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·Federal program

TANF Child-Only Grants for Kinship Caregivers

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) child-only grants pay monthly cash assistance based on the child's need, regardless of the kinship caregiver's own income or immigration status. Approximately 50% of child-only TANF grants go to kinship/grandfamily caregivers (grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings). Often the only ongoing monthly cash benefit for unlicensed kinship caregivers not in the formal foster care system. Amount and eligibility rules vary significantly by state.

What it offers

Monthly cash payment for the child's needs — amount varies widely by state. Examples: a single child-only grant is typically $200-$350/month in most states (compare: licensed foster care maintenance is often $500-$1,000+/month). Key features: (1) Child-only: the benefit is for the child's needs — the caregiver's income is not a barrier; (2) Caregiver does not need to be a US citizen; (3) No work requirement at federal level for child-only cases; (4) Available to unlicensed relative caregivers who do not have foster care licensure; (5) States may also layer TANF-funded services (job training, transportation, counseling) on top of the cash grant. For comparison: licensed kinship foster parents with ACF-approved kin-specific standards can receive the same maintenance payment as non-relative foster parents — typically 2-4x higher than child-only TANF. Apply at your state's TANF or social services office; find application at benefits.gov.

Cash Stipend
GC4 · Financial Resources

Questions that decide eligibility

GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:

  1. 01

    Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?

  2. 02

    Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    What documents do you need from us to start an application?

  5. 05

    Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

This page is for discovery and preparation, not an eligibility determination. Program rules change — confirm every detail on the official source. Browse all programs →