Christmas Comes Early for Some District Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-06-02 12:26:00-04:00
Some grandparents, great-grandparents, and great aunts and uncles raising children in the District feel like Christmas has come early this year, having received the first payments from the groundbreaking Grandparent Caregiver Pilot Program.
So far, more than 50 grandparents and other caregivers have been cleared to receive subsidies. The subsidies, equal to those received by foster parents, are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible caregivers while funding lasts. The new program has $2 million in start-up funds for FY2006 and is administered by the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA).
"This program means a world of difference to us," said Shirley Bird, 60, who is raising four grandchildren, ages four to 16. "I've been raising my grandkids by myself for 16 years, just trying to make it from one day to the next. With this subsidy, we'll be able to breathe a little easier."
District grandparents, great grandparents and great aunts and uncles qualify if they are:
- caring for the child/ren in their home
- have a household income that does not exceed:$32,180 for a household of 3; $38,700 for a household of 4; $45,220 for a household of 5; $51,740 for a household of 6; or $58,260 for a household of 7; and $64,780 for a household of 8
- the child/ren ' s parents are not living in their home (or have given the caregiver " standby guardianship " of the child
- All adults in the home submit the results for national and local background checks
In order to apply for the subsidy, they need to:
- apply for or receive a TANF Child-Only Grant or a TANF household grant
- have formal custody of the child
"The Grandparent Caregiver Pilot Program provides vital financial assistance to District grandparents who are struggling to make ends meet while raising their grandchildren. We are thrilled that the subsidies are now reaching grandparent-headed households and hope that all eligible grandparents take advantage of this opportunity to receive some support while funding is still available," said Robert Guttman, a member of the Executive Council of AARP District of Columbia, which championed the legislation.
More than 8,100 grandparents are caring for grandchildren in the District of Columbia. 14.5% of District children—more than 16,700 children—are being reared by grandparents.
For an application form or for more information, grandparents and other eligible caregivers should call CFSA at (202)442-6100.
- Grandparent Information Center
- State/District Fact Sheets for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
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