Grandparents raising grandchildren can access a wide range of federal and state benefits, including TANF child-only cash grants, SNAP food assistance, Medicaid or CHIP health coverage for the children, and Social Security dependent benefits. Many of these programs have special rules for kinship caregivers that make it easier to qualify, and in some cases, the grandparent's own income is not counted toward eligibility. Use our free benefits screener to check which programs your household qualifies for in minutes.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, millions of grandparents across the country serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Whether you stepped in due to a family crisis, parental substance abuse, military deployment, or another reason, understanding which benefits are available can make a significant difference in your household budget.
What Is Child-Only TANF and Why Does It Matter for Grandparents?
Child-only TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is the single most important benefit for grandparents raising grandchildren. Unlike regular TANF, child-only grants consider only the child's income and needs, not the grandparent's income. This means you can work full time, collect Social Security, or have savings and still qualify.
Key features of child-only TANF:
- The grandparent's income is not counted when determining eligibility
- There are no work requirements for the grandparent caregiver
- There are no time limits on benefits (unlike regular TANF, which has a 60-month federal limit)
- Legal custody or guardianship is helpful but not always required (rules vary by state)
Monthly payment amounts vary widely by state and depend on the number of children in the household. Contact your local TANF office or use our screener to find your state's specific amounts and requirements.
What Benefits Can Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Get?
The table below summarizes the major federal programs available to grandparent-headed households. Eligibility rules and benefit amounts vary by state.
| Program | What It Provides | Income Limit (General Guideline) | Grandparent's Income Counted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child-Only TANF | Monthly cash assistance | Varies by state | No (child's income only) |
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Monthly food benefits via EBT card | 130% of FPL (gross) | Yes, but deductions may apply |
| Medicaid / CHIP | Free or low-cost health insurance for children | Up to 200% to 300%+ FPL depending on state | Only child's income for child-only Medicaid |
| WIC | Nutrition assistance for children under 5 | 185% of FPL | Yes |
| LIHEAP | Help with heating and cooling bills | Typically 150% of FPL | Yes |
| Social Security (Dependent) | Monthly benefits for grandchildren | Based on grandparent's work record | N/A |
| Lifeline | Discounted phone and internet service | 135% of FPL or program participation | Yes |
| School Meals | Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch | 130% FPL (free) / 185% FPL (reduced) | Yes |
What Are the 2026 Federal Poverty Level Income Limits?
Many benefit programs use the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as a baseline for eligibility. The 2026 FPL guidelines for the 48 contiguous states are shown below. Alaska and Hawaii have higher thresholds.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 130% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $20,748 | $23,940 | $31,920 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $28,132 | $32,460 | $43,280 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $35,516 | $40,980 | $54,640 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $42,900 | $49,500 | $66,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $50,284 | $58,020 | $77,360 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $57,668 | $66,540 | $88,720 |
| Each additional person | +$5,680 | +$7,384 | +$8,520 | +$11,360 |
Source: HHS 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, effective January 14, 2026.
How to count your household size: For most programs, your household includes everyone living together who shares meals. A grandparent living with two grandchildren would typically be a household of 3. However, for child-only TANF, only the children are counted as the assistance unit.
How Do Grandparents Apply for TANF Child-Only Benefits?
Follow these steps to apply for child-only TANF:
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Gather documentation. You will need proof of income (for the child, such as child support or Social Security payments), proof of identity for you and the grandchild, the child's birth certificate, proof of your relationship to the child, and proof of residence.
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Contact your state TANF office. You can find your state's TANF agency by visiting benefits.gov or calling 211 for local referrals.
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Submit an application. Most states allow you to apply online, by mail, or in person. Specify that you are applying for a child-only grant as a kinship caregiver.
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Complete an interview. A caseworker will review your application and may ask about the child's living situation, income sources, and the parents' whereabouts.
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Provide any additional verification. You may be asked for court documents showing custody or guardianship, though many states do not require formal legal custody for child-only TANF.
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Receive your determination. Most states process applications within 30 to 45 days. Benefits are typically loaded onto an EBT card.
Tip: When applying, clearly explain that you are a relative caregiver seeking child-only assistance. Some caseworkers may not be familiar with kinship-specific rules. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal.
Can Grandparents Get SNAP (Food Stamps) for Grandchildren?
Yes. Grandparents raising grandchildren can apply for SNAP benefits for the entire household. SNAP eligibility is based on household size and income.
SNAP income limits for FFY 2026 (October 2025 through September 2026):
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $2,346 | $1,803 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 |
| 5 | $4,189 | $3,223 |
Source: Based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Check with your state SNAP office for exact current thresholds, as some states use expanded categorical eligibility with higher limits.
Important notes for grandparent households:
- If you receive SSI, you may be categorically eligible for SNAP
- Children can receive SNAP benefits even if the grandparent is not eligible due to immigration status
- Many states have expanded categorical eligibility (sometimes called "broad-based categorical eligibility") that raises the gross income limit to 200% of FPL
- Elderly or disabled household members (age 60+) may qualify for higher deductions
Apply for SNAP through your state's human services agency or online portal. You can also start with our benefits screener to see if you qualify.
Are Grandchildren Eligible for Medicaid or CHIP?
Children living with grandparents are generally eligible for Medicaid or CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) based on the child's income, not the grandparent's income. A grandparent, guardian, or other authorized representative can apply on behalf of a child.
Medicaid and CHIP eligibility for children:
- Children in most states are covered up to at least 200% of FPL through Medicaid or CHIP
- Some states cover children in families with income up to 300% of FPL or higher
- Most state Medicaid and CHIP programs allow kinship caregivers to enroll children without requiring formal legal custody
- If a child loses Medicaid eligibility, they may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace
Apply through your state Medicaid agency, HealthCare.gov, or by calling 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).
Can Grandchildren Receive Social Security Benefits?
Grandchildren may qualify for Social Security dependent or survivor benefits in certain situations:
- If a parent is deceased: The child may receive survivor benefits on the deceased parent's Social Security record
- If a parent is disabled: The child may receive dependent benefits on the disabled parent's record
- If the grandparent has adopted the child: The child can receive dependent benefits on the grandparent's retirement or disability record, provided the grandparent was providing at least half of the child's support for a full year before becoming entitled to benefits
- If both parents are deceased or disabled: The child may receive benefits on the grandparent's record even without adoption, but the child must have been living with the grandparent before turning 18 and the grandparent must have been providing at least half of the child's financial support
Contact your local Social Security Administration office or call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your specific situation.
What Other Programs Help Grandparents Raising Grandchildren?
Beyond the major programs listed above, grandparent caregivers may also qualify for:
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Helps pay heating and cooling bills. Most states set eligibility at 150% of FPL. Apply through your state energy assistance office or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-674-6327.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). Provides nutrition assistance for children under age 5. If the grandchild is under 5 and your household income is below 185% of FPL, you may qualify. Children already receiving Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP are typically automatically eligible.
Lifeline Program. Offers discounted phone and internet service. You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of FPL or if you participate in TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying programs. Apply at LifelineSupport.org.
Free and Reduced School Meals. Children in households at or below 130% of FPL qualify for free meals; those between 130% and 185% FPL qualify for reduced-price meals. Contact your grandchild's school to apply.
Older Americans Act / National Family Caregiver Support Program. Area Agencies on Aging may offer grandparent-specific support including respite care, counseling, support groups, and emergency financial assistance. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to find your local agency.
Do Grandparents Need Legal Custody to Access Benefits?
The legal relationship between grandparent and grandchild affects which benefits are available and how easy they are to access.
| Legal Status | TANF Child-Only | SNAP | Medicaid/CHIP | Social Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Informal care (no court order) | Available in many states | Yes | Yes, in most states | Limited |
| Legal custody or guardianship | Available in all states | Yes | Yes | May qualify for dependent benefits |
| Formal adoption | Available | Yes | Yes | Eligible for dependent benefits on grandparent's record |
While many programs do not require formal legal custody, having legal guardianship or custody can simplify the application process and open up additional benefits. Consult with a legal aid organization in your state for free guidance on kinship custody options.
How Much Financial Help Can Grandparents Expect?
The total value of benefits varies significantly based on your state, household size, income, and which programs you qualify for. Here is an approximate range of combined monthly benefits a grandparent household of 3 (one grandparent plus two grandchildren) might receive:
| Benefit | Estimated Monthly Value |
|---|---|
| Child-Only TANF | $100 to $500+ (varies widely by state) |
| SNAP | Up to approximately $785 for a household of 3 (FY2026) |
| Medicaid/CHIP | Full health coverage for children (value varies) |
| LIHEAP | Varies; typically a seasonal grant of $200 to $1,000+ per year |
| WIC | Approximately $50 to $75 per child per month in food benefits |
| Free School Meals | Approximately $150+ per child per month in meal value |
Note: These are approximate ranges for illustration purposes. Actual amounts depend on your state, income, expenses, and household circumstances. Use our benefits screener to get a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get benefits for my grandchild without going to court?
Yes. Many federal programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and even child-only TANF in numerous states, do not require formal legal custody. You typically need to show that the child lives with you and that you are responsible for their care. However, having legal custody or guardianship makes the process smoother and opens access to additional benefits like Social Security dependent payments.
Will my Social Security income affect my grandchild's eligibility for benefits?
For child-only TANF, your Social Security income is generally not counted. For SNAP, your income is counted as part of the household, but elderly and disabled deductions may reduce the countable amount. For Medicaid and CHIP, only the child's income is typically considered when the grandparent is not a tax-filing parent.
What if the child's parents are still alive but not involved?
You can still apply for most benefits. For child-only TANF, the fact that the parents are absent from the home is usually sufficient. For Social Security dependent benefits, the parents generally need to be deceased, disabled, or you must have formally adopted the child.
Where can I find help applying for benefits?
Start with our free benefits screener to identify which programs you may qualify for. You can also contact 211 (call or text) for local referrals, visit benefits.gov for federal program information, or reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-800-677-1116.
Are there support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren?
Yes. Many Area Agencies on Aging and community organizations run support groups specifically for grandparent caregivers. The AARP GrandFamilies Guide and the Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network (gksnetwork.org) are excellent starting points for finding local support.
Next Steps
The fastest way to find out which benefits your household qualifies for is to use our free screener. It checks eligibility for 11 or more federal and state programs in just a few minutes, and it is completely free with no obligation. If you need help with enrollment, the screener can also connect you with local navigators and brokers who specialize in assisting kinship families.
