·Federal program
Title IV-E Kinship Navigator Program
Federal program that assists kinship caregivers (grandparents, relatives) in finding and accessing services such as health care, legal assistance, financial aid, and family support. As of FY2026, P.L. 118-258 (enacted January 2025) restructured navigator-specific PSSF funding: HHS must reserve $10M of PSSF Title IV-B subpart 2 discretionary funds per year (FY2026–FY2029) for competitive kinship navigator grants (maximum 30 grants/year, 1–3 year terms, 25% match required), replacing the prior formula-based route for navigator-specific PSSF funds. Title IV-E funding (50% FFP) remains available for evidence-based models. As of January 2026, 11 states and 1 territory (Puerto Rico) have ACF-approved evidence-based kinship navigator programs.
What it offers
Navigation and referral services to help kinship caregivers locate and access: financial assistance, legal services, health care, mental health services, housing, child care, education, respite, and other family supports. Services vary by state and local implementation. No direct cash payments; program connects caregivers to existing resources.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
- 01
Does your relationship to the person — grandparent, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?
- 02
Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
- 03
Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
- 04
Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- 05
What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- 06
Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?