000 Grandparent Grant for TANF kinship caregivers age 45 or older whose grandchild receives TANF benefits.
- Georgia: Specialized GRG (Grandparents Raising Grandchildren) TANF track with separate procedures. Emergency CRISP payments up to $2,000 for grandparents in crisis.
- Pennsylvania: Does not require kinship caregivers to cooperate with child support enforcement as a condition of TANF, removing a significant barrier.
- Washington: More generous income limits and additional state-funded kinship support on top of federal TANF.
Ask your caseworker about grandparent-specific programs when you apply. Many are not well publicized and workers may not mention them unless you ask directly.
Do You Need Legal Guardianship to Apply?
No. You can apply for TANF child-only grants, SNAP, Medicaid, and CHIP without being the legal guardian or having adopted the grandchild. Informal kinship arrangements qualify in most states.
That said, formal legal custody or guardianship can simplify the process and open access to additional benefits like Social Security dependent payments and potentially higher foster care assistance payments. If the arrangement looks long-term, consulting a family law attorney or legal aid organization about your options is worth doing. Legal aid services are typically free for low-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get TANF for my grandchild if I make too much money?
Yes, in most cases. The child-only TANF grant does not count the grandparent's income toward eligibility. Only the grandchild's own income and resources are considered, and most children have no income. Your earnings do not disqualify your grandchild from a child-only grant.
Does my grandchild need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?
The grandchild must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant to receive TANF. "Qualified immigrant" includes lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration categories. A grandchild born in the United States is a citizen automatically, regardless of the parents' immigration status.
How much money will I receive from a child-only TANF grant?
Benefit amounts vary by state and household size. Monthly child-only grants typically range from around $100 to $400 or more per child depending on the state. Your caseworker can tell you the specific amount for your state before you finalize your application.
Will getting TANF affect my Social Security or Medicare?
No. Receiving TANF child-only benefits on behalf of your grandchild does not affect your Social Security retirement benefits, SSDI, or Medicare. These are separate programs with separate eligibility rules.
What happens if one of the grandchild's parents moves back in?
You are required to report changes in household composition to your TANF office. If a parent moves in, the child-only grant may convert to a family grant with the parent's income counted, which could reduce or end benefits depending on that parent's earnings.
Can I apply for TANF and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. SNAP and TANF are separate programs and you can receive both at the same time. When you apply for TANF, ask the caseworker to screen you for SNAP and Medicaid in the same appointment.
Do I have to cooperate with child support enforcement?
For caretaker grants, states typically require naming the child's parents and cooperating with the state's efforts to collect child support. For child-only grants, some states waive this requirement. Ask your caseworker whether a child support cooperation requirement applies to your specific application.
Can I access benefits without going to court?
Yes. For TANF child-only grants, SNAP, Medicaid, and CHIP, you generally do not need a court order or formal legal custody. You typically need to show the child lives with you and that you are the responsible caregiver. Having legal guardianship makes the process smoother and expands available options but is not a prerequisite for the core programs.
The benefit system for grandparent caregivers has more flexibility than most people realize. Between child-only TANF grants, SNAP, Medicaid for the grandchildren, and kinship navigator programs, there are multiple paths to meaningful financial support. Use our free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to see a personalized list of programs you may qualify for based on your state, income, and household size.
