Help available for grandparents raising grandchildren

Traditional TANF grants offer financial assistance to families with a low income. While the states run this program, all must follow some basic guidelines. Adults cannot receive TANF benefits for more than five years (this is a lifetime limit) and adults who receive TANF benefits must get a job when the state determines you are ready.

The grandparent or grandchild could be eligible for financial assistance through TANF but rules and guidelines vary from state to state. States may also have other programs other than TANF in place to help these families.

If you believe you qualify for TANF benefits you can receive help from a variety of sources. First, your caseworker can provide information and in some states is the agency in which you apply for this help. Most grandparents raising their grandchildren are likely to have a caseworker already involved in your family but if not, call the local human services office for information. Local legal service organizations may also have information about TANF as well as local/state child and family advocacy programs, local or state social service offices, and local or state elected officials.

Because TANF guidelines vary in each state, when requesting information, the AARP recommends that you ask the following. • Is my family eligible? • Am I, or should I be, "on this grant?" Is a child-only grant better for my family? How do I apply? • Do the time limits and work requirements apply to my family? Can I get a waiver? • Is there a separate state program for grandparent-headed families that does not have time limits and work requirements? How does it work?

The AARP Grandparent Information Center has a variety of other information about grandparents raising grandchildren, including information about support groups.

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