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Life change guide

I'm raising my grandchildren

Free benefits for food, health coverage, cash and taxes when you're raising your grandchildren. Apply anytime.

Where to start

Raising grandchildren is rewarding but comes with real costs. The good news is you may qualify for help with food, health coverage, cash assistance, and tax credits. Applying is free, and you can apply any time of year.

When you raise your grandchildren, the government counts them as part of your household. This means you may be eligible for benefits you wouldn't qualify for otherwise. Some programs have income limits, but they look at your whole family's needs, not just yours.

Start by checking what you might qualify for, then apply to the programs that fit your situation. Each program has its own rules, but most will ask about your income, housing costs, and the children's needs. Taking these steps now can free up money for other things your grandchildren need.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Check if you qualify for SNAP (food stamps)

    SNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy food. With grandchildren in your household, you may qualify even if you wouldn't on your own. Your gross income limit depends on your state and household size. Applying is free, and benefits can start quickly. You can apply online through your state or at HealthCare.gov.

    About SNAP
  2. 2

    Apply for Medicaid or CHIP for the children

    Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program) covers uninsured children in families earning too much for Medicaid. Children often qualify even when adults don't. You can apply through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov at any time.

    About Medicaid
  3. 3

    Look into TANF cash assistance

    TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) gives cash and support services to low-income families with children. Each state runs its own program with different income limits and benefit amounts. Some states offer job training or childcare help too. Contact your state to learn what's available.

    About TANF
  4. 4

    Claim the Child Tax Credit when you file taxes

    The Child Tax Credit reduces what you owe in taxes or gives you money back if you qualify. You claim it on your tax return for each child you support. You don't need to apply ahead of time. If you can't file taxes yourself, free help is available.

    About Child Tax Credit
  5. 5

    Ask about other local support

    Your county or city may offer programs for kinship caregivers. These could include help with school costs, daycare, counseling, or respite care. Call your local social services department or search online for "kinship caregiver support" plus your area to learn what's available.

Programs that can help

SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.MedicaidCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.Child Tax CreditInternal Revenue ServiceThe Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that may lower the tax you owe if you are raising qualifying children.CHIPCenters for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

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